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While I'm still waiting to hear back from Pyr regarding my manuscript, I went on the Digital Webbing forums and asked if an artist would be interested in doing a cover for the novel.

Chris Shehan responded and I was very impressed with some of his other work that he showed me. Just this morning, he sent me the first rough sketch. It's pretty damn awesome.

If I buy this book and it's not about the mysterious mating habits of the majestic Armadillo, I'mma be pissed.

Looks interesting!

What if it stars a five-foot-nothing mutant armadillo named Dilbert Pinkerton?

He digs for the truth.

That is an awesome sketch. Perfect for the cover.

Dave said:

Looks interesting!

Click to expand...

It isn't interesting, okay it is, but it is also an AWESOME novel.

Just saying.

I take it you're publishing it yourself now, TNG, since publishers don't take covers from the author.

It's a cool design and perspective. I'll look forward to seeing the finished version.

As I said in the original post, I've contacted Pyr and waiting to hear back from them. Part of me is hoping that maybe they'll consider my friend's cover. I told him I couldn't guarantee it, but I'd at least ask.

Self-publishing, personally, isn't an option.

Wow, they actually accept unagented submissions. I think I can count on one hand how many publishers I've seen who are willing to do that. I wish you good luck then; that's a good find.

Finished version of the cover. One nitpick aside about Dill's underbelly (which I told Chris about), this is absolutely gorgeous.

Holy shit. That's incredible.

Right? Right!?

Honestly, Nick, most publishers don't take art that the author has suggested or submitted... but when you get one, they need to swallow their pride and take a fucking look, because that's more apt to attract people than whatever shitty Photoshop job they wanna suggest from their in-guy.

My thoughts exactly. I knew, when I was writing this novel, exactly the kind of cover I wanted. While this isn't exactly what I had in mind (and likely would be hard to accomplish unless I could draw it myself), it's pretty damn close and damn gorgeous. At the very least, I'll send a link of the picture along with my cover letters if it's online. If it's by snail mail (which seems to becoming rarer and rarer), I'll print out a copy and send it with the manuscript. Not only do I want my friend Chris to get what he deserves, but I may very well use him again for future covers.

So, so cool.

Well, with all this talk of novels and stuff, I need to keep Dilbert Pinkerton in the spotlight a little bit. NO ONE STEALS MY SPOTLIGHT, DAMMIT!

Having a look at this thread, I realized that I hadn't posted the final, fully updated picture since I asked Chris to make a few changes to Dill on the cover. Specifically, giving him a hairy underbelly and his muttonchops/chin strap, which he scratches when he's stumped or just waking up.



When I first saw the image, I thought Dill's beard made him look sort of Amish. Which, knowing Dill, is hilariously ironic.

Definitely an improvement. I love the wear marks on the corners of the art as well.