Tom Edward
Pricing
Discover transparent and flexible pricing for my illustrations that aligns with your creative vision and budget. Whether you're seeking captivating character designs, immersive concept art, or striking logos, find a pricing structure that suits your unique needs.
Professional book covers that captivate your audience don’t have to be complicated. At Tom Edwards Design, I offer clear and transparent pricing for every author’s needs. Whether you’re launching an ebook, preparing a stunning full cover for print, or looking for ultra-wide designs to stand out, my packages ensure premium quality tailored to your vision. Explore the options below and let’s create something extraordinary for your story.
Ebook Cover Design – £800
High-quality, custom ebook cover design tailored for Amazon, Apple Books, Kobo, and more.
Includes:
- Custom typography and design.
- High-resolution JPG/PNG files.
- Optimized for online platforms.
- 2k and 4k Art without text for marketing, prints, and wallpapers
Full Cover Design (Print & Ebook) – £1,000
A complete front, back, and spine design for print and digital use.
Includes:
- Custom typography and design.
- Print-ready PDF (with bleed).
- Ebook cover version included.
- 2k and 4k Art without text for marketing, prints, and wallpapers
Ultra-Wide Design – £1,200
Perfect for panoramic covers, box sets, banners, or promotional materials.
Includes:
- Everything from Ebook and Full Cover options.
- Ultra-wide composition for enhanced impact.
- Flexible cropping options for various formats.
What’s Included with Every Package
- Initial consultation to understand your book and vision.
- Licensing for commercial use.
- Fast and responsive communication throughout the process.
- NO AI is used in my creation process. You'll receive a completely original and copyrightable cover!
Add-On Options
- Rush delivery (7-day turnaround): Add £200.
- Additional revisions after completion: Price will vary depending on each revision.
- Audiobook conversion: £50
- Hardback PDF: £25
- Extra Paperback formats (Ingram Spark, Lulu, etc) - £10 each
- 3D cover render: £35
- Social media banner (Facebook, X, Instagram): £15 per banner
- Art prints: Price on request
Special Offers for Trilogies and Series
Creating a cohesive look for a trilogy or a longer series is key to building your brand and drawing in loyal readers. If you’re working on a multi-book project, I’d be happy to work out a tailored offer that ensures consistency across all covers while giving you excellent value.
Whether it’s a trilogy or an epic saga, we can discuss a package that fits your needs and brings your series to life. Get in touch to explore your options and start planning your next captivating set of covers!
Author Offers
If you’re a new author or a published author working with me for the first time, be sure to check out my Book Cover Offers page for some great discounts!
Your book deserves a cover that captures its essence and draws readers in. With years of experience in creating eye-catching designs for authors worldwide, I’m here to help bring your vision to life. Ready to get started? Reach out today, and let’s create something unforgettable together.
Fantasy
Embark on a fantastical journey through my enchanting fantasy illustrations, where mythical creatures, magical landscapes, and epic adventures come to life with every stroke of the brush. Immerse yourself in a realm of wonder and imagination, where the extraordinary awaits at every turn.
Meet The Authors
Meet some of the amazing authors I've had the privilege of collaborating with. In this interview series, I delve into their writing processes, influences, inspirations, techniques of worldbuilding, and the advice they have for aspiring writers.
Scott Bartlett
'My biggest challenges in becoming a writer were what’s often called the ‘inner critic’ and also writing consistently.'
Scott Bartlett writes his books from inside a mech, which is inside the hangar bay of a light armored cruiser stationed just past Jupiter. Certain parts of the last sentence may not be completely true. Here are some more believable statements:
Scott was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland – the easternmost province of Canada. During his decade-long journey to become a full-time author, he supported himself by working an assortment of jobs…
...salmon hatchery technician, grocery clerk, youth care worker, ghostwriter, research assistant, pita maker, and freelance editor.
In 2014, he succeeded in becoming a full-time novelist, and he’s been writing science fiction at light-speed ever since.
Click here to check out Scott's new military sci-fi box set, Ship of Prophecy, which collects the three complete series of the Ixan Saga!
The Interview
What was the best part of working with Tom to design your cover?
Tom’s artwork shouts quality and style, and as far as I’m concerned there’s no better way for me to package my books.
Moreover, Tom’s range is incredible, and no matter what I’ve asked for in my cover brief, he has always been able to represent it strikingly. If ever I request tweaks or changes, Tom has always been incredibly accommodating in implementing them promptly. But generally speaking, my covers turn out best when I trust his artistic ability and instincts.
Can you describe your typical writing routine? Do you have any specific rituals or habits that help you get into the creative zone?
My writing routine tends to change yearly, and sometimes monthly. I have a high appetite for novelty, and it seems I’m always experimenting with what routine will lead to the best results, in terms of creativity and output. The demands and realities of life have an impact too. After a break from writing, it always takes some time to get back into the flow of things.
