My current WIP (work in progress) is King David’s Brides, so why am I writing a blog about Asenath–the main character of my May 2023 release, In Feast or Famine? Well, because I had a milestone birthday in December–yes, I turned the big 6-0–and my sweet friend/assistant, Amanda, gave me the most unique and amazing gift ever!
Amanda employed the artistic talents of my fellow biblical fiction author, Jenelle Hovde, to create an Asenath more like the beauty we imagined.
A Cover From a Traditional Publisher
Contrary to popular belief, an author who works with a traditional publisher (Waterbrook, Bethany House, Revell, Tyndale, Zondervan, Thomas Nelson, etc.) has little control over the cover you see on Amazon or a bookstore shelf. Occasionally, I get to help choose a model; most often, not. Usually, I get an email from my marketing director with a “first mock-up” or “rough draft” cover. After fourteen traditionally published books, however, I’ve learned that this so-called rough draft has already been through a significant vetting process.
The marketing and sales committees have discussed how Christian fiction readers, in general, will respond to the font, the model, background photos, and overall design. They’ve researched current trends in book covers and how sales correspond to certain types/styles of cover.
My publisher and their marketing/sales committees definitely know the market, in general, better than I do. But I know MY READERS better than anyone. The publishers I’ve worked with–Revell, Waterbrook, Guideposts, and Bethany House–have been extremely gracious to tweak that first mock-up cover when I make suggestions. But I’ve learned through the years that MAJOR changes likely won’t happen.
Asenath on the IFOF Cover
As you can see, we don’t get a full picture of Asenath on the In Feast or Famine cover. CLICK HERE to read the blog post that shows the multiple cover drafts I was given to choose from and more information about that process.
In Jewish lore, Asenath is touted as the most beautiful woman in all of Egypt–so beautiful, in fact, that her father kept her in a tower to protect her and keep her pure. (CLICK HERE to read my post, An Egyptian Rapunzel: Were Both Joseph and Asenath Held Captive?)
My faithful friend and assistant, Amanda, agreed with me that–though the model on my cover was attractive–she likely wouldn’t be considered the most beautiful woman in ancient Egypt.
So, Amanda asked our friend and author, Jenelle Hovde, to use some of my descriptors of Asenath from In Feast or Famine to paint a more beautiful wife for our handsome Joseph!
Jenelle’s Mock-Ups
I received a text from Amanda on my birthday morning asking, “Are you at home? I need to deliver your gift.”
She lives in Arkansas, and I was living in North Carolina at the time. She’s a very talented virtual assistant, but I couldn’t imagine how she could deliver a gift in person that day! I told her I was at home, so she called me and said, “Look in your inbox.”
Like every good employer, I obeyed my assistant! And there were these three beautiful “mock-ups” (B&W pictures above). Amanda told me the story of hiring Jenelle to paint them (oil painting on her iPad!), which was perfect because Jenelle has also written a biblical novel about Asenath! She knew all the appropriate jewelry, clothing, and backgrounds to use! (CLICK HERE to see all Jenelle’s books.)
The Asenath in My Head
Some authors have a really clear picture of their characters in their minds while they write the story. Others, like me, find photos online and use those images to guide their descriptions. I found Israeli model, Yael Shelbia, early in my research process and envisioned her as my Asenath while writing.
So, when Amanda asked, “Do any of the mock-ups look like the Asenath in your head?”
I was stunned at how VERY MUCH Jenelle’s paintings looked like the Asenath (Yael) I’d described in my book! “YES!” I told Amanda.
“Which mock-up looks MOST like the Asenath in your head?” she asked.
So, I ask YOU–dear reader–which of the three mock-ups would YOU have chosen?
My Choice
When I chose the middle one, Amanda heaved a huge sigh and said, “Check your email again.”
So, again, I happily obeyed and found my choice already prepared in a digital oil painting! I was laughing and crying while trying to get out the words, “How did you know which one I’d choose?”
“Because she just felt like the Asenath you described in your book!” Amanda said.
That’s why she’s my virtual assistant (and dear friend)–not because she gives me great birthday gifts. LOL! 😆 Amanda is special because not only does she read my books but she also cares about getting my books into the hands of the people who need to read the messages.
It’s not about sales numbers or trending cover designs for us though both are VITAL to my continued publishing! I’m so grateful for the caring professionals who guide my writing, marketing, and sales for each traditionally published book. I’m equally grateful for my readers and friends who have a huge impact behind the scenes–like my VA and friend, Amanda.
Thanks for helping make my 60th the best birthday yet! 😉
