So a few weeks ago I met Lauren Myracle at a signing. As a fan, it seemed natural to give her an advanced copy of DUMB. Not that I was sure she’d have time to read it, mind you, but it was pretty cool to think that one day she might.
Well, she did . . . and then some! In fact, she gave a blurb for the cover: “No glittery teen novel here, thank heavens. Five Flavors of Dumb is raw, fresh, funny, and authentic. Piper is my hero.” I’d comment on this if there was anything to add, but really, how do you top that?
What’s more, Kristin Smith, cover designer extraordinaire, has finalized the jacket. And because it is 100% certifiably awesome, I’ve decided to show the whole thing:
I know, I know. Normally authors just reproduce the cover, because that’s what everyone cares about the most, right? (And maybe because that’s all that’ll fit onto a blog without spilling over the edges!) But IMHO, this whole jacket is about as close to perfect as you can get. And I can totally get away with saying that because I had nothing to do with it. Seriously. That author bio? Written by the good folks at Penguin HQ (and more to-the-point than I can ever be). That flap copy? Not a word of it was written by me (but believe me, I wish I’d come up with a summary half as enticing). And Kristin’s cover? Oh, man, that cover . . .
I’ve been noticing several bloggers including DUMB on their “Waiting for Wednesday” posts (where YA fans discuss the releases they’re most looking forward to), and at this point, I think 99% of that has to do with the cover. Don’t believe me? Look here, and here, and here. When the comments say things like “how cool is that cover?” and “the cover looks more like a movie poster than a book cover” and “the cover of the book is gorgeous, I love her boots and sunglasses” well, any self-respecting author should admit that it might have rather more to do with the cover than the contents.
So far, anyway!
FANTASTIC! Love it. I’d be willing to bet that the contents are as lovely as the cover. And, coincidentally, I just bought another Dial book last night – A LOVE STORY STARRING MY DEAD BEST FRIEND – and I fell in love with that cover, as well. Go Dial! And as you know, I’m so looking forward to reading your book.
Thanks so much, Jody. Yes, Dial have been on a roll when it comes to covers. I thought the one for Catherine Fisher’s INCARCERON earlier this year was literally jaw-dropping. I feel immensely fortunate, believe me! Oh, and A LOVE STORY STARRING MY DEAD BEST FRIEND is on my to-be-read list. And yes, another great cover.
Can’t wait to hear what you think of DUMB. Thanks for the words of support!
And finally, congrats to your whole family on completing the move. Isn’t it a treat to have a library. I trust Colonel Mustard will be getting lots of use!
Hey, you updated your blog! Can’t wait to read your Dumb book!
[...] Dumb and went straight to Antony’s website and blog. I was happy to find a blog post on his reaction to the cover as well. Thanks so much for the interview, [...]