My book cover: from concept to reality!

As an independent author, I need to figure out how to get things done that a publisher would ordinarily do for me. Not the least of those things is finding a good cover designer. There are websites which connect authors and cover designers – as well as other publishing pros.These talented professionals are independent contractors who work not only for indie authors like me, but also for major publishers as well.

It was my good fortune when I found a cover designer from Serbia by the name of Mario Lampic, a seriously talented graphic artist who knows how to deliver and get the job done. One of a whole host of reasons that I work independently is because, as I understand it, working with a traditional publisher, an author typically has little if any say in what the cover will be. I have read accounts of authors who were very unhappy with the covers that publishers decided upon.

But, let me get back to me, my main man Mario, and my LESSONS FROM THE STAGE cover which I’m just simply elated about.

The first step is for me to explain to Mario what ideas I have for the cover. Mario asks that I also send him a few examples of covers I like from similar books. Now, usually, I have a very strong idea of what I’m looking for. During my years in the theater, I gave my set designers a lot of input in regards to my vision for the scenic design for each play. And I did the same with my previous three books – all works of fiction.

But in this case, I had less of an idea. Plus, I figured, Mario is the expert…let’s see what he comes up with.

I sent him five or six theater covers, as requested, to get the wheels turning. Here are two of those that I sent.

Working with these ideas, Mario sent me a few variations of this design.

I liked it and knew he was on the right track, but it didn’t feel quite right. We at Team Scarpa didn’t love the masks of comedy and tragedy. They seemed a little too cutesy. And we felt it needed something else…but what?

After thinking about it for a few days, it hit me. What our cover needed was a ghost light. I thought of my ritual of making sure our ghost light was on each evening after rehearsal. In theater, a ghost light is a wonderful tradition. It serves not only as a safety measure but it is also known to ward off theater ghosts, a silly superstition, I know — but it also symbolizes that even though the theater is temporarily closed, performers and audiences will soon return, a wonderful vision of optimism and hope for the art form.

In a broader context, in literature a light or lamp is a universal and multifaceted symbol, primarily representing hope, knowledge, and life itself, especially when contrasted with darkness.

Since the title of my book is LESSONS FROM THE STAGE, I felt a ghost light was the perfect symbol for lessons learned and insights gained.

And, in my opinion, Mario executed the idea brilliantly. Wouldn’t you agree?

So thanks, Mario Lampic! You are amazing, and I wouldn’t work with anyone else!