The art director of Minotaur Books posted this fascinating entry about the evolution of the cover and packaging of HUSH MONEY, the first in a series.

When the subject of cover art for HUSH MONEY first came up, I immediately thought of a Pasadena artist named R. Kenton Nelson, whose work I admire greatly. I went as far as to contact Kenton, who expressed interest, but, alas, too late, as the folks at St. Martin’s Press had already begun working with John.

My first reaction upon seeing a slightly earlier version of the final cover was mild concern that it looked too much like a Carl Hiaason novel. The responses from my editor and agent, however, were so strongly positive that I had to reconsider, and I eventually agreed that there was a lot to be said for John’s design, including its bold colors and graphics that really popped off the page (and, we hoped, the bookshelf.)

There was one final issue to be resolved, and that was whether to include a blurb quotation on the cover. Once again I resisted, but once again I think my first instinct was wrong. In any event, what debut author of legal thrillers wouldn’t be thrilled to have praise from Philip Margolin on his cover?

What do you think about the cover of HUSH MONEY?