Marina’s answer to “What caught my attention is that I LOVE the artist that does such wonderful watercoloristic renditi…” > Likes and Comments

What you don't know is that I used to own the largest science fiction media publication company on the globe in the 80s-90s. I did all the cover work selection. I will tell you that the photo-manipulation being done is already reeking of the same photo being used by different authors and books. (Right now, I'm looking at one photo that has been used 5 times in the last 12 months!) I guess you suffered from lack of selection or lack of time for a more appropriate cover which is a shame. You are leaving behind a superb artist because of it. If I'm seeing this dreadful repetition, I'm sure others are, too. And I've stopped buying books with repeat covers because it reminds me of the poor storyline of the first book using that cover art. And no, changing color, changing orientation, and cropping doesn't make it original. I would only hope you get a guarantee from your photo artist that it won't be reused because there can be a negative backlash.

I do understand the supply and demand side of indie writing AND publishing. Please don't find yourself trapped because others are doing something that maybe you should not do yourself. Just be true to your ethics. That is really how I judge a writer... second to the quality of the work.

Thank you for loving my paintings, Ann. Since I painted the original cover art myself, they will always have a special place in my heart, too. <3

I was wondering why you never came out and said who was the artist. You are REALLY good! In fact, that's what attracted me to the first book I bought from you! Something was very refreshing, and I adored the pastel-like watercolor palette! It really tugged at my creative eye. I'm glad I have your novel copies with your original artwork on my computer/Kindle for Mac! Damnation... if you were around back when, I'd have you on board my publishing company immediately! (I temporarily shut it down when my husband died in 2009.) Bill would have loved your work! (heavy sigh)

Well, that answers my original question.