Redwood Writers selected CWC-Marin member C.M. (Kitty) Baker as second place winner in their annual Young Adult/Middle Grade writers contest for her novel-in-progress, “Scenes in Syncopated Time.” (You can read the first two chapters here.)
Originally from Minnesota before relocating to California’s North Bay Area in 2016, Kitty is fascinated by the potential of coming-of-age fiction to speak to the hearts of YA readers. She has spent years learning and practicing the craft via classes at The Loft in Minneapolis, lectures in Hamline University’s MFA program in Writing for Children & Young Adult, private workshops, writers groups, retreats, and SCBWI conferences and events. She was recently chosen for the prestigious Djerassi Artist Residency in Woodside, California, and is currently enrolled in College of Marin classes, exploring the power and playfulness of poetry.
Redwood Writers in Sonoma County is a sister chapter to Marin Writers and is the largest of the 22 chapters of the California Writers Clubs with hundreds of active members and an emphasis on supporting writers interested in self-publishing. Because of its size, the Redwood Chapter offers many writing contests and publishes thematic prose and poetry anthologies annually. Members of the Marin Chapter are eligible to apply for dual membership in Redwood Writers for just $25.
Andrew Benzie, who will be presenting at the February 24 meeting, is a book cover designer and marketing strategist. I spoke to him on the phone recently to find out more about how he got where he is and how he does his work. (His presentation is on “Promoting Your Book: Building a Successful Marketing Strategy,” though many of my questions pertained to book cover design, which is only one piece of marketing your book.)
Q: How did you get into book cover design?
It almost kind of found me. I was in print design for years—corporate work—and the first book I designed was my dad’s. The cover and inside layout.
Most of the work I get comes from word of mouth and client recommendations. Obviously, there’s not a lot of repeat business—most people take years to write a book. I do a lot of speaking events and I’m also on the board of the Mt. Diablo California Writers Club.
Q: What attracts you to book cover design?
I really enjoy the actual designing process, each cover is kind of like a puzzle. And working with creative people, authors, to create something that’s powerful—to help them see their dream come true.
There’s nothing like seeing their faces when they hold the book in their hands for the first time.
Q: Take me though the process from initial contact to finished product.
The first thing is we decide what size the book. Usually 5 1/4” x 8” or 6” x 9”. We look at other books in same genre. And we find covers the author likes. Half the time the author has photos or an idea in their head.
We’ll often look at stock photos, find an image that works, and go from there.
Q: Do you need to read the book? How do you know enough to design the cover?
I ask the author for a brief description of the story. That gives them a chance to practice their elevator pitch. I figure out some appropriate typeface for the genre, whether it’s romance or sci-fi. I work up a couple of ideas and post them on a private site.
Mostly we work through email. I often use stock photos—I’ll do a search and send the author some potential images. Finding prospective images can take a while. I often have clients go to a stock photography site and search for images they like. As much as possible, I keep them as part of the process. I want them to be happy with the cover.
Ideally I can get the feel what the author wants. Most authors want to talk about their book, it doesn’t take a lot of encouragement.
I do the front cover first, then once they sign off on that, then incorporate front cover elements into the back and tie in the spine. I like it when I can find an image that wraps around the spine and back.
We have a blurb and bio and sometimes a photo of the author on the back, so there’s often not much room for a large image on the back. I often use part of the front cover image.
On a recent book I designed and published the author wanted some hands with paint on them on the top and bottom of the front cover. On the back, the hands were enlarged in the background.
Q: How do you figure out the fee?
I work for an hourly rate and provide a ballpark estimate. I try to adapt to what each client needs. I do as many revisions as my clients like. Usually I start by presenting one or two ideas.
Q: How do you persuade people to pay for a cover design?
I sometimes see people who who have spent a lot of time writing their book, then have a friend with photoshop and clip art come up with a sub-par cover design. A weak cover can guarantee that you’re not going to be taken seriously. I strongly suggest for a couple of hundred dollars to have a professional create a cover that reflects well on the work they’ve done writing the book. I encourage authors to produce the best possible product possible, that means professional editing and design.
I’m a one-stop shop for design—I can do the cover, the interior layout, business cards, bookmarks, websites, etc. I don’t offer editing, but I know a number of great editors that I can recommend. I also consult with my clients on branding and marketing.
Q: And when you’re not designing book covers?
I play drums in a jazz band and electric bass in a rock band. I perform about every three weeks of so. Our jazz band, Lewiston Jazz, has been together for ten years. We perform originals songs and jazz standards.
In March, we’re hosting a special workshop with C.S. Lakin—“The 10 Key Scenes That Frame Up Your Novel.”
You’ll learn:
How to know exactly where to start your story and how to set up your premise
What the ten key scenes are that serve as the framework for your novel
What pinch points are and why you need them
How to craft those essential twists
Why your protagonist’s goal is the key to great storytelling
How to bring out your story’s themes
Don’t guess what scenes you need in your novel. Don’t guess where your scenes go. With the method, you’ll guess no more. You can write terrific novels, every time, if you layer your novel following this blueprint!
Dive deep into novel structure with writing coach¨ editor¨ and award-winning blogger and author C.S. Lakin. She has led this workshop for many other CWC branches and she’s fiction track director for the San Francisco Writers’ Conference.
Space is limited. To reserve a space, fill out the form below and pay via PayPal.
(Here’s the handout you’ll be filling out during the workshop — 10 Key Scenes.)
In February, we welcome book designer and marketing strategist Andrew Benzie, for “Promoting Your Book: Building a Successful Marketing Strategy”
There’s never been a better time for authors to publish their work, but unless you’re Steven King, you have to market it. Andrew Benzie, publisher, designer, author, and owner of Andrew Benzie Books, will discuss how to brand your book, increase its visibility, build a successful marketing strategy, and promote and sell your book.
