by Catherine Bailey & Meg Walters
Thank you, Tara, for allowing Meg and I to reveal the super duper, mega official, cover of our book, LUCY LOVES SHERMAN (Sky Pony Press, 2017)! It’s very kind of you to host us, (and we didn’t even have to hypnotize you!). We’d like to share a behind the scenes sneak-peak of how our cover came to life. Meg will kick it off with her amazing illustrator insights,
An Illustrator’s Eye…
In March of 2015 I was contacted by Julie Matysik, then a senior editor at Sky Pony Press (SSP), the children’s imprint of Skyhorse Publishing. Julie and SSP editor Nicole Frail, had acquired a wonderful picture book text written by Catherine Bailey, called LUCY LOVES SHERMAN. Julie had kept a promotional postcard of mine that she had picked up from a NJ-SCBWI Fall Workshop and thought, based on the postcard artwork, my illustrative style might be a good fit for this new project. Although I have been an illustrator and designer for a long time, and attended SCBWI events for years, this was the first picture book I have illustrated. I was beyond thrilled, and couldn’t wait to illustrate Catherine Bailey’s fun characters and bring her wacky story to life.
Julie sent me the LLS manuscript and I began creating sketches of Lucy and Sherman and thumbnails of the story. Lucy loves polka dots, and loves that Sherman also “wears” polka dots. So I wanted to incorporate dot graphics on the cover, as well as Lucy’s clothes. I also liked that the polka dots resembled water/bubbles. Blub, blub!
The final cover artwork was due to SPP January 2016.
But—as so often happens in publishing—there was a change after the deadline.
In March of 2016 the SPP Marketing Department wanted to move the book release date to coincide with Valentine’s Day to play up the LOVE in LUCY LOVES SHERMAN. They asked me to recreate the cover with more red and add hearts. Marketing also asked that I move an illustration that was on the title page onto the cover. The illustration showed Lucy and Sherman hugging. Here is previous title page art:
I created several new looks for the cover and after a few rounds of edits, here is new Valentines-ish cover March 2016.
Then the publication date was switched to March of 2017. Since the focus was no longer a Valentine’s day release, we were able to go back to the original blue/turquoise background. SPP only asked that I still keep the characters hugging on the cover. And so, here she is – the final, final cover:
Sky Pony Press’s Nicole Frail and Julie Matysik, and Catherine, have been fantastic to work with throughout this whole process. I am thrilled for the March 2017 launch of LUCY LOVES SHERMAN!
The Author’s Note…
I am so glad to talk about the cover design of this book, largely because people always ask me if I draw my own pictures. After a resounding “Nope,” I get the follow-up question about how much input that I—as the author—have in the book’s artwork. That answer is usually “Not a whole heck of a lot.” And that’s fine with me! I love that talented artists like Meg add new layers and depth my stories.
However, the wonderful Sky Pony folks invited my feedback on early drafts of LUCY LOVES SHERMAN. I was super flattered and excited. I poured over the images for days. Seriously. At one point my husband threatened to lock my laptop in the trunk of his car. But I couldn’t help myself. Meg did such a great job!
Then, as Meg mentioned, there was a big shift towards a more “Valentine’s” feel during the cover design process. My editor, Nicole, emailed me the revamped design. It was very red, very adorable, and very perfect for the holiday. But. (Oh yes, there’s a but!) I worried that Sherman’s red shell would get lost against the scarlet background. So I very carefully and very politely voiced my concerns. Nicole really took them to heart, but her hands were tied. The red had to stay but there was talk about adjusting the shade, which I thought was a great compromise. And then—lo and behold—the publication date was pushed back and the problem solved itself. The cover went back to primarily turquoise.
So there you have it. A blow-by-blow of our mini-rollercoaster ride towards the final cover for LUCY LOVES SHERMAN, which splashes out from Sky Pony Press this March. I think Meg and Nicole and Julie totally nailed it. And I hope you to do too!
Pssst! It wouldn’t be a cover reveal without a free giveaway (Free! Everybody loves free!).
Just leave one message in the comments below and you will be entered to win a 20-minute Skype visit with author Catherine Bailey. The visit can be used either by a teacher/media specialist as a school visit, or by aspiring authors who’d like to chat about writing and publishing.