Since 2024 began, I’ve been getting up at 6am, which has been something of an adjustment from my normal wake-up time of 9am – or later! Getting up at 6, though, I normally start writing around 8:30. At 9am I do a little bit of necessary admin work, and by 9:20am I’m usually driving to my office in the closest town to me. That’s about a 10-minute drive.
Once there, I write until 1pm, and then I stop, no matter how much I’ve written. For some accountability, I’ve also started logging my word counts, both per-day and per-session, as well as tracking my average rate of words-per-hour.
But what I’m finding really effective is trying not to worry too much about how many words I’m getting in per day, and instead focusing on writing consistently throughout the period I’ve allotted for it each day. I’ve already had one hiccup, but I was able to quickly kick things up again the next day, with a renewed focused on those two principles: not focusing too much on word totals and forcing myself to stop at 1pm, which acts as a signal to myself that I’d better spend my time before 1pm writing, or it simply won’t get done!
Why did you choose Tom Edwards Design to create your cover?
Early in my writing career, I made the decision to always work with the most talented professionals available to me. I knew that to stand out in an increasingly competitive book market, my prospects would be well served by an investment in working with an artist who would represent my work in the most compelling and dynamic way possible.
When I published my first space opera book in 2016, Tom Edwards was the premiere cover artist to work with in the genre. Fast forward to 2024, and that hasn’t changed. Back then, when I was first starting out, working with Tom meant a stretch for my budget. It meant taking a bit of a financial risk.
That investment has paid off – many, many times over. I consider my decision to work with Tom early on as one of those pivotal moments that contributed significantly to my success as a writer.
What makes you come back to Tom to design your covers?
I've kept coming back to Tom, dozens of times, for every single book cover, for one simple reason: I understand what gets readers interested in my books.
The saying “don’t judge a book by its cover” is rarely ever followed, if ever. Virtually every reader judges a book by its cover. What’s more, they do it in less than a second.
That’s all you’re likely to have to grab a reader’s attention – a fraction of a second. These days, readers are treated to a smorgasbord of high-quality books to choose from. They scroll through page after page of them.
For yours to catch their eye, it has to leap off the screen at them. That’s what Tom’s work does – it reaches out and grabs them.
Your book’s cover represents the very first step readers must take on the path to reading your book. If you don’t make it an attractive step, chances are they’ll never take it.
What books, authors, or life experiences have had a significant impact on your writing style and the themes you explore in your work?
Ender’s Game is the book I’ve reread the most: I’ve read it seven times, and I think it’s had a pretty unmistakable influence on my work. I also read Dune as a teenager, and found its world detailed and immersive enough that I’m sure it’s inspired my love of worldbuilding. In fact, that’s my favorite part of writing now!
I’ve also read my share of epic fantasy, which I believe has impacted my work too. These days, I find myself taking a deep dive into the lore of J. R. R. Tolkien Lord of the Rings, with a particular focus on how Tolkien wove his beliefs into the staggeringly detailed world he created. I’m currently reading the appendices to LOTR, and I recently picked up The Silmarillion from an airport bookstore.
What obstacles have you encountered in your writing journey, and how have you overcome them?
My biggest challenges in becoming a writer were what’s often called the ‘inner critic’ and also writing consistently. I decided I wanted to become a writer when I was 15, and while I managed to write my first novel in high school, I really had no idea what it meant to stay disciplined as a writer.
It was partly insecurity, or my ‘inner critic,’ that kept me from writing consistently. I would always have an ideal in my head that I could never seem to match on the page. I’d reread my work and think it was junk. My stories just didn’t seem as special or impactful as what I’d envisioned when I set out to write them. And I let that stunt me. It made writing painful for me, and I would procrastinate a lot, when what I probably should have been doing was practicing by writing more.
Gradually, I gained the confidence to write more and more consistently, and for better or worse, a big part of that involved external validation – first from submitting books to awards and winning a couple of them, and later from readers who enjoyed my work.
As for finding enough time to write: I found it hard to come home from a day job and then make myself write. At the end of each day, I just didn’t seem to have the motivation for it. My solution was to save up enough money to be able to quit the job for a few months and focus on writing full-time. When the money ran out, I’d find another job, and start saving again. I went through that cycle until I started making enough money from my writing to write full-time indefinitely, which I’ve been blessed to be able to do ever since. That was nearly 10 years ago, now.
How do you engage with your readership? Do you actively seek feedback, and if so, how does it influence your future writing?
I keep in touch with readers via semi-regular email newsletters and also individual email correspondence. There’s also the Readers Group I started on Facebook, called Scott Bartlett’s Spacers: Space Opera Fans. I really enjoy keeping in touch with my readers. It’s one of my favorite parts of the job.
As for feedback, I have what I call my “Alpha Team,” which at any given time is five or so readers who read my early drafts and provide feedback as fans of the genre. My books also go out to the 500+ readers on my ARC Team around 2 weeks before launch, and in exchange, they’ll let me know about any typos they find, along with leaving an honest review on launch day. Other than that, I’m always open to reader feedback, and I do my best to continually improve my writing in light of it.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers who are just starting their journey or facing challenges in their creative pursuits?
