(
(WestSide Books, Dec 2011; Fitzhenry & Whiteside, Feb 2012)
The cover for my YA novel SCARS!
I just got the ARCs (Advance Reader Copy) for SCARS from my editor, Evelyn Fazio, at WestSide Books. I’m so excited!! I *love* the cover, the description on the back, the blurbs–I even love the paper it’s printed on, and the typeset. (laughing)
The ARCs are paperback, not the actual hardcover that comes out late March–but it is SUCH a good feeling to be able to see and hold my book in my hands–this book that means so much to me.
SCARS is a very important novel for me–although it’s greatly fictionalized, I’ve put in a lot of my own experience as a sexual abuse survivor, someone who used self-harm to cope with the abuse, and being lesbian, into the book. Those are also all things that aren’t talked about enough (though being lesbian has much greater social acceptance now), and they’re all very important to me to get out there. Self-harm, especially, isn’t talked about much, or often with compassion and understanding.
I think it always helps, no matter what we’ve been through, to know that we’re not alone. I sure needed to know that when I was remembering the abuse, and it definitely would have helped me to know that about cutting. So SCARS, I hope, will offer that for some people. For others, I’m hoping it’ll offer a bit of insight into what it’s like–and hopefully spark some compassion.
My editor and WestSide Books have been *amazing* with me for the entire process of getting SCARS published–including the cover. (I am so lucky to have them!)
I was hoping for a cover that would speak to people, and would be visually pleasing; I really think covers can turn people on or off a book. So I’m very excited about this cover. I also wanted the cover to be meaningful and tasteful, not sensationalized–and I think I got all that.
The cover means a lot to me on an emotional level, because that is *my* arm, scars and all, on the cover. Most of my scars are faded to white, now, but they’re still there. It’s my arm, my history. It makes the book feel even more like my story. But the cover is also important to me because it’s breaking the silence. To me, the cover shows the pain behind cutting–but it’s also shows that it’s okay to talk about, to get into the open.
Photo Credit: Emma-Lee, Stripped Media Photography
Emma-Lee of Stripped Media took a bunch of striking photos of my arm. I was lucky enough to have an open-minded, kind, and thoughtful editor, Evelyn Fazio, and publisher, WestSide Books, who liked the photos, and tested them with a bunch of YA librarians and booksellers. I am so glad they all liked them! This book, it means so much to me–and I think the cover really works. I think it’s powerful and tasteful at the same time.
I’m pretty sure authors don’t usually get a say in their covers at all, so I’m incredibly lucky and blessed. It’s been such a wonderful process with this book!
So–what do you think of the cover?
January 8th, 2010 at 3:39 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Cheryl Rainfield, Cheryl Rainfield. Cheryl Rainfield said: See the cover for SCARS! (I'm SO excited!) http://ow.ly/UnYx And read a bit about it. [...]
January 8th, 2010 at 3:43 pm
Cheryl,
Sounds like a fab book and a brave move on your part. Bravo! Cannot wait for the launch!
January 8th, 2010 at 3:43 pm
Cheryl,
Sounds like a fab book and a brave move on your part. Cannot wait for the launch!
January 8th, 2010 at 3:53 pm
Wow – Cheryl, that’s one powerful cover, and to hear that it’s so personal to you makes it even more so.
I wish you every success with the book.
January 8th, 2010 at 3:54 pm
Social comments and analytics for this post…
This post was mentioned on Twitter by CherylRainfield: See the cover for SCARS! (I’m SO excited!) http://ow.ly/UnYx And read a bit about it….
January 8th, 2010 at 3:57 pm
Mahtab, thank you! (grinning) I really appreciate that.
January 8th, 2010 at 3:57 pm
I can’t see the cover picture?
January 8th, 2010 at 3:58 pm
Marshall, thank you! (beaming) I’m glad you think it’s powerful, and I really appreciate the good wishes.
January 8th, 2010 at 4:04 pm
JE MacLeod–can you see it now? I put it up in a different format.
January 8th, 2010 at 4:07 pm
Cheryl,
All I can saw is WOW! The cover brought such a strong emotional surge through me. A chill. A knowing that this is a good story, and one that is real and moving. I will read this.
- Julie
January 8th, 2010 at 4:11 pm
Ah, Julie, thank you! (beaming) I’m so glad.
January 8th, 2010 at 5:04 pm
Simply incredible Cheryl!
January 8th, 2010 at 5:06 pm
Thank you, Kelly. (beaming) That means a lot.
January 8th, 2010 at 5:07 pm
Wow, Cheryl! An incredibly powerful cover. Congrats! Can’t wait to pick up the book.