132 comments
Comments feed for this article
February 6, 2017 at 10:23 am
kiwijenny
Thank you for sharing your journey. Every part of this process is so intense. Congratulations.
February 6, 2017 at 10:25 am
Polly Renner
So cute! Cannot wait to read! PS. Love both the covers!
February 6, 2017 at 10:28 am
Emmie R Werner
LOVE THE COVER……….AND HOW IT CAME TO BE!
February 6, 2017 at 10:28 am
Marie Manley Tucker
I love this! Thanks for the input. So many artists just know what the cover of their book will be. I feel like it is great to have an idea, but be flexible when marketing asks for something different. -Marie Manley Tucker
February 6, 2017 at 10:29 am
Sylvia Mary Grech
Congrats on the book! Love the cover.
February 6, 2017 at 10:29 am
Meli Glickman
While it may have been a mini-rollercoaster ride, you got there in the end… just in time for the beginning of your fabulous picture book rollout! Hooray!
February 6, 2017 at 10:31 am
Jane Heitman Healy
It’s so interesting to hear the behind-the-scenes stuff that goes into creating a book. Thanks for sharing, and much continued success to you both!
February 6, 2017 at 10:32 am
carol calladine
Very friendly cover. Can’t wait to read the story! Carole
February 6, 2017 at 10:39 am
Danielle Dufayet
Love hearing about your process and how it all worked out in the end! Congrats!
February 6, 2017 at 10:41 am
Sharon Langley
That’s amazing…so many choices.
February 6, 2017 at 10:41 am
Sheri Radovich
Love hearing your story. I am daunted by all the back and forth and changes in the release date. Must have taken a lot of patience and suspended excitement.
February 6, 2017 at 10:47 am
ptnozell
What an interesting story – I love to hear how the cover has evolved, with input from illustrator, author & editors. Thank you for sharing!
February 6, 2017 at 10:49 am
Nina Haines
Thanks for sharing about the cover.
February 6, 2017 at 10:51 am
Traci Bold
Catherine and Meg, both covers are fantastic! Maybe there will be need to use the Heart cover at later date such as a re-release for the book which would then make it a collector book. I am intrigued with the story and am excited to read it when it comes out. Congratulations!
February 6, 2017 at 10:51 am
Pat Miller
Glad Valentine’s Day meant a new cover… Love the hugging cover!
February 6, 2017 at 10:52 am
Sherri Jones Rivers
So precious. Another great book to add to my collection. Things have a way of working out for the best, it seems.
February 6, 2017 at 10:54 am
Robyn McGrath
Thank you for sharing the process. I can’t wait to meet Lucy and Sherman.
February 6, 2017 at 10:55 am
Shirin
Thank you for giving us the inside scoop- it’s amazing to hear the story of your ‘”cover” story. I love the art work. Can’t wait to see your book in stores and libraries….and on my shelf 😉
February 6, 2017 at 10:58 am
Lisa Katzenberger
So great to see the process behind the scenes!
February 6, 2017 at 10:58 am
Lori Alexander
Yay, Catherine! I remember reading this one when it was just a draft. Can’t wait to get my hands on the finished product! Thanks for sharing the ups and downs of the cover design. Glad it worked out in your favor 🙂
February 6, 2017 at 11:01 am
Anna Gateley-Stanton
Thanks for sharing your cover experience.
February 6, 2017 at 11:08 am
Candy
I think I love Sherman too 💓
February 6, 2017 at 11:08 am
Lynne Marie
Fellow authors of Florida unite — so happy to celebrate your reveal with you, Catherine Bailey! Enjoyed the story behind the story! XO
February 6, 2017 at 11:10 am
just 1 marion
The bright red Sherman is a fantastic eye-catcher.
February 6, 2017 at 11:13 am
Barbara Cairns
This was so interesting to read about the publisher’s shift in plans and how author and illustrator adapted this delightful, lovable Sherman. Love the final cover!
February 6, 2017 at 11:13 am
Joana Pastro
Thanks for sharing. I love the cover, and I can’t wait to read the book.
February 6, 2017 at 11:28 am
Prairie Garden Girl
Enjoyed reading about your process. I think I am in love with LUCY LOVES SHERMAN and I must read.
