I’m at a special point in the journey of publishing my new book, The Silent Dance of Stars. After years of shaping words and worlds, I’m now holding the visual side of the story in my hands—the cover design. This week, I’m preparing a test print (a galley) to see how the book feels as a physical object before making final adjustments.
The book itself will be bound in navy-blue linen with my name and title stamped in gold foil. Over it rests a dust jacket that carries the imagery of the story—a visual prologue to the world within.
On the front cover, you’ll meet Abe, the main character. He stands in his long coat, but the perspective tilts—he’s viewed from below, diagonally—making the image both serene and unsettling. Above him, Chinese lanterns drift upward, glowing softly, until they merge with the stars themselves. It’s a quiet, haunting moment that captures the atmosphere of the novel.
The front flap carries a quote, written in the voice of one of the characters, reflecting on Abe. Below it, hidden but waiting, is an illustration of Edward, the familiar—a black cat whose presence lingers throughout the story.
The spine and back cover extend the night sky, where a jackal with radiant eyes watches over Sophie—Abe’s love and a central figure in the story—who stands before the black house that plays its own part in the tale. The design wraps into the back flap, continuing the celestial theme.
The entire palette is monochromatic with bold red highlights—a restrained yet striking approach, where the glazes of red draw the eye toward details that matter.
This cover feels more like a tapestry than just a jacket—it carries the atmosphere of the novel in every detail. I can’t wait to share the final version with you all once the galley is in my hands. For now, here’s a look at the artwork and mock-up.
Cover Illustration - will probably change a little after print copy lands in my hand
Dust jacket cover:
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