January 8th, 2010 at 5:10 pm
Thank you, Jo! (grinning) I’m so glad you’ll pick up the book.
January 8th, 2010 at 5:22 pm
The cover looks fantastic! I’m so looking forward to buying a copy of this book, Cheryl.
January 8th, 2010 at 5:28 pm
What a great cover! Definitely attention grabbing. And how wonderful your editor was wise enough to use your own scars to add levels visually and emotionally to your book. Yay for Westside. I think my agent sent something to them and this really makes me hope to work with them.
January 8th, 2010 at 5:31 pm
Thanks, Debbie.
I’m glad you will.
January 8th, 2010 at 5:32 pm
Linda Joy, thank you. I thought it was wise, too. It made sure it wasn’t sensationalist, but also that it was real. WestSide, and Evelyn Fazio, are amazing; I hope you get to work with them!
January 8th, 2010 at 6:00 pm
That cover rocks. I wasn’t sure what the book was about but seeing this and reading your description, now I’m definitely interested in getting it. Brilliant idea and congratulations on getting input on your cover design! Thank you for your courage in putting your own scars into the photo.
This one’s going to be a good read.
January 8th, 2010 at 6:16 pm
Congratulations, Cheryl. I appreciate why it’s so important to you to have this story (almost) out there, and what a great bonus to have a cover you’re so pleased with, too. I hope this book helps brings you continued healing and helps begin healing for the many readers it will speak to as well.
January 8th, 2010 at 6:18 pm
Thank you, Kathy (smiling at you). That’s a wonderful wish. I’m really hoping it’ll reach others, too.
January 8th, 2010 at 6:20 pm
Robert, thank you! I’m so glad you like the cover, and glad that it interests you, that you might pick it up! (beaming)
January 8th, 2010 at 6:30 pm
Another big day, Cheryl, for you. What a journey you’ve had. You’re right, not all authors have the kind of input you’ve had on the covers of their books. That you’ve been such a key part of this speaks of the confidence the publisher has in you and in its own integrity. Love seeing your smiling face at the top of this page — it says much more than words.
January 8th, 2010 at 6:34 pm
Thank you, Peter (beaming at you). That is lovely of you to say! It really feels like the perfect fit of publisher, editor, and me/author. And yes–I smile so much more, now. I’m getting my dream!
January 8th, 2010 at 6:40 pm
It’s a fabulous cover! Congrats.
January 8th, 2010 at 6:42 pm
Thank you, Mar. (grinning)
January 8th, 2010 at 7:41 pm
Powerful cover, Cheryl. Congratulations.
January 8th, 2010 at 7:50 pm
Wow, Cheryl! What an amazing cover and what a difficult, but necessary topic to cover! Congrats on this one–I can’t wait to read it!
January 8th, 2010 at 8:04 pm
Becky, thank you! (grinning)
January 8th, 2010 at 8:07 pm
Lori, I really appreciate your saying that. I do think it’s important to talk about. And I’m glad you’ll read it!
January 8th, 2010 at 9:25 pm
Wonderful, Cheryl; just perfect. And yes, it’s rare for an author to have a say in the cover – but I think you well and truly deserve this piece of luck!
January 8th, 2010 at 9:31 pm
Thank you so much, Wendy (beaming). It really is nice to have good things happen now!
January 8th, 2010 at 10:08 pm
Nice post related to Self Harm Scarring.Many therapeutic approaches have been and are being developed to help self-harmers learn new coping mechanisms and teach them how to start using those techniques instead of self-injury. They reflect a growing belief among mental-health workers that once a client’s patterns of self-inflicted violence stabilize, real work can be done on the problems and issues underlying the self-injury.
January 9th, 2010 at 5:30 am
Cheryl: The cover is amazing. Strong, brave – it has impact. Like your novel will too.
So happy for you!
Nelsa
January 9th, 2010 at 7:06 am
Deliberate Self Harm–thank you for your response. Yes, it definitely helps to learn alternative coping mechanisms. And, I believe that real work can be done even while the person is self-harming. But of course, it’s important to get safe, to treat oneself with respect and caring….
January 9th, 2010 at 7:07 am
Nelsa, thank you. (smiling at you) I really appreciate what you said! It felt good to read.
January 9th, 2010 at 8:44 am
Incredible cover! Can’t wait to read it, Cheryl!
January 9th, 2010 at 8:50 am
Thanks, Lena. (grinning)
January 9th, 2010 at 9:54 am
I am a fellow WestSide author and I think this is one of the best covers I’ve seen WestSide put out. I love the toughness and tenderness, the pain and the promise of hope and after hearing your story and that those are your arms I can’t wait to read. Kudos to you and kudos to WestSide!
