RASHOMON GATE on KINDLE

[I. J. Parker]

This is one of the novels where e-rights reverted to me and not to Penguin.  To my enormous delight, I get to use them myself.

As with HELL SCREEN (same situation), I had to provide my own cover design.  I usually scour Japanese art for something useful and time-appropriate, in this case a print by Yoshitoshi.  The novel is probably the most romantic of all of them (which may account for the fact that it garners slightly more sales than the others) and involves wisteria blossoms.  I love trying to find fitting images.  Most of the professionally designed covers I have seen were done by artists who hadn't read the books.

The books I'm taking directly to Kindle sell for 4.99, unlike the Penguin-owned ones (12.99). I hope that will spur sales.  Perhaps it may also bring me more readers.

 

[I. J. Parker]

B.R., I realize I still have much to learn about designing covers on a computer, but I have a background in art, I know what my books are about, and I know Japanese art and how to access it. That leaves the lettering, and I'm working on that. Besides, I enjoy doing this.  I illustrated the first two books myself.

So I rather doubt they can do anything for me.  Keep in mind that I write a sort of special book that needs the right kind of cover.

[B.R.Stateham]

All I'm saying, I.J. is this; talk to them.  Get a feel of what they could do for you.  I can almost guarantee you they would leap at this chance to do cover art for you.

[I. J. Parker]

How intriguing!  :)

We are talking thumb nail thingies here.  And besides, I lean towards authenticity.  That's something none of the professional artists has been able to give me.  So I go to the real Japanese artists.

[B.R.Stateham]

Love the covers, I.J.  But, the Carmona brothers have a breathtaking visual presence that would just absolutely radiant a sense of color and intrigue with your novels.

[I. J. Parker]

Thanks, B.R.  Don't you like my covers?

[B.R.Stateham]

I.J. if you are looking for illustrators who would do magnificent work for you, and will do it reasonably price wise, let me recommend Jesus and Javier Carmona.  Go take a look at their web site at.

Http://carmonaart.com

 

[I. J. Parker]

Thanks much.  Yes, the Penguin price guarantees no one buys the e-version.

[Benjamin Sobieck]

I think you'll enjoy having some control back, IJ. Seems you were always getting the raw deal. My best wishes for RG's new life on Kindle.

 

And what's with that $12.99 price point? Shiste.