I’d encourage aspiring writers to be clear about what their goals are. Is their goal to write for their own fulfillment, or do they want to make a career from this? Would they want a traditional publisher, or to publish their books independently? Will they write fiction or non-fiction? What genre will they write – and what will they need to know in order to write effectively in that genre? All answers to these questions are valid, but I believe it’s important for a writer to know what his or her answers are as early as possible.
Once they’ve figured out what kind of writing they’d like to do, I’d advise them to do their best to combat their inner critics and to stake out time in their schedules so that they can write consistently. I know from experience just how hard both things can be, and sometimes just learning how to practice can itself require practice.
One insight that likely would have helped me when starting out would be to ignore the daily word counts you see other authors posting. The word count an author should shoot for is the one he or she can do consistently, every day - even if that’s just 250 words. If you write 250 words, six days a week, that’s 78,214 in a year, or a decent-sized novel. And you can grow from there.
Technological Speculation: In your work, how do you balance scientific accuracy with imaginative leaps when introducing advanced technologies or futuristic concepts? Is this something that you think about?
It definitely is a balance, and sci-fi always involves some element of the speculative. I think of The Martian as the gold standard of hard science fiction, but it’s a sliding scale, and a lot of books would be considered part of that subgenre which don’t approach The Martian’s level of scientific accuracy.
Generally speaking, writers should avoid yanking readers out of the story they’re reading, and including anything that’s clearly false will probably cause enough dissonance to do that. But in some areas, readers seem tolerant of deviating from known science. For example, if a story has characters traveling from one star system to another in a timeframe short enough to be meaningful for the plot, then that story is breaking the law of relativity. But plenty of popular sci-fi stories have characters doing just that.
At the end of the day, I think it’s about sticking to the rules of the story you’ve set up from the start. As long those rules remain consistent, readers seem generally willing to come along for the ride.
Ethical Dilemmas: Science fiction often explores ethical dilemmas arising from technological advancements. Can you share how you incorporate ethical considerations into your storytelling and the impact it has on your narratives?
Absolutely. At the beginning of my Ixan Saga, it’s a new technology that leads to just such an ethical dilemma. Technology is a double-edged sword, and during the early adoption phase of a new technology, we often can’t see the negative consequences it will have for our society.
Humans use a technology called dark tech to dominate the galaxy in the Ixan Saga - a technology that allows them to open temporary wormholes to fire on targets with impunity. During this period of dominance, the species it shares the galaxy with grow resentful of humanity, and when dark tech finally fails, humanity finds itself surrounded by enemies.
Predicting the Future: How do you approach “future prediction”, and what considerations do you take into account when projecting potential developments in science, technology, or society?
I think humans are fundamentally very bad at predicting the future – there’s always a factor, either unforeseen or seemingly insignificant, that ends up having a much greater impact on reality than we think it will. Usually there are lots of those factors.
And so, I don’t bother trying to predict the future in my books. One might stumble on a detail here or there that ends up being correct, and some readers have called my books prescient, but that’s only because I identified a trend at its beginning that ended up becoming widespread.
And that’s to my point: I firmly believe that science fiction inevitably has far more to do with the present than it does with the future. I also don’t believe sentient aliens truly exist, so there’s also that, haha!
Storytelling Formats: Science fiction can be presented in various formats, from novels to short stories to episodic series. How does the chosen format influence your storytelling, and what advantages or challenges do you find in each?
I mostly write in story arcs that stretch across multiple books, since that’s what readers seem most interested in reading. Readers seem to enjoy characters they can get to know over a series – characters who become something akin to close friends. Watching characters grow as they confront successive challenges is one of the joys of reading fiction, and in a sci-fi series spanning multiple books, the challenges can get pretty epic!
Short stories seem great for experimenting with unique concepts, and I’ve written short stories that have later grown into novels. But I’m a novelist at heart, it seems. It’s “big ideas” that initially attracted me to this genre, and the longer formats really allow an author to flesh those out!
Genre Blending: Science fiction often intersects with other genres. How do you approach blending elements of science fiction with other genres, and what unique storytelling opportunities do you find in these intersections?
Like I mentioned, I’ve also read a lot of fantasy, and I think my work would be different if I hadn’t. For example, fantasy novels often feature multiple points of view, and that’s a hallmark of most of my books as well. The influence of fantasy is also clear with my trilogy The Ixan Prophecies, which was my first military science fiction series and also the first of the series that make up my Ixan Saga, three of which are collected in my recent box set Ship of Prophecy. In the Ixan Prophecies, it’s an alien prophecy which predicts the downfall of humanity that drives much of the conflict.
One never wants to simply regurgitate the same old tropes that a genre’s readers have seen time and time again. If it can be done in a way that makes sense for the genre, I believe that bringing in elements from other genres is a great way to keep things fresh and interesting, while breathing life into tropes that, while cherished, may have begun to grow a little stale otherwise.
Ship of Prophecy - available now on Amazon
Click here to check out Scott's new military sci-fi box set, Ship of Prophecy, which collects the three complete series of the Ixan Saga!
