I realize that for most authors the cover is one of the very last things that you think about, but for some reason it’s important to me to have a working placeholder cover when I write. MzSusanB did this photograph (that is my hand and the wineglass is full of gummy worms dusted with potting soil) and she’s not entirely happy with it, but it will help me stay focused. We’ve got until whenever I finish the book to redo it.
The cover to Catskinner’s Book was a shot that MzSusanB did long before I started writing the book, when I was looking at cover ideas it just seemed to fit, somehow. It also set a theme for the series, and I wanted other shots for the other covers that would be instantly recognizable.
mishaburnett 
It may be a placeholder, but I think it looks great! The gummy worms are maybe even better than normal worms, because they’re slightly transparent … and I can totally see heavenly worms being transparent 🙂
Thank you.
The cover of a book is one of the first things I do. It provides a focus. Unfortunately for my several WIP I cannot come up with an image. I love yours though
Thank you, and it’s good to hear that I’m not the only one.
I actually like the gummies. Everybody recognizes them as a representation of the real thing. I would want them in my wine glass with dirt though…edible or not.
I rather like them, too.
I can totaly relate with you, I feel much happier and atpeace when I have a cover placeholder, I think it is one of the first and most important steps for me.
And here I thought I was the only one. Thank you.
Seeing your cover in progress helps you to visualize your book as a finished product. It can give a boost of motivation when you need it. There have been a few times when I was stuck partway through a book and getting a cover for it was exactly what I needed to get back into it. 🙂
Exactly.
I have a cover, but it’s only words so far – though I’ve picked a perfect placeholder script, and a good subtitle (a novel of obsession, betrayal, and love).
Your covers are very good: there is something in the title + picture + choice of shades of gray that is very attractive.
BTW, I just bought Catskinner and started it – if you never gave me anything else for my $2.99 beyond the sample on Amazon, it would STILL be worth it. Looking forward to the rest. I’m a little leery – it’s way out of my comfort zone – but I also like Dexter, so maybe I’ll be okay. Your beginning, though – very solid – pulls you right in. I’m just not sure into WHAT – I haven’t been able to finish certain books because my imagination won’t let go once I get scary things in there. I was the one who absolutely refused to listen to ghost stores at camp. We’ll see.
Thank you. If it makes you feel any better, the first chapter actually has the highest body count. Things get stranger, but less violent as the book progresses.