The curse of the headless heroine: more discussion of book covers at Writing the Renaissance
Here is the link to Julianne's post. Funny how book covers bring up such interesting discussions.
It inspired me to design this book cover for Julianne's novel, The Measure of Silence. See: no face!
As Sheramy of Van Gogh's Chair commented, "[t]he point of much historical fiction is to give faces and voices to women of the past, and then the covers take their faces away." I agree. For me, a headless cover transforms a heroine into a generic female in fancy clothes.
I am very grateful to Dutton, my publisher, for taking my wishes into account in this regard. At all stages of the design of the cover for Mistress of the Revolution, my heroine had a face.
Posted by Catherine Delors at 4/24/2008 1:48 AM 
Categories: historical fiction,Publisher,Book Cover,Julianne Douglas,Mistress of the Revolution
Categories: historical fiction,Publisher,Book Cover,Julianne Douglas,Mistress of the Revolution
Not, bad for a headless woman! I like the prominent cross, as my MC's usual attire features a crucifix pendant. However, the clothes and jewelry are much too sumptuous for a draper's daughter. I suppose this is a problem an author often faces when presented with a cover design: it almost works, BUT...
I like the fact that you left the poor woman her mouth and chin. At least she can recite her poetry!
I've been looking at period portraits for ideas to suggest to the publisher. I might actually do a variation on the body-part theme: I've been searching for details of feminine hands with books or quills. At least then my heroine would be reduced to something more important and indicative of her character than a fancy dress.
Thanks for taking the time to design a cover, Catherine! A potential second career for you to consider, if this writing thing doesn't work out. [wink]
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I know, the dress and jewelry are very ornate (this is Elisabeth de Valois.) But they are as well in the portrait of Louise Labe on your blog. I love the idea of a hand holding a quill or book.
And yes, I have thought of a third career as a book cover designer...
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Thanks for the mention, Catherine!
I'm actually in the midst of Mistress right now (end of semester craziness cramps my reading time...) and am liking it very much. And I think your cover is lovely: you were lucky!
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You are very welcome, Sheramy. I want to add you to my blogroll, once I figure out the bugs in my blogging software.
Delighted to hear you like Mistress and looking forward to your impressions once you are done reading it!
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