1. What was the first book you remember reading? Can you describe the cover of the book and did you like the cover?

One of the first books I remember reading was The Castle of Yew by Lucy M. Boston. I’m sure there were books I read before that but this was the one that made an impression on me because I loved both the title and the cover. A Castle made of yew trees sounded cool and in the picture they looked huge. Plus, the children on the front were holding some kind of massive sparkler that gave off stars. I loved it!

2. When did you first know you were destined to be a writer?

Not for ages. I was in my 30s, I think. And even now I sometimes wonder at it!

3. Have you ever purchased a book because of the cover alone? If yes, which one and why?

Occasionally I will, if something really catches my eye. Gallows Thief by Bernard Cornwell was one book I picked up because the cover was so evocative.

4. Who gave you your first break in publishing?

Elizabeth Johnson, who was editor of the historical line at Harlequin Mills & Boon. She read my first manuscript and sent me three pages of revision notes. It was then I started to believe that the book might actually make it into print. I’ve always been hugely grateful to her for taking that chance on me.

5. What was your first published book and what did the cover look like? Did you love it or hate it and why?

True Colors. I must admit I didn’t like the UK cover very much. It looked as though the hero was about to bite the heroine’s neck – and it wasn’t a vampire story! The US cover was much nicer, very tasteful and pretty in a traditional regency kind of way.

6. Do you believe a cover can increase or decrease the sales of a book? Have any covers affected the sales of your books?

That’s a very interesting question. I think the answer must be “yes” although I don’t really have any definitive proof! If a cover catches a reader’s eye they are going to pick it up and will probably be more inclined to buy. If it isn’t very appealing then they will probably pass it by. Certainly I think the gorgeous covers for my Brides of Fortune series helped them to sell really well.

7. What has been your favorite book cover from all of your releases and why?

That’s a really tough choice because I have had some lovely covers from Harlequin Historicals and HQN Books. One of my favorites is the cover of my third book for HQN, Unmasked, which was featured in the 2008 contest on this site. I love the crimson color of the chair and the contrast with her gown. I think the cover looks very pretty and intriguing.

8. What trends do you see in book covers currently and in the future?

There have been a lot of “headless” covers on both contemporary and historical romance books. Recently, I’ve seen a move towards “full face” covers, which I really like. The cover of Stephanie Laurens’ The Elusive Bride is gorgeous, with a slightly gothic feel I love.

9. What has been your least favorite cover from all of your releases and why?

The cover I hated was Lord Greville’s Captive from Mills & Boon. I loved the book and it broke my heart when I saw the cover! The heroine’s position is undignified, to say the least, and the roses are irrelevant. The book was published in 2006 but it looks like a throwback to the 1970s or even earlier.

10. Do you have a current or upcoming release to share with Cover Cafe? Please give us the details and a peek at the cover, too!

My Brides of Fortune books, The Confessions of a Duchess, The Scandals of an Innocent, and The Undoing of a Lady are currently on the shelves. I love the scarlet gown from the cover of Confessions!

Update: Nicola's latest releases Whisper of Scandal, One Wicked Sin, and Mistress by Midnight were published in the fall of 2010.

Nicola Cornick's website

Linnae Crady ()

Back to the Take Ten With feature page.

Author image, and covers are displayed with permission from author.