Whenever I speak to kids, it seems they're fascinated with the cover art of my books. In fact, I am frequently asked questions about cover art. Usually, people want to know if I design my own covers, or if they don't ask that, they'll ask how much input do I have in cover art design.
These kinds of questions have come up even more than usual in regards to the cover art of The Marbury Lens, because the cover is so damned gripping.
I like to think that I had a LOT to do with the cover of The Marbury Lens. I hope the inspiration for the striking imagery that wraps around the book, including its inside jacket flaps, teaser page, title page, and even the composition of the section headings and typeface were all inspired by reading the book (which, I think they were). But beyond that, I didn't do anything, except write this book.
The cover, title pages, and jacket design were all principally the work of art director Rich Deas. Usually, along the way to publication, I receive drafts or sketches of cover art. But not this time. I think Rich locked himself in his artist cave and just went to work. So the first thing I ever saw was the finished cover that just magically appeared in my email in-box one day, and I was totally blown away by it (like most people are).
When I went to New York last spring, I visited Rich and I heard a little bit about how the photograph was taken, and who the boy who modeled for "Jack" on the cover is, and these are still more fascinating backstories about how the cover came to life.
To be honest, even if this wasn't MY book, I'd have to say it's one of the coolest looking book designs I have ever seen.
Rich is quietly amazing, and he keeps getting better and better.
I can't wait to see what the team comes up with for next year's Stick.
