This is a topic many writers don't understand. In an ideal world, the cover you see on any book is the result of a collaboration between the author and the publisher. Most contracts have language suggesting that the author has input into the final design but that language is generally vague. As with every contract, good will and a spirit of cooperation are what drive the discussions over color and design and typeface, recognizing that the jacket artist is skilled and his/her/their vision for the book may differ dramatically from the author's or the editor's vision.

The cover is so very important, as well as the title, and most people at this stage of a book's publication want a say in it. I'm looking very much forward to seeing what the final cover will look like for Augusta Hawke. Again, it will be revealed in my Winter Solstice newsletter so please sign up for it today using the form at the bottom of each page of this website.

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I've just seen the mockup and while it captures Augusta's internal landscape it needs color for her external landscape. Lots of color because the world outside is what she misses. The action, the danger, the kidnapping, the murder.

The final cover won't be available for awhile and I will reveal it in my newsletter which goes out December 21. So, please sign up for it in the meanwhile using the form at the bottom of each page of this website.

Don't see the form? You can also sign up here.

Not quite. I received comments and suggestions back from my editor, and when I've gone through every page (taken me 8 days so far) I'll send it back to him. From there, it goes to the copy editor for a week? Two weeks? This is the stage where I'm never sure.

But after having seen her comments I'll get to read the whole thing again, which at this point already is not a thrilling prospect. I want to be on to the next book in the series, anxious to get to it. I never reread my books, ever, and this is why. At some point, they have been so thoroughly read by me, I want something new.

But wait, there's more! Once the copyeditor and I are through it goes to be typeset and I will be sent the proof pages. This takes not long, maybe a week. I don't know why I can't remember the process better after all these years, but it's always slightly different. And with each book publisher (I've had three, like Goldilocks) it's been a slightly different process.

Still, I'm seeing the end in sight, which is wonderful, and today I think I'll treat myself to a pastry and coffee while my husband is out at a meeting. It's too soon for a full celebration but an apple fritter will do nicely. ;-)

This story is in the running for the EQMM Readers Award - along with every other story published by EQMM in 2021, of course. But, for your consideration, I draw it to your attention. Deadline for voting is December 31. All ballots must be original from the latest (Nov/Dec) issue.

The White Star is a famous diamond that goes missing - almost. Magdalene Duchateau saves the day.

Did I say already? Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine wants to buy two more of my short stories. Publication dates TBD. Thrilled.