January 9th, 2010 at 11:44 am
Cheryl,
WOW! The cover is amazing, and knowing the story behind is is poignant and makes it even MORE gripping. I can’t wait to read your book…
Is the M.C. a lesbian? I want to know more, and maybe we can do something on my blog to help get the word out about it, too…
I’m very VERY excited for you!
Namaste,
Lee
January 9th, 2010 at 3:29 pm
Bethany, hi! And thank you. (smiling) I’m so glad you can see the tenderness and hope, as well as the pain! I wanted that in there–in both the cover, and, of course, the story. And yeah–WestSide is wonderful!
January 9th, 2010 at 3:30 pm
Lee, yes, my main character, Kendra, is lesbian, and interested in another girl. She also has an adult gay friend who’s a bit of a mentor for her. I would *love* any help in getting out the word; thank you!
January 9th, 2010 at 3:31 pm
And I’m so glad you like the cover, and find it poignant, and like knowing the story behind it. Thanks, Lee!
January 10th, 2010 at 6:11 am
Cheryl,
I am so thrilled for you. This book is needed. You have worked so hard to get this story out. I am glad that you found such an sensitive and daring publisher.
The cover is startling, eyecatching and oh so poignant!
I cannot wait to read this book and will be hightailing it down to my local indie bookstore to order a copy and to make sure he knows all about it.
Gillian
January 10th, 2010 at 10:33 am
Gillian, *thank you*! I really appreciate what you said. I, too, am so glad I found such an amazing publisher.
And oh, I’m so glad you like the cover! And delighted that you’ll read Scars! Thank you, thank you! (beaming)
January 10th, 2010 at 7:21 pm
I’m go glad you wrote this book, and I can’t wait to read it. My arm looks much likes yours, and I am cheering for you, your determination, stamina and bravery. Congratulations.
January 10th, 2010 at 7:24 pm
Somebody–I really appreciate your writing. I’m sorry for the pain you’ve been through! And I am so glad you’ll pick up Scars and read it. I hope it’ll speak to you.
Thank you for your post and your kind words; it felt good to read.
Take good care of you,
Cheryl
January 11th, 2010 at 4:43 pm
Wow, that’s one powerful cover. I can’t wait to read the book!
January 11th, 2010 at 4:47 pm
Thanks, Maggi! I’m glad to hear it. (smiling)
January 19th, 2010 at 6:05 pm
It’s so amazing, Cheryl, that you are sharing your life with people on such a deeply meaningful level. Yours can’t have been an easy road and by taking this brave step you are telling others that you understand. And that’s exactly what someone who picks up your book may need. Good for you. I’m proud of you.
January 19th, 2010 at 6:19 pm
Thank you, Claudia. (smiling at you) I really appreciate what you said! It felt good to read. I know I needed books like this when I was a teen–and now, too–so I am hoping it’ll reach others.
January 19th, 2010 at 7:26 pm
Cheryl, it’s awesome and disturbing and amazing. I can’t wait to read the book…
January 19th, 2010 at 7:32 pm
Thank you so much, Bev. (smiling) I’m glad!
January 21st, 2010 at 7:29 pm
Wow, Cheryl. I am so pleased for you that this book, SCARS, is coming out. As a sexual abuse survivor myself, I understand what it’s like to have the urge to self-harm. For me, the pain came out in the form of an eating disorder and a variety of other disorders. I am sure that writing SCAR was therapeutic for you; I know that writing Courage in Patience was, for me.
I will definitely pre-order your book.
Proud to know another Survivor recognizes the need to let young adults know they are not alone.
Beth Fehlbaum, author
Courage in Patience
http://www.bethfehlbaumya.com
June 7th, 2010 at 7:57 pm
Anyway, this reminds me alot of myself. I am currently writing a book called The Scar Collector, which is about a girl who is severely abused by her parents until the day they die and the struggles she has after their death. Though my book is mostly fiction alot of what happens in my book happened in real life.
I applaud you for writing this!
June 8th, 2010 at 4:59 am
Beth, thank you so much for getting Scars! And for being open about being a survivor, too–here and in your book. That takes great courage! And yes, oh yes, it’s so important to let teens–and anyone who’s been through stuff–know they’re not alone. Your book sounds important.
Annie, I’m glad you’ll read (and buy) Scars; thank you for telling me.
Good for you to help break the silence by writing. That takes a lot of courage and strength. And I’m sorry for the abuse you went through.
take care, cheryl