A professional book cover.

I am jumping with excitement!
I've seen a rough copy of my book cover. The illustrator is doing a wonderful job. I wanted to share it, but was advised to wait until the colour version is ready... and guess what, I actually listened to the advice!

Would you like to know a little more about the illustrator?
Her name is Teresa and she lives in Spain.
Not only does she illustrate, but she produces the most divine watercolours.
She has a website HERE and a blog HERE

I'm the proud owner of this painting of hers, which I absolutely adore.

Of course, that's nothing like my book cover, but you'll love it when you see it.

You might ask why aren't I doing the cover myself, given that I paint?
When I was writing the book, I became very engrossed in it. So much so that it was difficult for me to see it objectively. When I ran the different colour teacups past you all, it was the only image I could conceive of, but yet, there was a nagging doubt that it didn't do my book justice.

So I spoke to Teresa and asked for her help. She took a sample of the book, looked at the genre I was writing in and went away to think.
Then she came up with seventeen options, all drawn out. Seventeen! These we whittled down to three. The more we looked and discussed, the more one stood out from the others. From that line drawing, she developed the idea until it became a cover image to be proud of.

Yet, she doesn't want it shared, because the work is not yet complete. Colour has to be added and type too. Teresa knows, as I do really, that the choice of colours and typeface can make or break an excellent drawing.
The amount of work she's put in to this cover is nothing short of phenomenal, so in respect to her professionality, I'll hold off until you get to see the finished article.

Every blog I follow on writing says  "good book covers sell books."
That was another reason for going with a professional. The people who know me would buy my book whatever it was covered with. The people who don't know me will be entranced by this beautiful cover, I hope!
Not long now..  All in the Leaves will be out, definitely before Christmas, this year. Thanks to you all, for cheering me on.