If you haven't noticed, the cover is here:
It is not finished. Sure, you might love it, but I know that there are improvements to be made.
That said, the release date for Covenant has been pushed back. The primary reason is the unfinished cover. The secondary reason is my overestimation of how many pre-orders I would receive.
I failed on that count. Far fewer people supported Covenant this time around, and that's cool. But it does have an impact on how quickly I can get this novel out.
I make very little money in my day job. I am not a teacher -- I am a teacher's aide. Big difference. Of course I have savings, but an aide's savings are far different from the savings of a teacher. When I have pre-order drives, it's not just to measure interest in the novel, but it's a partial fundraiser. I reward the people who really really want the book by making sure that they have the first shot at ordering it. I also make sure they receive the book first. That didn't work this time. Sure, people supported. But not in the numbers I imagined.
The book will not be ready in time for Book Expo America, which is my greatest disappointment.
Right now, I cannot say how soon it will be finished because the cover art still isn't ready. I want to state right here in the open that I love my cover designer and will continue my relationship with him. I am lucky to have such a talented artist in my corner. Blame the delay on both of us being perfectionists.
I say this not to gather sympathy -- this is my project, and therefore, my deal. But I ask everyone who did pre-order to bear with me as you have since I started this process. Covenant will come. Covenant will be hot. Covenant will be better than even Lazarus.
So, that's what's up with the book.
--RD