Edited manuscript? Check.
Cover artwork? Check.
Leading pages? Check.
Author Photo? Hrmm.
Do we really need to put a picture on the back of the book? Can’t people just assume I’m a crazy-haired cat lady who watched too many G.I. Joe cartoons as a kid? Well, according to my friend Carolyn, everyone looks at the author’s picture on the back of the book. Why, Carolyn, whyyy? Because as the reader goes through the words, they want to flip back and look at the kind of person who created this world.
Oh oh.
Seeing that she’s living the life I want, completely able to sustain her lifestyle off her art, I should listen to the gal. So off I go, and enlist my filmmaker friend to play Annie Leibovitz to my Whoopi Goldberg.
I already don’t like to wear makeup, I don’t like to wear fitted clothes, and I don’t like to be outside when it’s cold, so you BETTER like these attempts I made, cuz I’m doing it for you, Dear Reader, I’m doing it…FOR YOUUUU!
We’ve yet to select the final shot, so feel free to recommend which one we should clean and send to copy in the Comments section!
LOCATION: City of Gulfport, Florida
Before you get all pro photog on me, yes, the lighting was super bright, yes, I need to widen my eyes more, and yes, there’s too many shadows. That’s why Photoshop was invented!
The Archives of Von Simeon 
You look wonderful in all of them, but for the author photo, I suggest the “attempt at character” one.
I agree with dbgb (unless you are planning on taking more). The shadow play is super cool as a back drop.
I also like the “attempt at character” best. On looking at author’s photo, sometimes I do, but most photos seem totally bland. So having an interesting photo would be a blessing.
Thank you for the feedback, all! Yes, Spring, I was thinking crop out the right a bit, do like a hug so the center (me) is fully lit, wheras the surround is all shadow. The only thing is I’m pale as a ghost! There’s a whole nother round of photos, I’ll get those up for ya’ll on Friday.
You have beautiful skin. Don’t worry about being “pale as a ghost” — it’s good to stand out anyways, so the contrast is a good thing.
I’m in the minority but I love the ‘slap me’ photo.
I love it too! Just don’t see it as an author’s photo. But again, ALL these photos are great.
Oh wow, haha! My first thought when I saw it was, this must be what I look like when I’m drunk/high! But it is an authentic picture, I am glad you like it. 🙂
sweet pics… flaunt it, girly! my favorite for the book is 2936… with character…
Thanks bro!
Man, everyone’s been so helpful and insightful today. Well your job’s not over, there’s more to go through! As we used to say in the 20th Century, stay tuned 😉