When I made the announcement the other day that I had just approved the cover design for my new novel Tail of the Dragon from my publisher, I thought the process was completed. So far my experience with American Publishing has been nothing but extremely good. While other publishers might have rushed through the various phases of the production process after accepting a manuscript, American Book took their time at every aspect of development. At times I wondered if that was the correct path, but my experience with the editors has been extremely good and everybody brought something to the table to really tighten up the story into the breakneck, concise narrative that it ended up in the final proof. But I really didn’t know what to expect from the cover until I received another proof after the acceptance of the first that revealed how the entire book would look, and how the cover art designer Jana Rade fantastically tied the two together with continuity unique in the world of book cover design. I was so excited upon seeing her final art proof that we created a Facebook fan page for the book to start satisfying the interest that is mounting prior to the final steps of delivering to the bookstores. I revealed that new site in the video below.
Jana with very little input from me came up with the design you can see up close in the accompanying picture. She managed to capture the folklore of the actual Tail of the Dragon, and articulate that this is not a fantasy story about dragons, but in fact a book that involves a car driving down a road that looks like a dragon’s tail. It’s simple enough to not be overbearing, yet all-encompassing in many metaphorical categories capturing the philosophy explored in Tail of the Dragon, and that is the philosophy of freedom. The lone car riding along on the tail of some maniacal beast disappearing off the page and emerging onto the back cover works on many levels, and I think is a world-class work of art that merges contemporary art with tradition in a wonderful way.
American Book has now moved into the production phase which involves sending galleys out to readers, and picking up reviews, as well as registering at all the distribution outlets, which is normal, and takes about 12 weeks. Although an official date has not been set yet, it looks right now to be right at the end of summer, which places it well before this year’s presidential election, which was a goal because the Tail of the Dragon among many sub plots is about running for President of the United States. So we certainly wanted to get it out by-election season.
So we’re getting closer, which is why we now have a Facebook page. So stop by and “LIKE” the page, “Friend” us there, and “PASS” the site along to your friends in your network and help us get the word out. Seeing how the cover captured so wonderfully the events of the book in such a dramatic, yet subtle way, my excitement for bringing this very exciting story to the public is greater than ever. The more people I can share it with, the better, because the message behind Tail of the Dragon is one that has meaning to each and every person living. The more people who have the opportunity to share in it, the more of an opportunity for someone to enjoy a unique novel that offers a fresh perspective on an age-old problem—what is the meaning of freedom, and what should we do as a society to maintain it. These are the intense questions that are dealt with in Tail of the Dragon and are nothing short than the life or death message for America’s future and the state of the entire world. So come with me on a journey that could change your life and that journey for you can begin over at the new Facebook page. Click here to visit. http://www.facebook.com/tailofthedragonbook
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This is what people are saying about my new book–Tail of the Dragon
Visit and friend us on Facebook!
http://www.facebook.com/tailofthedragonbook
Rich Hoffman
https://overmanwarrior.wordpress.com/2010/12/04/ten-rules-to-live-by/
http://twitter.com/#!/overmanwarrior
www.overmanwarrior.com
The Overmanwarrior 
I love the cover art-just fantastic!
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I agree, the dust cover art is perfect for the story. Can’t wait to get the book in my hands. I couldn’t lay “The Symposiam of Justice” down and I know “Tail of the Dragon” will be even more exciting. Perfect timing of the release with all of trash coming down right now. I certainly hope the American people will wake up before it is too late. I think you have a best seller on your hands.
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Thank you! So you read They Symposium? There’s more truth in there than fiction. (wink)
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