Update #6: The Perfect Cover Photo
For a few months, I had settle on a wonderful photograph depicting a baseball field in the Cuban countryside for my novel's cover art. This photo captured a game in progress, on a sunny day, under the bluest of skies. I had contacted the photographer, who was very professional and accessible, and we had struck a deal for the rights. I had done a number of cover designs based on this photo and had chosen one.
Then a few weeks ago I went searching for a photo to use on a post I was writing for my blog. I entered "children playing baseball" into the search and baseball #10 popped up. Mr. Frandsen, a photojournalist based in Stockholm had visited Cuba and discovered that "baseball is the national sport [i]n Cuba and the Cubans play it everywhere." This photograph is part of a series aptly titled "Baseball in Cuba."
The photo made a strong impression on me but I went to bed convinced that I already had a cover. I did not want to start all over again with design and marketing material. I found out, however, that I could not stop thinking about Mr. Frandsen's image. And the more I thought about it, the more it seemed meant for the book. I thought that I had found a portrait of the novel's protagonist and even though the story takes place in the 1960's, the scene appears timeless. Anyway, not much has changed in Cuba in fifty years.
The photo I've chosen for my novel's cover was not my first choice. But I believe it's the perfect one.
Please visit Johannes Frandsen's website and say hello. By the way, he is available for international work.
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This project reached the deadline without achieving its funding goal on July 15, 2010.
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Mention in printed program for book reading/launch party + Autographed poster from the same event + 1 copy of the book
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Framed Pedro Ramos baseball card (who makes a cameo in the novel) pasted on actual page where he is mentioned + "DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF BASEBALL ™" T-Shirt + 1 Autographed Book
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Skype conversation to talk about books and baseball + Mention in acknowledgment section of novel + T-Shirt + 2 autographed books
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Lunch -- on me -- at my favorite Cuban restaurant, located in Hoboken, New Jersey -- perfect if you live in Tri-State area or can afford to fly in + Special mention in acknowledgment section + T-Shirt + 2 autographed books
Project By
Connected as Jesus Maria Alvarez (399 friends)
I am a novelist, cartoonist, blogger, ex-architect and baseball evangelist. I edit Cubiyanqui, a blog I started on Independence Day 2009. I live in New Jersey with my wife and son, our dog Celeste and kitties Samantha and Bryce.