Character Design
Discover a gallery of compelling characters meticulously brought to life in my character illustrations. Each portrait is a window into unique personalities, stories, and emotions, capturing the essence of diverse worlds and narratives with every stroke.
Science Fiction
Dive into the cosmos with my extraordinary sci-fi illustrations. Immerse yourself in futuristic landscapes, otherworldly beings, and cutting-edge technology. Elevate your imagination with visually stunning sci-fi art that transcends the boundaries of the ordinary.
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L. E. Thomas
'I don't remember a time I wasn't interested in storytelling. My earliest memories are of my mother taking me to the library and reading books.'
L.E. Thomas is the creator of the Star Runners Universe. From a young age, he was captivated by tales of brave warriors, futuristic technology, and alien planets. Now, he brings those childhood dreams to life, crafting the kind of books he has always wanted to read. What began as scribbles in a notebook has grown into a vast and immersive universe filled with endless adventures. Readers are invited to embark on thrilling journeys among the stars.
You can find his work here.
The Interview
Your Star Runners series has a high school senior called Austin Stone as one of the main characters. I’m interested if this character is based on anyone you know or your former self?
I originally wrote the book for a young man I was mentoring to encourage him to read more for fun, so he was the original inspiration. However, friends told me Austin Stone is me – especially in the first book. I vividly remember feeling as a high school senior the same way he did about the next step in life, which I am sure we all feel the same when we are about to leave home for the first time. There is uncertainty about that next phase, which is terrifying and only magnified when your friends appear to have it all figured out. I felt the same as Austin.
Why did you choose Tom Edwards Design to create your cover?
I had long admired Tom’s work and visited his excellent website often before I reached out to see if we could work together. I always thought he had a way of creating these imagination-boosting images that made me want to enter them and find out more, which is what great art can accomplish seemingly without effort. Tom does that with every piece of art he produces.
How do you approach designing and portraying your detailed game worlds in your novels?
Great question! In many ways, I have been creating these worlds for nearly thirty years since middle school with my friend C.G. Adams. We created a game called Star Runners, and we spent countless hours dreaming and creating. We never really stopped.
What set Tom apart from other book cover designers you’ve seen or worked with?
I have never had an artist so quickly transform my initial ideas and take them to the next level. I always see what he produced from minimal input from me to create something beyond what I even thought possible. Tom is a gift.
Can you share a bit about your writing process? Do you outline meticulously or let the story unfold as you write? And how does this alter if you’re writing short fiction or series?
I have been a writer my entire life, but my process has evolved. I now write every morning at 4 a.m. It is the best time of the day and my favorite time to create. I do not outline every story beat or character moment, but I like to have a general idea of the story and an overall objective of each chapter. I do that whether writing short fiction or an entire novel or series.
What makes you come back to Tom to design your covers?
Tom’s work has become synonymous with my Star Runners Universe series. From the moment his first cover for my work dropped, and I saw it online, I knew I would keep coming back to him forever. There is something special about his art. It has an X factor that is difficult to describe but comes alive.
Historically, sci-fi is a genre often associated with power and masculinity but it’s great to see other genders in your stories! Was this an intentional choice or something that came about organically through writing?
Thank you so much! It wasn't so much of a choice as I wanted the story to be real for young people reading, who were the target audience. Women have always been an essential part of my life, so I wanted them to be a part of Austin's experience. Doing anything less felt unreal, and I wanted this story to entertain and feel authentic to young readers. As it turned out, many of my favorite characters in the story are women, and many readers worldwide who have been kind enough to write me are women.
What was the best part of working with Tom to design your cover?
The communication and ease with which Tom creates original art are impressive and intoxicating—that is not hyperbole. I also enjoy approving original art and never worrying about Tom using clipart or other images appearing elsewhere. Collaborating on covers can be stressful, but that is never the case with Tom.
How do you keep track of all the details in your world-building to ensure consistency throughout your series?
Another excellent question! I created a series, "wiki," a long time ago and have added to it as time has gone on. It was really important—especially at the beginning—to weave together so many books into the final two of the series.
What was the process of working with Tom on your cover; did you find anything helpful that other illustrators haven’t offered you previously?
I love seeing the first draft and watching the art progress with each round. I enjoy that aspect more than just seeing a final copy to approve.
Have there been any unexpected developments in your stories or characters that surprised even you as the author?
Of course! There have been characters who came out of nowhere and others who played a more significant role than I ever expected. For example, people who have read the first book may be surprised that Bear just appeared at the stairs in my mind the night they all left for their trip. I hadn't planned on him being there, but he appeared as I wrote the scene. He ended up being one of my favorite characters. There have been other scenes I never intended to have or that expanded beyond what I had expected. That's one of many reasons I love writing and never want to outline things too strictly. It destroys the discovery of writing.
What initially sparked your interest in writing, and how did you discover your passion for storytelling?
I don't remember a time I wasn't interested in storytelling. My earliest memories are of my mother taking me to the library and reading books. I was hooked the first time someone liked a short creative essay in school.
