About two years ago, I finished writing The Awakened.  Knowing that I eventually wanted to get it published, I ran a search on several online retail sites using my title and series names—to size up the competition. What I found was a book on Viking history published in the 50s.  So I proceeded with confidence that I had a unique title.

Yesterday, at the 11th hour of finalizing my manuscript text and cover artwork—before sending them to the printer—another online retail search turned up several books that share either my title or series name.  Most of them are in a different genre, but two are science-fiction/fantasy novels, and one involves an orphaned child “with super powers charged with killing demons and protecting humanity.”

This is a bit distressing, to say the least!

Also, I received word from my printing company that they do not offer a matte finish for covers in paperback, only a glossy finish.  A recent reconnaissance mission to the local bookstore showed that the majority of paperbacks on the shelves use a matte finish, while a few still use the glossy cover, which looks cheap by comparison.  When I do something that I’m passionate about, I don’t like to compromise.

…major bummer!

As you can imagine, this set me back a little.  Instead of working on the last bit of cover artwork, I spent last night stressing out!  How could I possibly change the title when it perfectly fits the protagonist and the series as a whole?  And why did I spend so much time tweaking the graphics if the cover finish is going to make it look like it belongs in the bargain bin?

Well, after a good night’s sleep and some perspective from discussing it with my wife, I am calmer today.  My primary purpose in writing The Awakened wasn’t to make money, but to get the story out of my head and share it with people.  I’m not going to change the title; it’s exactly as it should be.  And my printing company is the only one that I’ve found that will enable me to sell the book at a competitive price with other science-fiction/fantasy novels.

My hope is that the content of the book will make up for any deficiencies in the appearance of the cover.