Finding the perfect cover

Finding the perfect cover is often quite difficult. While writing the book, I usually already have something in mind that – in my opinion – fits the story perfectly. Unfortunately, what writers have in mind and what actually makes sense as a cover are two very different things indeed. The best example are the covers for the Club Whisper series. When I started writing the series, I decided I wanted teddy bears for the cover, each wearing or holding something that would fit the main character of the book.

For A Dom and His Writer, I wanted a bear with a leather cap sitting in front of an old typewriter, for A Dom and His Artist (which was already planned at that time) I wanted a bear holding a brush in front of an aisle. To me, those covers represented the more playful side of my books. A Dom and His Writer then turned out a little darker than I intended and the media pros from Dreamspinner told me that playful covers don’t work with BDSM books.

I was sad to let my teddy bears go, but there is a time when an author has to listen to the voice of reason and experience (even when it sucks big time).

With my bears gone, I suddenly had to find a new cover. Since I firmly believe in having a red thread for covers when doing a series, I needed a design that could be easily modified while at the same time staying recognizable for readers. Luckily for me, Aaron Anderson, the cover artist who so far has done all my covers, is by now well acquainted with my taste and we managed to come up with a cover that was suitably erotic for a BDSM book while at the same time retained some of the lighter tone I was originally aiming for.

Which brings me to the best part of choosing a cover: men shopping! And A Dom and His Gentleman was no exception. I usually tell Aaron what kind of male specimen I want on the cover (a gorgeous black man for Richard, a lither man for Collin, an Asian fighter for Leeland, a silver fox for Curtis) and he then sends me pictures from which I can choose. (I always feel a tiny bit guilty for objectifying those poor men, until I remember they get paid for being attractive 😊).

Choosing the right man for your cover is also harder than you think!! Sitting in front of the laptop, comparing images, and trying to decide which of them fits my description of the character best then arguing with my husband and sister about the decision. I had a hard time with the men for A Dom and His Writer and A Dom and His Artist. They were all equally gorgeous and breathtaking. With A Dom and His Warrior, it was pretty clear from the beginning, although my sister favored a different model. But with me being the writer and all – sometimes it’s nice to have the final say.

For A Dom and His Gentleman, the decision was made the moment I clicked on the picture you can now admire as my cover. I’ve always liked distinguished, older men with a little silver in their hair and have been nursing a little crush on Anderson Cooper ever since I first saw him on CNN. I mean, brains and looks – what more can a girl ask for? I know he’s gay, but, as my dear husband likes to say, ‘He’s in there, and you’re here with me. Dream on.’

As you can see, choosing the right cover can be a sometimes painful, sometimes joyous process and I hope you all like my decision for A Dom and His Gentleman.