Serena Clarke
is a graphic designer and author. She is also a member of the Red Mountain
Shadows Publishing Team. She edits books, formats them, and creates covers for
authors. Many authors want to publish their books through Amazon’s Create Space
and other self-publishing companies. Serena helps authors get their books into
shape.
Welcome back to my blog, Serena. You create book covers
for authors. As everyone knows, the cover is what sells the book. You have to
create just the right mood of the story. What is the procedure in creating a
successful book cover and give us an example?
First, it is best to start by figuring out who your
demographic is. What age group and
gender is going to be your main audience?
And then you want a cover that appeals mainly to that demographic.
Next, make a list of keywords that describe the feel of
your book. Do you want your cover
to be inspiring, gloomy, energetic, adventurous, romantic? It is fantasy, romance, historical
fiction, or a biography? And do
you want the cover to have a realistic look or an illustrated look?
Then, make a list of things that you would like to see on
the cover. It could be a scene or
an object or a symbol. Do you want
a person? If so, what should they
look like? Do you want a picture
of a landscape? An ocean or a
forest? Do you want an object to
be emphasized? A coin or a flower
or a shoe?
Last year you published a new fantasy romance, and a
couple reviewers have compared it to a fairytale. I noticed you changed your
book cover for The Treasure of Isian.
Why did you create a new one?
When I realized I was going to turn this book into a
series, I knew I wanted my covers to have a similar feel. So I decided to make some changes to
the first book cover so that it would better match the rest of the books in the
series.
I read the reviews for The Treasure of Isian and they are wonderful. Here is a review for my
readers to read: The Treasure of Isian was a stirring tale of an
enchanted servant and a handsome prince and the adventures they face together
as they search for the fabled treasure of Isian that will grant the bearer any
wish they desire. This story had everything–dragons, witches, giants, elves,
kings, princesses, terrifying forests and true love. Once I picked it up, I
couldn’t put it down. Elani’s story was touching and heartbreaking as she goes
on a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment. The author did a wonderful
job pacing the story and connecting me to the characters. I loved them all.
Superb story that brought a smile to my face and helped me remember that
sometimes, we can overlook the most valuable treasures in life if we’re not
careful. –Charissa Stastny, Author of Eyes of Light
Here is the cover for book 2. You mentioned that you
are having a tough time coming up with a title for this book. It is temporarily
called Isian’s Arrangment. I have
an assignment for all my readers. Anyone who can come up with a good title that
Serena absolutely loves, she will give you a free copy of the first book in
this series, The Treasure of Isian. Then we’ll have a second drawing for everyone
else who makes a comment. Serena, will you
please tell my readers what book 2 is about so they can have fun coming up with
a title?
Sure. The
title should preferably have the name Isian in it, but not necessary. War is
coming and all the kingdoms must choose a side. Isian decides to make an alliance with their long time
enemies in order to defeat a common enemy. So Isian sends a proposal, offering their daughter in
marriage to the prince, in order to ensure an alliance.
Princess Gabrielle and her new husband, Prince Alec must
learn to work together and trust each other even though they have vast cultural
differences, in order to triumph in the approaching war. At times there is
tension between the couple, but as they get to know one another, their love for
one another starts to grow.
There is fantasy, danger, a bit of mystery, and of course
romance!
Would I recommend The Treasure of Isian to my readers? You bet! Here is my review: This
story is captivating and has many twists and turns. It gives a new dimension to
fantasy characters. It was difficult to put down. Not only is it a fantasy, but
a sweet love story that can be enjoyed by young adult and adult alike. The
devotion of Elani to her Prince was enjoyable, making the reader wonder when
the Prince will see her as something more than a servant.
Thank you for this interview, Serena. It was fun
interviewing you. You’re such a sweetheart. Good luck to my readers in
this drawing! Stop by often because I have a new book giveaway every week.
29 comments:
This sounds like a great book and I would love to read it. And what a great talent, to be able to make book covers. Love the covers on these two books. Congrats!
grandmabkr at yahoo dot com
Thanks for the giveaway! I would prefer a print book and I live in the US.
These book covers look awesome.
mestith@gmail.com
Great interview! I would love a print book, I live un the US.
Bookwormgal2011(at)yahoo(dot)com
Isian's Compact?
I would love a print copy. This sounds like a great read.
Thanks so much for the chance to win.
shan4178 at comcast.net
Isians Proposal?
I would love an opportunity to read this book. Thanks for the chance at your give away.
Shauna
Ridenthewave@Gmail.com
would love to get a chance to read this-fastone3104@yahoo.com
Beautiful covers! wow! Print (US). writingwithsuccess@gmail.com
These look really cool
I'd prefer a print copy (I live in Canada)
xo_veronica16[at]hotmail[dot]com
I would love a print copy. This sounds like a great read.
Thanks so much for the chance to win.
These books look wonderful.
INT
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
I would love to win a hard copy... thanks so much for the chance to win!!!
I would love to win a print version of the book.
Thanks for entering me in the giveaway.
Janet E.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
i would love to win this book thanks for a chance. Shirley B.
jcisforme@aol.com
These giveaway's are super. Thank you. I hope to win. I would like a hard copy so I can add it to my library.
worleybird10@live.com
Its so hard to choose a name...Both stories sound fantastic, and if I were to be so lucky as to win I would prefer a hard copy please. If I were to try and come up with a title on the spot for your second book it would be something along the lines of Isian's Evolution, since it kind of sounds like an evolution of their love and relationship. Thanks!
oddball2003 at hotmail dot com
Great interview! May I suggest the title "The Alliance of Isian"? It kind of goes with the first book's title.
reviewkidsbooks(at)gmail(dot)com
I love fantasy, and these sound just great! And they have beautiful covers, as well. :)
ashley.vanburen[at]gmail[dot]com
I would love to have this in hardback :)
GFC: Cassandra Hicks
Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
cassandrahicks1989@yahoo.com
This book sounds amazing. The covers are spectacular! I would prefer a print copy and I live in the US
Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
star_chaser76(AT)yahoo(DOT)com
IF NOT TOO LATE, I'D LOVE A COPY
The series sounds intriguing.
hardcopy
bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com
These stories sound fasinating!
For the title, I would go with Isian's Triumph since she makes an arrangement for her daughter hoping for peace between the two kingdoms against a common enemy.
Congrats on the books and thanks for the giveaway!
vickykerr(at)sbcglobal(dot)net
How about Isian's Proposal or Isian's Alliance?
I'm in Canada and would prefer a printed copy, but I'd also be happy with a digital version, thanks!
darlenesbooknook at gmail dot com
These both sound great and they have beautiful covers! Thanks for sharing!
-Amber
goodblinknpark(AT)yahoo(DOT)com
abrennan09@hotmail.com
I prefer hard copies. Nothing to view the ebooks with, yet.
This sounds really good! I prefer a printed book.
volta2173 at sbcglobal dot net
Oooohhh This series sounds really good! Dragons, witches, giants, elves, kings and princesses?? I LOVE all these Supernaturals!! I would LOVE to win a print copy of these books!! Thanks for a chance to win the giveaway!!
livvie_v@yahoo.com
I love fantasy and I love your books. I do not think I have read any of Serena's.I would love to read and review these. I very much prefer a printed copy to add to my library.
Thank you again for these wonderful giveaways.
I hope to win.
worley.la@gmail.com
Congratulations to Darlene, Dena, and Lu Ann Worley! I know you'll enjoy this book. I know I did.
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