Cover Design of The Engagement Bargain, Sherri Shackelford

Sometimes a cover just comes together into a beautiful representation of the author's book. When this happens the author rejoices. It's not all a matter of chance though, as many can testify. Sometimes it's sending just the right information and finding the perfect pictures to accompany those art fact sheets.

Harlequin authors fill out forms online and send supporting photographs to their editors. The editors take these to the design and marketing team, where together they select color, scene and title by comparing them to all the other covers for that month, as well as the past and the upcoming month.

I asked Sherri Shackelford to share the image she included with her art fact sheets for The Engagement Bargain, and she graciously supplied this for our education and enjoyment.

Pinterest has made it more fun as well as easier to collect images. Authors can create inspiration boards for their books. CLICK HERE to see Sherri's board for this book.

Make-believe betrothal  

Rock-solid and reliable, confirmed bachelor Caleb McCoy thought nothing could rattle him—until he discovers he needs to pose as Anna Bishop's intended groom. After saving her life, his honorable code bid Caleb watch over the innocent beauty. And a pretend engagement is the only way to protect her from further harm. 

Raised by a single mother and suffragist, Anna doesn't think much of marriage—and she certainly doesn't plan to try it herself. But playing Caleb's blushing bride-to-be makes her rethink her independent ways, because their make-believe romance is becoming far too real… 

Prairie Courtships: Romance on the range 

Intrigued?
Order Sherri's book here: