Most Authors Start With the Cover. I Start With the Story. 📚

In children’s publishing, many books are designed with the cover first.

My process works a little differently. For the Macieverse Magic Collection, the story leads the way. Once the adventure is fully formed, the cover is designed so every detail can reflect the curiosity, learning, and discovery waiting inside.

As I guide the illustrator through the final design of the cover for Macie and the Magic Rocket Seeds, I often come back to a few simple questions to make sure the illustration aligns with the story’s vision:

• Does it feel like it belongs in the Macieverse?
• Does it spark curiosity and invite discovery?
• Does it hint at the lesson waiting inside the story?

More soon… the cover reveal is coming. 📘 🚀 ✨

Peter Contardo