Cover design by Angela Schiavone
I started my first novel, Metanoia, at the age of 17. I published it in college and designed my own book cover. Today, I use it in my speeches as an example of what NOT to do. On its own, the cover is fine. It has a good image and the title and author name are clearly visible (though they could be more-so). Where the cover is found lacking is the promise it gives readers. Metanoia is about adventure and has lots of sword-fighting and battle scenes. So, as I’ve been promising, I’m doing a re-design. This time around, I have a model ready to go as well as a pro photographer (James). Originally, I was just going to do an up-close shot of her face. However, James pointed out to me that it’s best to have options – and options in this case mean costuming her to allow for wider shots. At first, I was going to find something at Goodwill. Then I started thinking. If I went the cheap route, the result would be cheap looking. I am a costume designer and seamstress. I knew I could make the costume entirely, so I decided to just go for it. I went to the store, got some fabric, and 2 and a half hours later had this.
Design and construction by Angela Schiavone
The sleeves are part of something I previously made (as is the quiver). I still have some work to do (getting appropriate arrows, finding good gloves, etc), but what do you think?
By Angela 