Can you describe your typical writing routine? Do you have any specific rituals or habits that help you get into the creative zone?
I struggle to write anytime other than early morning or late at night when the rest of the world is quiet. I also listen to instrumental music while writing and love to daydream on long walks. I cannot write without these ingredients.
What obstacles have you encountered in your writing journey, and how have you overcome them?
Time is always an obstacle. That's why I write early in the morning or late at night. Over the years, I have found that if you really want to be a writer, you will find the time to do it somehow—no matter how many jobs you have! And long walks are key. For some reason, they energize my writing and help me stay motivated.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers who are just starting their journey or facing challenges in their creative pursuits?
Stick with it. If this is what you want, don't listen to anyone else. Write. Write every chance you get. Write. People will love your honesty. People will also hate your writing. Keep pushing. Keep writing. Know that it isn't easy, but nothing worth doing ever is.
Is there anything you would’ve done differently when starting out?
I would have written more sooner rather than waste so much time when I was younger. I also would not have listened to people who told me to focus on "my career" when I hated my day job. I have always loved writing. I haven't always loved my day job.
Can you provide any insights into your upcoming projects? Are there specific themes or ideas that you're excited to explore in your future works?
I will be finishing the Star Runners Universe series and cannot wait to finish the book with another incredible Tom Edwards cover! I hope the book will be released later this year. It's been a long journey, and I cannot wait to conclude the entire series for those who have stayed with me during this journey.
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
General
This is the privacy statement for Tom Edwards Design, with a registered office at in relation to the use of personal information provided at demo-tomedwardsdesign.blue-ring.co.uk.
"You", "Your" refers to you the customer/ user.
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The headings in this Privacy Statement are for convenience only and shall not affect their interpretation.
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What information We collect and how
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Unless you specifically request your information to be deleted and/ or de-identified by contacting us, we retain your information for 5 years. After this period has elapsed your personal information will be deleted and/ or de-identified from our website.
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If you request that we delete or de-identify your information within the 5 year retention period there may be some details that we would legally have to retain, such as information for financial record keeping. This information will automatically be deleted or de-identified at the end of the statutory retention period.
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We understand that the security of your personal information is important to you. We provide appropriate technical and organizational security controls to protect your personal information. However, even with our best efforts, we cannot ensure or warrant the security of your personal information.
International data transfers
All information is processed and stored in the UK. We do not process or store your information in other countries, however your personal information may be transfered outside of the UK, if you are accessing our website via a PROXY service or from another country, to service your requests.
Collection and use of children’s personal information
Our website is intended for and directed to individuals 18 or over and we do not knowingly collect information from minors.
Other websites
This Privacy Statement only covers Our Website. Any other websites which may be linked to by Our Website are subject to their own policy, which may differ from Ours.
Changes to our Privacy Statement
This Privacy Statement replaces all previous versions. We reserve the right to change the Privacy Statement at any time.
Other Genres
Explore a kaleidoscope of creativity with my diverse range of illustrations spanning various genres. From the whimsical to the mysterious, my art captures the essence of storytelling across a spectrum of genres, ensuring there's a visual masterpiece for every narrative.
G J Ogden
'It may not seem so, considering I already have 45+ books in the bag, but I only began my publishing journey in late 2018'
G J Ogden is a sci-fi author who loves to write action-adventure space sci-fi stories with real heart, humor, and drama. He has published over 45 sci-fi books with a combined 13,500+ 5-star ratings, including several Amazon Best-Sellers, and is the winner of the Kindle Storyteller Award 2023.
Visit G J Ogdens site
Click here to check out Forsaken Commander, the winner of the Kindle Storyteller Award 2023!
Click here to check out Master General, Book 6 in The Aternien Wars Series! Out June 24
The Interview
What initially sparked your interest in writing, and how did you discover your passion for storytelling?
From as early as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to tell stories. Star Trek played a big part in this, as I mentioned elsewhere, but I fell in love with alien worlds and epic fantasy settings even before learning about the Starship Enterprise.
I was a kid during the early days of computer gaming (BBC Micro, ZX Spectrum and up) and RPG games really helped to drive my interest in storytelling, along with the wonderful “Fighting Fantasy” novels.
I was also a role-playing nerd and gamemaster (Paranoia and Role Master mainly), which is the perfect outlet for someone who loves to tell stories.
I tried to write my first novel in my early 20s, but I didn’t have the patience or discipline back then. I did eventually finish that book (and series) more than 15 years later. It’s called The Planetsider Trilogy, and it’s still popular today, having held No.1 slots in Dystopian and Post-Apocalyptic Science Fiction on Amazon US, UK, Canada, and Australia. Age and experience have their benefits, I suppose!!
Can you describe your typical writing routine? Do you have any specific rituals or habits that help you get into the creative zone?
I’m extremely organized when it comes to planning and writing. I create detailed notes about the characters and the world they inhabit, and I always have a series arc in mind before I start. That means I have 5-6 books worth of story in my head before I begin.