~Suzy Leopold
February 6, 2017 at 11:29 am
authordebradaugherty
I love the illustrations, especially bright red Sherman. Thanks for sharing.
February 6, 2017 at 11:31 am
cantsing1
What a wonderful glimpse into the process for all of you! Many thanks!
February 6, 2017 at 11:41 am
Rachel Critchley
This is fascinating! Thanks for sharing the details.
February 6, 2017 at 11:45 am
writersideup
Congrats to you both, Catherine and Meg! I just LOVE seeing process 😀
February 6, 2017 at 11:48 am
Jennifer Phillips
I really enjoy hearing the back stories of how books (and covers) come together. Thanks for sharing!
February 6, 2017 at 11:58 am
aliciaminor
Kudos to Meg, Nicole and Julie for a job well done! Three heads are better than two and I’m sure you’ll make Valentine’s day a wonderful day for lovers too. I wish you more book ideas to come.
February 6, 2017 at 12:01 pm
Marlene Rohr
Thanks for this informative post. I love the cover!
February 6, 2017 at 12:07 pm
Brenda Maier
It’s adorable! I can’t wait to read it!
February 6, 2017 at 12:09 pm
Deborah Allmand
Thanks so much for showing us the topsy turvy world of publishing. It almost never seems finalized. Thanks for the post!
February 6, 2017 at 12:11 pm
smnelson
Lovely work. I bet the story is great, too! Thanks for sharing!
February 6, 2017 at 12:11 pm
michelle gajda
I believe it is one of the utmost acts of trust in each others professionalism to hand over our stories and know that the illustrator will embrace it!!! This looks like a sweet book! Thanks for the chance to win!
February 6, 2017 at 12:14 pm
Kassy.Keppol
such a cute cover
February 6, 2017 at 12:15 pm
viviankirkfield
So excited for all of the wonderful 2017 picture books, Tara! And LUCY LOVES SHERMAN is adorable!!!! Catherine and Meg…thank you so much for sharing your process. 🙂
February 6, 2017 at 12:16 pm
Carolyn Rohrbaugh
Who would think a lobster could be so cute
February 6, 2017 at 12:27 pm
kathalsey
Excited for this fun book to have its b-day. Great look into the process of a book coming to fruition and the thought process about marketing and release dates and how that changes the design. I like the final cover. Congrats!
February 6, 2017 at 12:32 pm
Darcie Durr
Very effective cover. My daughter (age 5) was looking at this over my shoulder. She had me scroll back to the pictures and said, “Get the blue book! I would like it and so would Erik (little brother)!”
February 6, 2017 at 12:32 pm
Ashley Bankhead
I would love to win this Skype visit for my son’s first grade class!
February 6, 2017 at 12:35 pm
Meghan Burch
Thanks for a peek into the design process for this cover! Can’t wait to read it.
February 6, 2017 at 12:37 pm
Poupette Smith
Blue is the perfect color: The sea is blue, the sky is blue, and bubbles are too (!).
February 6, 2017 at 12:54 pm
Cassandra Federman (@CassFederman)
Such an interesting look behind the scenes. Thanks for sharing!
February 6, 2017 at 12:59 pm
jeanjames926
What an interesting process. Thanks Catherine and Meg for sharing your background story. I’m so happy they stuck with the turquoise; it’s beautiful, and eye catching. When you said the push back month was March all I could picture was shamrock bubbles. Congratulations on the book!
February 6, 2017 at 1:02 pm
aidantalkin
Loved reading this tale of woe and elation. I’m just working on cover design with plenty of back and forth this very week – thanks so much for sharing it! It turned out great. Looking forward to seeing it on shelves. (SO glad it went turquoise in the end.) =)
February 6, 2017 at 1:05 pm
Kim Pfennigwerth
Love this journey to publication! Thanks for sharing and the giveaway!
February 6, 2017 at 1:06 pm
Nancy Ramsey
This was very interesting! The illustrations look wonderful and I look forward to reading the book! Thanks for this post!
February 6, 2017 at 1:08 pm
Angie
What a beautiful cover! I’m so glad it is back to tourquoise! The red was just too much. And the dots. Those are a definite must! Love it! Thanks for sharing!
February 6, 2017 at 1:10 pm
Charlotte Dixon
Congratulations on the new book 🙂 It is always great to hear about the journey taken when a book gets published. Thank you for sharing.
