Is it me or is it hard to find good help these days?  Do people take pride in their craft anymore? I paid for the services of a graphic designer in the Balboa package I purchased months ago. I had a lovely conversation with a sane-sounding woman about the cover design for my book. You have asked, dear readers, that I keep you in the loop.

SO HERE’S THE SKINNY…

Two weeks ago I spoke to a member of the Design team who gave me a graphic artist. We had an honest, and I thought productive, conversation about concepts for the cover. I produced an image for her to use. Yesterday, almost two weeks to the day, I received the mock-ups. I was, in a word, underwhelmed. And deeply disappointed. The covers did not resonate, and none contained the image I had provided.

WTF?

To add insult to arguable injury, it was suggested that I pass these cover designs along to friends and family for feedback. So I did, and none (NONE) could open the link. I admit to having high expectations (HAZARD—these can lead to disappointment). And I will admit to being picky (also disappointment provoking), but I am surprised, quite surprised actually, that not one of these covers proved particularly creative, inspired, exciting.

I feel let down by the experts (assuming Balboa is one, and they sell themselves as such). The wonderful woman who was so helpful when at first the ball was dropped, seems to have faded from view (which is a shame because she was competent and considerate). I miss her expertise, participation, and ability to direct the process in a way that works for me.

I am waiting to hear from the design team (I have emailed my displeasure) and I shall show people the cover designs from my computer, which is the only screen they seem willing to appear on. Creative talent is tough to measure and it’s subjective. Unfortunately today, Balboa’s cover designs feel more like random crap-shoots than expressions in talent or expertise.

However, time and brain-power being the teachers they are, I feel differently now. After considered feedback, I know the image I want to use, a photograph, and just last night I decided to change the title. I like, Passing Through, but something about it left me wanting. My graphic designer gave me fodder, helped me hone in on what I do, and do not, like—font size and shape, colors, positioning of image and text. So today, I thank her.

The journey continues…look what an author has to go through to publish a book! Geeeezz. The day I hold it in my hands will make it all worth it. The education, the decisions, the hard work—in fact, it will be (aside from human beings and relationship oriented endeavors) one of the sweetest achievements of my life.