Knowing the cover for Someday Always Comes had to reflect the back-cover blurb and corroborate the book’s story content, I figured it might end up illustrated in dark colors. It had to be in order to mirror the book’s theme which is centered on tragedy, heartbreak, fall from stardom, and redemption. Dark made me nervous. But, the cover Melissa Stevens designed accurately captures the mood and effect I hoped to achieve without the dark colors being overwhelming. It’s a cover I’m grateful to be able to show off!
Readers’ responses regarding the cover make me proud and satisfied that I chose The Illustrated Author’s Melissa Stevens to work with. Patty Green of Chicago, who described Melissa’s cover job as “dark, but crisp and powerful,” said that when she was done reading Someday Always Comes she re-examined the cover to find story elements present there, and that makes a fantastically crafted book cover. And, Patty was “...glad to see an individualized cover and not a repeat of the same old Goth girl covers.”
I appreciate Melissa’s knowledge and professional, prompt manner of communicating and doing business. She gave me individual, top quality service with her It’s not finished until you’re happy, no matter what mind-set.
I’m looking forward to working with Melissa Stevens, The Illustrated Author, in the future.
-Wanda S. Paryla
Author, Someday Always Comes
Readers’ responses regarding the cover make me proud and satisfied that I chose The Illustrated Author’s Melissa Stevens to work with. Patty Green of Chicago, who described Melissa’s cover job as “dark, but crisp and powerful,” said that when she was done reading Someday Always Comes she re-examined the cover to find story elements present there, and that makes a fantastically crafted book cover. And, Patty was “...glad to see an individualized cover and not a repeat of the same old Goth girl covers.”
I appreciate Melissa’s knowledge and professional, prompt manner of communicating and doing business. She gave me individual, top quality service with her It’s not finished until you’re happy, no matter what mind-set.
I’m looking forward to working with Melissa Stevens, The Illustrated Author, in the future.
-Wanda S. Paryla
Author, Someday Always Comes
Stevens is not only a craftsman who understand the importance of quality art, be it a book's front or back cover, or any internal illustrations, what with all of the necessary aesthetics involved, but she's one who first understands a cover has to carry a book's theme, its message, verily, its heart!
That's her strength, and that's the power she brings to her clientele. Especially for writers like me, word wrights who can't draw a stick figure. To get the vision in my mind, or the message of my story(ies) to my readers, I need a bridge builder, a broker, someone who can help get my work in that other person's hands. Whoever that happens to be, they must not only have the technical skills, but the ability AND the willingness to see past the "face" and "body" of my work. Indeed, they have to be able to perceive the blood and bones of it.
I've been amazed how time after time, in describing what I needed, how consistently Melissa has returned with something spot on, or, more than once, superior to what was hoped for.
For my fellow writers, yes, times are tough, and yes, choices have to be made, and sometimes we do have to figure out ways that are cheaper/better/faster. The danger is coming up with only the cheaper and faster part, with "better" being left in the dust.
If you need a book cover or an illustration, there's nothing wrong with finding a good deal, but really, needed artwork is never something to do on the cheap. Respect your art and give it the best you can. Give it someone who will respect it, too, and who will help package it in the most marketable and communicative way possible.
Someone like Melissa.
Right or wrong, it's the art that puts books into peoples' hands. Do yourself a favor and get the right person to make that must-have introduction.
-Rob M. Miller
That's her strength, and that's the power she brings to her clientele. Especially for writers like me, word wrights who can't draw a stick figure. To get the vision in my mind, or the message of my story(ies) to my readers, I need a bridge builder, a broker, someone who can help get my work in that other person's hands. Whoever that happens to be, they must not only have the technical skills, but the ability AND the willingness to see past the "face" and "body" of my work. Indeed, they have to be able to perceive the blood and bones of it.
I've been amazed how time after time, in describing what I needed, how consistently Melissa has returned with something spot on, or, more than once, superior to what was hoped for.
For my fellow writers, yes, times are tough, and yes, choices have to be made, and sometimes we do have to figure out ways that are cheaper/better/faster. The danger is coming up with only the cheaper and faster part, with "better" being left in the dust.
If you need a book cover or an illustration, there's nothing wrong with finding a good deal, but really, needed artwork is never something to do on the cheap. Respect your art and give it the best you can. Give it someone who will respect it, too, and who will help package it in the most marketable and communicative way possible.
Someone like Melissa.
Right or wrong, it's the art that puts books into peoples' hands. Do yourself a favor and get the right person to make that must-have introduction.
-Rob M. Miller
I have to give Mel mad props. I was super picky with both covers she's done for me. She was incredibly patient, took my rambling ideas and gave me something I loved. With both covers, she killed it. Timely, professional, and super easy to work with--I'd recommend her to all of my friends.
-Nazarea Andrews
Author, Edge of the Falls
-Nazarea Andrews
Author, Edge of the Falls
Mel has the unique mind of both a writer and an artist, which lends her the vision to really embody a book in its cover. She took my idea and turned it into something beautiful and sexy. If it weren't my book, I'd be jealous of the work. She was absolutely great with which to work, and I hope to have her do my sequel, as well.
-Aj Elmore
Author, Order of Crows
-Aj Elmore
Author, Order of Crows
Melissa Stevens is the in-house graphics artist for NetBound Publishing. Her professionalism, work and creativity are the reasons she maintains that job. She understands the technical requirements to work within the self-publishing industry and she is always learning more. There is no one better to have in your corner.
-Mikel B. Classen
Publisher, NetBound Publishing
-Mikel B. Classen
Publisher, NetBound Publishing
Melissa Stevens shown me the meaning of true professionalism. She used her talents to manufacture designs for me that were almost right out of my mind. I would have no pause in seeking her expertise in the future.
-Jerry McKinney
Author, Nightsound
-Jerry McKinney
Author, Nightsound
Working with Melissa was a wonderful experience and my book wouldn't be the same without the cover she supplied. We went through many prototypes of the cover until it was perfect and she always seemed happy to change things up or move them around, often sending me 3-4 examples at a time. I will definitely be coming back to her for the cover of my next book.
-Shawn Pfister
Author, My Vampire Prom Date and other stories
-Shawn Pfister
Author, My Vampire Prom Date and other stories
It was a pleasure working with you Melissa. You are an extremely talented woman. I never had to worry about the completion of my cover. You kept the lines of communication open and responded promptly and succinctly. The quality of work is superb. You took direction well and followed through even adding you own suggestions, which happened to improve the overall cover. Thank you for a job well done.
-Cindy Ely
Author, Air Traffic, The Superstitions, and Dear Mrs. Gray
-Cindy Ely
Author, Air Traffic, The Superstitions, and Dear Mrs. Gray
-Kris Powers
Author, The Phoenix Chronicles I found that Melissa was professional, talented, easy to work with, and friendly. Her skill and imagination resulted in a cover for my novel that impressed me greatly. Melissa’s timely art was of such a quality that I immediately asked her to be my cover artist for all seven of my novels! I’m overjoyed that she accepted and would recommend her to anyone.
-H. Berkeley Rourke
Author, Josie Du Puy Series
We
-Maynardville Public Library
love Melissa's design for our digital platform to help promote our book related events. Thank you so much for all the wonderful work and support to get the image just right.
-Maynardville Public Library
love Melissa's design for our digital platform to help promote our book related events. Thank you so much for all the wonderful work and support to get the image just right.