When it comes to writing, I create a detailed outline first, using a three-act structure. And I mean detailed! I go chapter by chapter and the outline itself usually ends up being 15-20,000 words. I keep trying to trim this down, but never succeed.
The benefit of having a detailed outline is that I can write a chapter a day, every day, when I’m in writing mode. I sometimes take a day off writing (if something else is pressing – marketing work etc.) but generally, I don’t. That means I have a 1st draft done in four weeks. And because of the outline process, it’s usually pretty clean, because I’ve made sure to include all the important elements from the three-act structure.
It can be quite intense, especially at the start of a five or six book series, knowing how much work is ahead, but the routine is important for me.
Why did you choose Tom Edwards Design to create your cover?
I was shopping for covers and cover designers one afternoon, as authors often do, and part of that process (for me) is checking the Copyright pages of books with covers I liked. Tom’s name kept appearing, which led to his website and an awesome list of pre-mades, which were sold out! That was a good sign (though not for me), but by that point, I’d decided I wanted a series of "Tom Edwards" covers, so I bit the bullet and got in touch. That was a great decision.
What set Tom apart from other book cover designers you've worked with?
In a word, it’s quality. I’ve worked with some great cover designers, but Tom’s art style and creativity elevated the books and I think definitely contributed to their success. I’ve even adjusted my written descriptions of some of the characters depicted on the covers to match Tom’s designs because they were so on the money.
How do you engage with your readership? Do you actively seek feedback, and if so, how does it influence your future writing?
I have a bunch of social channels but I’m terrible at posting content and updates. I’m just not a very ‘social media’ sort of person, in general. I have a newsletter, which I’ve curated over many years, and the membership of that is ~7,000 strong. That’s my main method of communicating with readers.
I do encourage feedback and I get a lot of comments, particularly on the adverts I run to promote my books. I engage with everything, even the snarky comments! However, I think it’s important to take these comments with a pinch of salt, and the same goes for reviews. I read the bad reviews and the good (thankfully, most are good!), in case there’s anything I can learn (common mistakes or peeves, for example), but ultimately, it’s my story and my decision. I write what I would want to read.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers who are just starting their journey or facing challenges in their creative pursuits?
It may not seem so, considering I already have 45+ books in the bag, but I only began my publishing journey in late 2018, so I’m still relatively new. I remember finishing my first novel and putting it out there to very little success. I read a bunch of “how to publish” books and marketed it in the best way I knew how back then, but the launch went off with a whimper rather than a bang (or even a fizzle).
I remember being really discouraged by that. All that work and effort and… nothing. I asked myself, what’s the point of carrying on? As a new writer watching their first book vanish into the quagmire that is Amazon, you’ll probably ask yourself the same thing.
My advice is to stick at it. Chalk it up to experience and keep writing and learning. Both are really important. Learn your craft, learn what sells and why (tropes, genres, covers), and learn how to market your books. A lot of authors don’t want to mess with that side of the business, and if that’s you, then go the traditional route instead and find a publisher. Indie publishing means being a writer and a marketer. It sucks, but to succeed you have to advertise, or be a social media genius. Since I’m not the latter, I have to do the former!
Over time, you’ll build a following. There’s an oft-quoted saying that “nothing sells your last book better than your next book” and I think that’s true. Keep writing good stories, make sure people know about them, and you’ll steadily climb the mountain.
Character Development: What unique challenges do you face when developing characters in a futuristic or otherworldly setting, and how do you ensure that they remain relatable to readers?
For me, good sci-fi is a good story first and foremost. I like to think you could take all of my books and put them in another setting and the stories and characters would still work.
Forsaken Commander, for example, would work in the age of sail, or modern times. It would only require adjustments to who the antagonists are and where they are. For example, they wouldn’t be post-human in the age of sail, but could be another minority group, and the setting could be remote islands instead of planets. The elements of story and character I think would remain the same, because they’re universal.
I create documents that include important elements like a character’s wants and needs, their conflicts (internal and external), how they change as a result of the story, what impact they have on people and the world, and so on. I flesh all this out in advance so I know who they are and how they would react in given situations.
I use a tool called Scrapple to create massive scrap books of character or worldbuilding notes, which then becomes my master reference. After a while, you get to know the characters and settings well enough that it becomes second nature, but just as I like to outline my books in detail, I find that the initial work of piecing the characters together is invaluable.
Inspirations and Influences: What specific works, authors, or real-world events have influenced your approach to writing science fiction, and how do you incorporate these influences into your own unique voice?
I would say that I’ve been most heavily influenced by Star Trek, in particular The Next Generation. I’ve watched pretty much everything from Farscape to Buck Rogers, but TNG sticks with me. I love the camaraderie of the crew, the moral quandaries they face, the impossible odds they always manage to conquer, and the dignity with which they conduct themselves. I think my stories and characters owe a lot to TNG, even if they’re generally darker, grittier and harder-hitting.
In literature, I read a lot of classic sci-fi, and while elements of these 50s, 60s, and 70s novels have aged badly (especially in how they treat women), the stories and characters have stood the test of time.