February 6, 2017 at 1:22 pm
DB Cote
I enjoyed seeing how the illustrations evolved with each requirement. Thank you for sharing.
February 6, 2017 at 1:25 pm
bamauthor
Congrats on the new book. The covers are all cute, but to be perfectly honest, I think that I prefer the red.
February 6, 2017 at 1:27 pm
C.L. Murphy
It’s so fun that Sherman is a lobster! So curious how you’ll spin the tale. I can only think of clarified butter. :p Thanks for sharing the process and cover, Catherine and Meg.
February 6, 2017 at 1:30 pm
Anne Boydston
As an artist I loved seeing the process of coming up with the perfect cover! I wish there was a blog where more of these “Before & After” covers are shown… Thank You!
February 6, 2017 at 1:33 pm
sunwalker2013
Cool concept and design, too. And such a generous offer. Already planning my questions in my head should something magical happen (well, loving a lobster IS pretty magical!).
February 6, 2017 at 1:47 pm
bookthreader
So fun to see the process. Thanks!
February 6, 2017 at 1:48 pm
Deslie English
Play by play! I can’t wait to read it. Thanks for sharing.
February 6, 2017 at 1:49 pm
Kathy Doherty
Well, I had no idea all this can go on behind the scenes. I like the final cover best!
February 6, 2017 at 1:50 pm
Rachelle
Interesting to hear about the process. Thanks.
February 6, 2017 at 1:56 pm
Robin Brett Wechsler
What a fascinating story behind the story! I loved seeing the cover in so many stages. And I can’t wait to read the book!
February 6, 2017 at 1:56 pm
Christine Pinto
Thank you for sharing the process. I so loved that the final cover was the best of them all!
February 6, 2017 at 1:58 pm
Laurel Neme
Loved hearing about the process. Plus, it’s an adorable cover!!!
February 6, 2017 at 1:59 pm
laurelneme
Loved hearing about the process! Plus, it’s an adorable cover. Looking forward to reading the book!
February 6, 2017 at 1:59 pm
Carol Gwin Nelson
The illustrations are adorable! I love the final draft. It was fun to see the previous covers the lead up to the final.
February 6, 2017 at 1:59 pm
Krissy
What a great story! Looking forward to reading the book! I love the cover!
February 6, 2017 at 2:02 pm
Juliana Lee
Always enjoy learning more about the publication process. Hope to tell my own story soon!
February 6, 2017 at 2:05 pm
MD Knabb
Congratulations, Catherine and Meg. That cover is enticing. I’ll look for your book.
February 6, 2017 at 2:07 pm
Melinda
Beautiful cover! Can’t wait to read the story!
February 6, 2017 at 2:17 pm
Michelle Andersen
The cover looks adorable and I can’t wait to read it!
February 6, 2017 at 2:22 pm
Cinzia
The book looks adorable. Thanks for sharing the cover journey!
February 6, 2017 at 2:26 pm
Rita D. Russell
What a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the world of illustration revisions! Thanks for the insight.
February 6, 2017 at 2:38 pm
Susie Sawyer
What a fun post! I really enjoyed hearing about this process. Meg, you did such a great job responding to the needs of the publisher. And Catherine, what a treat to be able to comment on the illustrations! BTW, I had the same concern as you, about Sherman’s tail. 😉 Congratulations to you both, and thank you Tara!
February 6, 2017 at 2:42 pm
Lotus Ivak
This is great! Thanks for sharing!
February 6, 2017 at 3:08 pm
Erika Schnatz
Love seeing the process, and learning how much (or little) input the author has in the cover design. Thanks for sharing!
February 6, 2017 at 3:23 pm
Dana Wu
thanks for the information about the collaboration and deadlines… real life in the publishing world = flexibility
February 6, 2017 at 3:26 pm
Lisa Freund
Can’t wait to read this adorable book! Thanks for sharing!
February 6, 2017 at 3:43 pm
Joannie Duris
Catherine and Meg, thanks for sharing the story behind your cover. Even covers go through a revision process. Congratulations!
February 6, 2017 at 4:02 pm
Heather Pierce Stigall
I love hearing inside stories like this – thanks for sharing! I like the turquoise cover. I look forward to reading the book and seeing the rest of the illustrations. Congratulations!
