Today I am so pleased to welcome Rebecca Cohen back to Joyfully Jay. Rebecca has been stopping by for a series of posts about her journey self publishing Captain Merric. Today she is here for an exclusive cover reveal. She has also brought along a giveaway. Please join me in giving her a big welcome!

 

Welcome to my final post about my upcoming pirate romance novel, Captain Merric

First things first, here is the amazing cover. Created by Garrett Leigh from https://www.blackjazzdesign.com/ and I can honestly say I am so pleased with what she created. I’ve have the cover for a number of months now, and it has been so hard to keep it under wraps.

 

eCaptainMerric

 

I’ve been lucky with the publishers I’ve worked with when it came to covers, but what self-publishing gives you is complete freedom over your cover. That is great, but also a little daunting, so for me it was important to work with a cover artist that knew what they were doing. For Captain Merric, I originally has an idea for a super stylised skull and cross bones, something stark in black and white, and this was my idea when I first contacted Garrett and filled in the cover specification sheet. We started to discuss the design and I pointed out a few images and covers I liked, and I slowly realised that what actually I wanted, no needed, was a cover to say pirate romance and that would grab the audience. So I left it in Garrett’s hands and she researched the other pirate books, a good sign that your cover artist knows what they’re doing!

When I saw the draft cover, I knew she was on to a winner. But there were still things to thrash out. My original Merric didn’t have a beard, so after seeing the alternative models (including one that has such a smug face it gave Garrett the urge to punch him), we agreed on this one. And I then asked if she could remove the beard… yeah, don’t laugh, I’m a writer not a graphic artist! But in the end, I loved this Merric and I went back to the story and gave him a beard – another thing to thank the the freedom of self-publishing for. I’m not sure I’d have had the same freedom from a publishing house.

I’m nearly at the end of my self-publishing journey. I’ve the edits complete, MS formatted and the cover complete. Now it’s time to release the novel and let Captain Merric sail into the sunset.

Captain Merric, release date 6th April 2018, available to pre-order from Amazon from 23rd March.


Excerpt

Here’s a brief glimpse of what’s in store – Daniel (Royal Navy officer) and Edward (Captain Merric) need to get to know each other better after 15 years apart.

Daniel shook his head but followed as Edward made his way through the garden down another path Daniel had not yet had a chance to explore. They weren’t heading to the town or to the pool, and instead arrived at a small secluded beach with a jetty extending out into the waves, where a rowing boat was moored.

They climbed aboard, Daniel making sure he wasn’t in the position to man the oars. “Since you’re so keen for physical activities you can row.”

Edward tutted as he sat, but he picked up the oars. “I didn’t become Captain Merric to row my own boat.”

Daniel untied the rope and settled down to enjoy the view of the sea and Edward being put to work. “I still don’t really understand why you became a pirate. I know the circumstances but not the reasoning. You weren’t a lawbreaker back in England.”

“What other choice did I have? After I was shipwrecked I had no money to return to England, and later it was clear I would not be welcome even if I did. I had no trade in which to offer my service, apart from being handy with a sword and a decent shot, but didn’t have your mapmaking or navigation skills.”

“You are saying necessity drove you to piracy?”

“Basically, yes.”

“But what kept you there?”

Edward thought for a moment before continuing. “I guess nothing deeper than I enjoyed the thrill of it, and the spoils. Money, men, and women willing to do as I wish, the infamy. It’s an intoxicating mix.”

“I am surprised this little boat can bear the weight of your ego.”


Blurb

eCaptainMerricA tale of pirates, lost love, and the fight for a happy ending.

After he’s set adrift and left to die by his mutinous crew, the last person Royal Navy officer Daniel Horton expects to come to his rescue is Captain Merric. An infamous pirate, Merric is known as much for stealing his victims’ hearts as their jewels. Daniel’s world is about to be turned upside down when he recognises Captain Merric as none other than Edward Merriston, someone he thought he’d never see again.

Edward can’t believe Daniel Horton is aboard his ship. While Edward is willing to do anything he can to get a second chance at their happy ending, Daniel isn’t interested in digging up the past. But Daniel is one priceless treasure Captain Merric isn’t about to let go of without a fight.

Preorder link: Amazon


Bio

hel2-2REBECCA COHEN is a Brit abroad. Having swapped the Thames for the Rhine, she has left London behind and now lives with her husband and young son in Basel, Switzerland. She can often be found with a pen in one hand and a cup of Darjeeling in the other.

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Giveaway

For your chance to win a copy of the ebook of Captain Merric, once published, leave a comment below. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this amazing cover! I’ll pick the winners (4 in total – one from each post), after the cover reveal in March – so plenty of time to comment and you can go back to the previous posts to add comments too. The contest ends on Monday, March 26th at 11:59 pm ET. 

  • By entering the giveaway, you’re confirming that you are at least 18 years old.
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