I love Alfred Bester, for example, and The Stars My Destination and The Demolished Man are books I can re-read over and over again. In terms of modern influences, I think John Scalzi is great. He has great style and humour.
As I write this, I’m currently reading the Silo series by Hugh Howey, after falling in love with the Apple TV show and… wow, wow, wow! What a set of books. Absolutely fantastic stuff. And Hugh Howey is an indie author too, which makes the series all the better in my eyes!
Storytelling Formats: Science fiction can be presented in various formats, from novels to short stories to episodic series. How does the chosen format influence your storytelling, and what advantages or challenges do you find in each?
I like structure and having a plan, so my writing is heavily influenced by the sort of episodic sci-fi shows I grew up watching, such as Star Trek, Babylon 5 and their ilk. I use a three-act structure and think of each book as a ‘season’ in a wider story arc. Each book / season tells its own story, but builds toward an over-arching conclusion.
This allows me to put the foundations in place for long-term storytelling, while ensuring that each book stands alone, and contains all the juicy story beats, tropes and hooks that readers expect and love. Moral Ambiguity: Science fiction often explores moral and ethical ambiguity.
How do you navigate the grey areas of morality in your stories, and do you believe it's important for science fiction to challenge conventional moral perspectives?
Navigating thorny moral and ethical considerations is a common element in all of my books, some more than others. The Omega Taskforce series and its follow up, Descendants of War, cover these aspects perhaps more than in my other series. It’s serious ‘needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few’ stuff.
I love the idea that achieving the best outcome sometimes requires making a truly terrible choice. And I love dark, conflicted characters, who struggle with their own humanity, but are at their core good people. Commander Dalton Reeves from Descendants of War is perhaps my darkest character in this regard. His moral compass points in the right direction, but his dark side and explosive temper can lead him to take extreme measures. You might not agree with what he does, but deep down, you’ll probably cheer him for doing it!
Do the ends justify the means? I let the reader decide!
Technology's Impact on Humanity: How do you explore the transformative effects of technology on humanity, both positive and negative, and what cautionary tales or optimistic visions do you present?
The Aternien Wars series was actually inspired by Elon Musk’s Neurolink chip, and questions of where human augmentation might eventually lead us. We’re just at the beginning of this ‘post-human’ age now, which is scary and exciting.
In this series, post-human experimentation leads to the creation of the god-like leader of the Aterniens, Marcus Aternus, who styles his empire on the myths of ancient Egypt.
I wanted to explore how an advanced, post-human branch of humanity might co-exist with the old-fashioned flesh-and-blood kind. It turns out not so well.
Prejudice and fear of change and technology are central themes throughout the series. In the books the Aterniens are considered perversions of nature and a threat to human purity. It’s because of this that they’re persecuted and exiled, eventually leading to two bloody wars.
The prejudice the Aterniens face is mirrored in the way the central character, Carter Rose, is regarded. As a post-human soldier created to combat the Aternien threat, he’s ironically treated with the same fear and intolerance as the enemy. He’s forsaken by the very people he fights to protect. Real history shows us that soldiers are often treated poorly by the governments who use them, and sometimes even by society, as was the case with those who fought in the Vietnam war, for example.
It’s not a very optimistic vision of the future, but as in all of my books, there are strong themes of hope and redemption, camaraderie and of the value of remaining principled even in the face of extreme adversity and intolerance.
For me, there’s nothing more cathartic than someone overcoming seemingly unconquerable odds to win the day!
What did you enjoy most about working with Tom to design your cover?
It’s a really easy process, which is important when you’re pressed for time, as authors often are. I can describe what I’m looking for, and Tom will nail the brief first time. After that, it’s just about details and revisions to get to a finished cover. It’s a hassle-free process.
Forsaken Commander & Master General - Available on Amazon
Click here to check out Forsaken Commander, the winner of the Kindle Storyteller Award 2023!
Click here to check out Master General, Book 6 in The Aternien Wars Series! Out June 24
Kenny Gould
'The more you can do to help a world come to life, the better the story will be!'
Kenny Gould is a writer and entrepreneur from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He holds a degree from Duke University, an MFA from Chatham University, and an MBA from NYU Stern.
Prior to writing fiction, Kenny covered food and beverage for Forbes, Men’s Health, Bon Appetit, and more. He’s also the founder of Hop Culture, an online magazine featuring stories from the craft beer industry.
To date, Kenny has written several fantasy fiction books, three of which have covers designed by Tom Edwards. If you want to see the works Kenny and Tom have done together, check out The Castle of 1,000 Doors, the first book in Kenny’s Toroth-Gol series. Kenny also recently published The Potionmaster, the first book in a new fantasy fiction series. You can keep in touch with Kenny on Instagram at @hopcultureken or join his email newsletter list here.
The Interview
Why did you choose Tom Edwards Design to create your cover?
Before I decided to start publishing my fiction, I spent a decade writing manuscripts and quietly burying them beneath the lint and unsharpened pencils in the bottom drawer of my desk.