February 6, 2017 at 4:09 pm
Stephanie Oplinger
It’s great to read about the illustration process and how it can change. Everyone says to expect edits when going forward with publishing, but it’s great to actually look through someone’s edit process. Thank you for sharing with us! ❤
February 6, 2017 at 4:11 pm
Sandy Brown Lowe
This is a story I’ve never heard before, how the cover of a picture book came to be. Very enlightening. Thanks!
February 6, 2017 at 5:18 pm
mycandacejean
This is *so* cute and I can’t wait for the release. I have a little raccoon character that’s best friends with a lobster (named Po) and I’d love to see them come to fruition one day; this story gives me hope! It also tugs my heartstrings a bit.. I wanted nothing more when I was young than to “adopt” a live lobster from the grocery store tank so he could live in our bathtub and be saved from the dinner plate. Thank you Catherine for writing this story! And thank you Meg for a behind-the-scenes look at cover creation, and for the reminder to keep your fingers crossed with those SCBWI postcards! 🙂
February 6, 2017 at 5:19 pm
Cathy Stenquist
Thank you for the interesting behind the scenes of cover development for your story. I and intrigued by the title and look forward to reading it!
February 6, 2017 at 5:23 pm
mcdonaldrae
Catherine and Meg, Your cover evolution is a lesson in agility for artists. Thank you for sharing. As an school librarian and author I would love to be able to my students that we have been chosen! Color choices are really eye catching!
February 6, 2017 at 5:34 pm
Wendy Greenley
Lovely book cover prevails! And a story of patience. Donating to my sister-in-law’s classroom if I’m the random Skype winner.
February 6, 2017 at 5:36 pm
Tina Cho
Such a cute cover. Thanks for the story behind it. Congratulations!
February 6, 2017 at 5:56 pm
Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator
I love to see the process to get to the finished cover. It’s the only one most people get to see. Thanks for sharing.
February 6, 2017 at 6:21 pm
Nicole Greci
Can’t wait for the release! My kids love Catherine’s other books! Mind your monsters is normally a nightly read in our house! The cover looks amazing for Lucy Loves Sherman! Great post!!
February 6, 2017 at 6:26 pm
Maria Oka
Oh my goodness, the cover is so adorably adorable. I can’t wait to read this!
February 6, 2017 at 6:31 pm
Kristi Romo
It seems like the best possible cover. That date flip-flop made a great cover even better. What a good reminder to embrace the unexpected in the publishing process.
February 6, 2017 at 6:34 pm
Gina Lannen
Too adorable. Congratulations and I can’t wait to see your book on shelves!
February 6, 2017 at 6:40 pm
Laura rackham
Looking forward to this!
February 6, 2017 at 6:47 pm
Vicki Wheeler
How exciting to experience illustrating a book. I admit that I like the final edit best! Third time is a charm in this case . . . as long as you don’t count all the rough drafts you probably went through to come up with the ideas you actually submitted. Thanks for giving us a peek at the process.
February 6, 2017 at 7:23 pm
Garnett Natasha
Although I enjoy eating lobster, the live creature is borderline gross and seems a far cry from cute, cuddly, clever, or playful. Catherine, you capture the sensibility of a young child when you show Lucy’s capacity to love Sherman. (Or at least that’s what I THINK is in the book.) I will be looking for it.
Congratulations to all.
February 6, 2017 at 7:27 pm
Sandy
The book and illustrations are darling. I am excited to read it!
February 6, 2017 at 7:28 pm
Tracey Brown
So cute! Thank you for sharing your “Lucy Loves Sherman” journey. Looking forward to reading it
February 6, 2017 at 8:17 pm
Kathy j brown
A good example of loving all creatures.
February 6, 2017 at 9:06 pm
Lu Fiskin-Ross
I LOVE the final cover!
February 6, 2017 at 9:22 pm
Megan Cason
Catherine and Meg, thank you for sharing Lucy and Sherman’s journey! As a writer, I can imagine it is amazing to see those sketches.
February 6, 2017 at 9:23 pm
justcomposeyourself
Thank you for this fun description from
an author’s perspective of a book’s journey!
February 6, 2017 at 9:42 pm
Alan Horne
Stories of children befriending dangerous animals make me nervous, because I know some kid is actually going to try to make friends with such animals after hearing the story.
