Friday, April 26, 2013
Gladiators with Kittens...Oh, and a New Cover.
Okay, I just threw this in because I loved it. Apparently, in Europe they do these re-enactments of Gladiator Games. And someone had kittens. Or maybe they all had kittens. Or maybe, instead of fighting lions, they fought kittens. Anyway - I liked the photo.
So, I finally made a new cover for Hitman. For those of you old enough to remember, back in 2008, the print version of the cover looked like this:
I know, that was a long time ago. But I hated this cover. First of all, the book takes place in the jungle. So why is she wearing high heels and a dress and he's barefoot and in jeans? Secondly - SHE'S the hitman - not him, so why is he holding the gun. Thirdly - it's just a very ugly cover.
So when I got the rights back and self-pubbed the book, I quickly made up this cover:
Which was OKAY... except that they are in the jungle (see previous arguement) so why is she wearing pants and a turtleneck, and it had an icky, white background.
I'd always planned on a re-vamp of the cover. It took me 2 years before I found a stock photo I liked. So the new cover features her in a bra - which is like Survivor (or Survival - the cheap Canadian knock-off in the book) and there are bruises and stains, which are consistent with the book. The only problem is her hair. The model's hair is long and dark. Missi's hair is short and blonde.
But in the end, the cover looks better and fits the story better - so I 'm hoping no one reads the book and says, "HEY! They LIED on the cover!" I think my chances are pretty good. Right?
The Assassin
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20 comments:
I can't tell if the model has hair, so you're golden! Love the new cover, I think the top and bottom band if color really works and I love her gun.
It is really fun doing covers. I'm thrilled with the woman I work with and love my covers.
Kittens!!!
The Gladiator pic is just....weird. In an awesome way, of course. I had to look 3 times before I found the kitten on the dude's helmet. LOL!
LOVE the cover. I always wondered about that original. You've done a great job designing your own and I'm glad you finally found the perfect pic for this one. I wouldn't worry about the hair, it doesn't really show.
Also, fake boobs look weird.
I think this cover is awesome. It does fit the book. (But seriously, you couldn't find a blonde?! WTF, Les. LOL!)
I don't think I could design a cover myself. I have less than zero visual artistry. I probably have negative visual artistry. I decorate monochromatic because I can't figure out how to put colors together. And that's after living in the house for almost 8 years.
:)
So, well done. I'm quite impressed.
And awesome pics. I lurves some kittehs.
You guys are awesome! Thank you! Actually, It's pretty easy - I just buy stock photos and use Microsoft Publisher. I attempted Photoshop once and wanted to kill someone. My Photoshop friends act like I'm cutting and pasting with an exacto knife, but it works for me.
The kittens really make the picture sing, do they not?
I have Publisher at work and love playing on it, but I wasn't willing to pay to have it at home.
You don't need it Terri - your publisher does GORGEOUS work on your covers!
The did get it right! Bless their hearts. LOL!
This reminded me to update our little side bar there. Look at all the pretty new covers to the right!
LOL! I love your book cover - you really were blessed by the cover goddess.
Thank you! I can take no credit. LOL! Well, there were 3 images for the top half and I picked this one, so I get a little credit.
I'm hoping the cover for UP TO THE CHALLENGE (book 2) will be the same but with blue. I've already sent them a pic to use at the top, but we'll see.
Let us know!
Awww, look at the kitties!! I love the one perched on the hat...hilarious!
Yes, this cover fits the characters a whole hellava lot better. The white one wasn't my favorite cover of the series, but hey, I was reading it because it was awesome, not because of the cover. :)
Love it, Leslie. It's perfect! And those gladiators with kittens? Me-ow! You've got great taste, kiddo!
Thanks Hellion! I'm so glad you guys agree!
And Janene - I think we need to go find those gladiators with kittens...for research...of course.
I think we need a story for the gladiators with kittens...
Surely there's room for them in the Bombays Through History stories!
Hmmm...I didn't have a gladiator story in there, but I could add one. I could have a gladiator/assassin who loves kittens, right?
He could kill WITH the kitten? (No kittens would be harmed, of course.)
Sure, or who accidentally kills Momma cat and now has to raise the litter...and teaches them to help me in his job as assassin.
I know! He isn't really a gladiator, he just dressed like one for a job...while living with the gladiators he realizes they are keeping a secret... They're all secretly raising kittens who were orphaned...
No! I know....
I could do this all day. I don't want to write the synopsis I've had a request for...
That's great! I think it would have to be more than a short story though. Maybe a novella?
It's Friday, Maureen - take the day off!
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