At some point, I realized that was silly. Why write if I wouldn’t let anyone see my work? I’m a creative at heart, so I decided to go the self-publishing route, though I’m also a professional, and I wanted my books feel as much like a “real” book as possible.
This desire led me to Tom. From the very first work I saw in his portfolio, I knew he’d be able to convey the humor, action, and excitement of my series through the cover. And isn’t that the point of a cover? To set effective reader expectations?
Tom was my first choice for an artist and I’m so enamored with the work we’ve done together. I couldn’t recommend working with him more highly!
What was the best part of working with Tom to design your cover?
Prior to my career as a fiction writer, I started a digital magazine called Hop Culture, which threw beer festivals around the United States and had its own line of glassware and apparel. In that role, I worked with many awesome artists including Killer Acid, Sam Taylor, Yeye Weller, Pseudodudo, and Lauren Martin, to name a few.
Just like those artists, Tom is a professional. It doesn’t matter that he’s designing book covers while they designed festival posters or beer glasses—the best artists I’ve worked with were able to take my vision, combine it with their own, and create something greater than the sum of its parts.
You’ve had a really interesting pathway to writing fantasy fiction! How do you find yourself writing in this genre? And how do you navigate writing books in various distinct genres?
When I was seventeen, I went to a boarding school outside Boston, Massachusetts. It was an old school that dates back to 1778 and I’m pretty sure the insulation in my dorm hadn’t been updated since it was founded. At night, I liked to read in bed, but when I was done I’d have to get up, run across the frigid room, and turn out the lights.
I decided to solve this problem by buying a lamp. Only, when I went to the store, the only thing in stock was functionally a battery pack with a lightbulb. Still, it served my purposes. I brought it back to my room, stuck it to the ceiling with double-sided tape, and read from beneath the warm coziness of my comforter.
At around two in the morning, the tape failed and the whole thing dropped ten feet, where it shattered over my head. I don’t know if you’ve ever been woken up by two pounds of glass, plastic, and batteries smacking you in the face at 9.8 meters per second, but it’s quite unpleasant. After I got everything cleaned up, I couldn’t fall back asleep. I tossed and turned for about an hour, and just when I was about to fall asleep, I heard a voice: “We left for a reason.”
I’m a pretty grounded individual and I don’t believe in ghosts, spirits, or anything similar. Honestly, I think I was just tired and a little loopy from the blow to the head. But that night, I swear I heard a voice. I started to think: Who left? For what reason?
In the morning, I opened a new Word document on my computer and wrote, “We left for a reason.” And then I kept writing, trying to answer those other questions.
Sixty thousand words later, I had my first manuscript. I’ve always loved reading and I suppose it was only natural I’d make the transition to becoming a writer. For me, writing fiction and writing non-fiction are expressions of the same skill. I don’t see them as mutually exclusive. In my opinion, the goal of any story is to use the reader’s time in a way that he or she is happy they spent it with you and not one of another billion competitors for their attention. This applies to fiction and non-fiction just the same.
What role, if any, do maps play in your world-building process?
During my first year in college, I commissioned a French cartographer to design three maps: one of a world, one of a continent, and one of a city. Those are the places I write to this day!
In my opinion, anything that helps ground you better in a fantasy world is a service to the story, whether it’s models, character sketches, maps, etc. The more you can do to help a world come to life, the better the story will be!
Can you describe your typical writing routine?
I write best in the morning. I usually get up around 5:45 AM or 6:00 AM, walk the dog, tell my cats they’re very special, make coffee, and then I write until 9:00 AM, when I get ready for my day job as the VP of Sales at a tech company.
I have to write in the morning and I need coffee, or nothing works. I don’t think I’m unusual in that way.
What books, authors, or life experiences have had a significant impact on your writing style and the themes you explore in your work?
Some of my favorite authors include Stephen King, Brandon Sanderson, Annie Dillard, MFK Fisher, and Michael Chabon. I love the dark, dry humor of British fantasy authors like Roald Dahl, Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman, and Mark Lawrence.
Is there anything you would’ve done differently when starting out?
There’s a great book by Austin Kleon called Show Your Work, which is all about exposing your process to the outside world—and following through on your projects to make sure those get seen, as well.
When I first started writing, I didn’t show my work. I wrote thousands of pages and put them in a drawer. I never let them see the light of day.
If I could’ve done anything differently, I would’ve let people read those stories. Maybe they were terrible, but the only way to grow is to get feedback. Think about this—by hiding my stories, I missed out on years of growth. Where would I be now if I’d had the courage to get feedback from the beginning? So now I’m making up for lost time!
Can you provide any insights into your upcoming projects?
On the book side, I’m slowly but surely working on the the fourth book in the Toroth-Gol series, and I have a few other projects coming out this year, including a cozy fantasy. The best way to stay up-to-date on those projects is to follow my personal Instagram at @hopcultureken or join my email newsletter list here.
Important Notice
All images copyright Tom Edwards, please see my Copyright Notice for more details.
No AI is used in my creation process 