February 6, 2017 at 10:36 pm
JEN Garrett
Love learning about the journey, and the final cover is AMAZING!
As for the prize, if I win I can’t decide whether to be selfish or share it with my kids’ school!
February 6, 2017 at 11:12 pm
Keila Dawson
Oh my goodness! I love both covers. Adorable. Congrats!
February 6, 2017 at 11:48 pm
Heather Macht
Congrats! Looks adorable, guys!!
February 7, 2017 at 12:04 am
Megan Whitaker
Who doesn’t love a book about a crustacean? And, I love the turquoise with red!
February 7, 2017 at 12:13 am
Carolyn Kraft
The cover is so awesome!! I love that Lucy and Sherman are hugging…who knew that hugging a lobster could look so natural!
February 7, 2017 at 12:53 am
gingermeurer
Thanks for sharing the process with us. It’s so fascinating to see how these things go down.
February 7, 2017 at 2:46 am
jenabenton
Wow! That is quite the transformation process. I love the end result. Thanks for sharing!
February 7, 2017 at 6:46 am
Ali Pfautz
Thanks for giving us a peek at your roller coaster ride! 🙂
February 7, 2017 at 9:44 am
Angela
Thanks for sharing your journey. Love the cover.
February 7, 2017 at 10:41 am
Elizabeth Saba
Can’t wait to read the book and see all of the illustrations. Illustrators will be happy to know those postcards make a difference,
February 7, 2017 at 11:44 am
Peggy Janousky
Excellent info…many writers are not aware of all the changes a book goes through prior to publication. Thank you for sharing!
February 7, 2017 at 1:40 pm
laura516
I love hearing the story behind the story. (and in this case, the cover!)
February 7, 2017 at 6:05 pm
K.A.Steed
Looking forward to your book.
February 7, 2017 at 7:02 pm
kmajor2013
Interesting idea and great illustrations for the story! Thanks for sharing the process you went through too. Congrats!
February 7, 2017 at 8:44 pm
Deborah Ellison
Looks like a book to share with the grandkids!
February 7, 2017 at 8:45 pm
angiecal76
It was quite a journey for both of you but your book launch is almost here. Congratulations!
February 8, 2017 at 1:10 am
Mindy Alyse Weiss
Wow–thank you both for sharing your cover journey. It’s amazing to see the different styles, and how they led to the final one. I love seeing Lucy hugging Sherman on the cover and can’t imagine it any other way.
I’m going to include a link to this in Catherine’s SCBWI FL Success Story in our upcoming newsletter. 🙂
February 8, 2017 at 9:18 am
Sheri Bylander
Fantastic collaboration story – with such a great result! Thanks for sharing.
February 8, 2017 at 10:51 am
Gretchen Haertsch
So nice to hear about this whole process and how that final cover emerged. The final really is the best!
February 8, 2017 at 9:37 pm
Andrew Lefebvre
Looks so cute! Really cool to see the behind the scenes of the cover designs with the actual designs to go with it. Thanks.
February 8, 2017 at 11:58 pm
saritarich
I love hearing/seeing behind the scenes work! The cover is BEAUTIFUL! Thank you for sharing.
February 9, 2017 at 10:29 am
Nicki Jacobsmeyer
I would love to hug a lobster! Thank you for sharing and congrats!
February 9, 2017 at 1:34 pm
pattywaymedic
I got a major vicarious thrill reading this!! Thanks for sharing!
February 10, 2017 at 12:32 pm
kayt663
It’s such a fascinating process! Looking forward to your launch!!
February 10, 2017 at 12:35 pm
Therese Kay
What an interesting journey with all those changes! Congratulations on the impending birth of your book baby!!
February 11, 2017 at 3:34 pm
Laura Purdie Salas
Loved hearing all these details! Looks like a fun book!
February 15, 2017 at 8:38 am
Lucretia
Thank you for sharing the behind the scenes details. I love the final version and look forward to reading it when it’s released next month.
February 15, 2017 at 3:55 pm
WinterKids.com
Awesome to learn behind the scene facts! Gives new light to stories. Thanks!
January 30, 2018 at 9:05 pm
Emmie R Werner
Thank you for sharing ❤️