The final installment in the Hanger’s Horsemen trilogy is coming June 7. Just around the corner! Last month I shared a glimpse into how the title came to be (here), so I thought this month, I would give you some insight about how the cover evolved. Authors working with a traditional publisher have much less say in the cover design process than authors who indie publish. The publisher’s marketing, sales, and editorial teams work together with the design team to craft a cover that will entice readers, convey the novel’s mood, and highlight details of the story itself. No easy task. I’m more than grateful to have the help. At the beginning of the process, my project manager asks me for story details, physical descriptions of the characters and setting, and any ideas I have for cover design. Yet that is where my input ends until the very last stages of the design process. Here is the final product we arrived at for Luke Davenport’s story.
I love the end result. However, this cover (like the title) went through several revisions during its journey to perfection. Below on the left is the original cover my publisher sent me. I liked the model and the background was gorgeous, but it didn’t really tell a story. It was a little too static. And having the hero’s back turned didn’t feel terribly inviting. So I asked if there was a way to create more of a sense of movement and story. They came back with Version 2. Seeing more of the hunky model was a plus, but what really got my attention was the addition of the three cowboys in the distance. Such a small thing, but it was genius. Exactly what this cover needed. Are they the other three Horsemen racing to join Preach in his fight for justice? Or are they the gang of rustlers causing havoc in Madisonville, TX? Could be either one. You decide!
The last change I asked for was in the color of his vest and hat. In the current version, the brown vest and light tan hat are nearly identical to the ones worn by the model for the first book in the series. I wanted the men to feel distinct and carry their own personalities. So in the final version, you will see that the vest is blue and the hat is a darker shade of brown. Just the type of change I was looking for! They also added a bit more vegetation in the foreground for an extra pop of color. I’m so pleased with the final product!
My inspiration for Preach’s physical appearance was a cross between two football players—one from my generation and one who is actively playing. Howie Long and JJ Watt. I think the model they found pairs well with the image I was envisioning.
Pre-orders are available now!
If you prefer print books, check out the pre-order deal from Baker Book House. Forty percent off with free shipping is hard to beat!
Pre-Order Here:
- Baker Book House (Print)
- Amazon (Print or e-book)
- Barnes & Noble (Print or e-book)
- Christianbook.com (Print or e-book)
Now that the series is complete, I thought you would enjoy seeing all the covers side-by-side.
They look good together, don’t you think? Which cover is your favorite of the series?