Hello, dear readers. Today I am taking part in The Secret Betrothal Blog Tour set up by Jakki of Leatherbound Reviews. The author of the book, Jan Hahn was my guest last month and I interviewed her for the post. Today, Jan is my guest again but she is interviewing me, since I did the covers for The Secret Betrothal! We are discussing author/artist collaboration on cover art. I hope you enjoy the switch in places! There is also a giveaway so be sure to check for the details later on in the post.

JAN: Let’s begin with what you as the cover artist need from the author. Do you need to read the book before you begin? If so, why? (I’m referring to authors in the feminine tense simply for expediency, certainly not to take away anything from our excellent writers of the masculine gender.)

JANET: Yes, I need to read the book. I like to get a feel for the story as well as determine if any scene immediately stands out in my mind. If so, is it one that I can draw and make it grab the reader’s attention? I want the cover to be unique, to tell something special about the story without giving away the plot.

JAN: If the author has no idea what she wants on the cover, how can you help?

Continue to read the interview at More Agreeably Engaged: Switching Places…The Secret Betrothal Cover Art.