Sneak Preview: Debut Book Cover Backstory

This note shares some backstory on writing and publishing my first book, specifically how my cover, which captures the book’s theme so well, came to be.

Early versions of the manuscript sent to Beta Reviewers.

After years of writing and revising scenes, I sent spiral-bound copies of the manuscript to Beta Readers—one at a time—so I could respond to each person’s feedback before mailing a revised draft to the next reviewer. I then hired professional developmental and line editors to help me hone Deep Waters into the best book I could write.

With close to a decade invested, I couldn’t wait to see my Advance Reader Copies, pre-publication but not final versions of a book sent out for peer review and publicity, also called ARCs or galleys.

Long-awaited box arrives.

First Glimpse

Several month earlier, She Writes Press sent draft covers for me to consider (below). The energy in the upper right one got my attention, but it implied my book was a high-seas sailing adventure written by a man.

Four of 9 draft covers proposed for my book.

The instant I saw one of these 4, I knew it was right. I made a few suggestions and the design team refined it. I’m very happy with my book cover.

Before you scroll down, which of the 4 do you like best?

You might note, along the way, we changed the title from Deep Water to Deep Waters, but that’s another story.

Holding the book for the first time was a profound moment.

I’m in awe of Georgia Feldman, who designed the cover. Her inspiration came from reading the first 20 pages of Deep Waters, my 1000 word synopsis, and seeing a handful of photos, including one of our family boating in Alaska (below).

(Someone asked if the photo on the cover is of me. It’s not.)

I’m honored by, and grateful beyond words to, authors and book club members who generously read advance copies of Deep Waters and wrote endorsement quotes, including Lynn Schooler (front cover), Andromeda Romano-Lax, Abby Maslin, and the TBD Book Club.

In my next post, I’ll share additional endorsements sent after the ARCs were printed.

The day the box of books arrived, our son was visiting.

Salmon Fishing Trip with Jim and Glen, Alaska. (Photo: Kurt S. Dzinich Sr.)

My publication date is May 2, 2023, which is coming up fast. Since this is my first book, I thought it would be fun to share bits of the inside story of writing and publishing.

Answer to Last Month’s E-Postcard Quiz

Last month, I invited readers to guess how we got the photo of our boat IJsselmeer while sailing in Glacier Bay, Alaska when there was no one else on board with us or in sight.

I offered a copy of Deep Waters to the first person with the correct answer. No one got it quite right until the 18th reply.

Ten people thought we launched the dinghy, which was partially correct. Some thought we had a stern anchor set, even though the sails were up.

A drone was a good guess, but the photo was taken in 1993, before digital cameras were affordable and before drone was a household word. 

Noticing the line off the stern and deducing that the dinghy was towed—not launched under its own power—was the key. Nancy Ratner, a former student, and her husband Steve honed in on the right answer.

Nancy and Steve, winners of last month’s quiz and a book, on their sailboat in Alaska.

It was Jim’s idea that, while we were sailing, I’d get in the dinghy with my camera, and he’d let out 100 yards of line. He then adjusted the sails and turned the helm so I could take the photo.

Thanks to everyone who ventured a guess, or wrote a note. I enjoyed your answers and hearing from you all!

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Thank you for checking in!

Beth