The Scar Boys Cover Design Revealed

Printer-friendly versionPrinter-friendly version

Just one month after Egmont USA handed the choice to independent booksellers, the cover design for The Scar Boys, the upcoming young adult novel by Len Vlahos, has been revealed.

Vlahos, the American Booksellers Association’s former COO and current head of the Book Industry Study Group, has built long-standing relationships with many independent booksellers, and the survey was designed to involve those booksellers in the publication of Vlahos’ novel from the get-go. 

“We are very happy with the contest turnout,” said Editor Greg Ferguson. “We received votes from 100 independent booksellers—about 50 percent of the booksellers we invited to vote did so—with the winning cover receiving 69 percent of the votes.”

Along with the cover ballot, booksellers were provided with sample chapters from the book. “We’ve heard from dozens of booksellers about how they liked being part of the cover selection, how they can’t wait to read the full manuscript (we offered a three-chapter sample), and want to be involved by having Len to their stores,” said Ferguson. “As always, indies have really stepped up to support a terrific novel that young adult readers will love.”

Vlahos’ novel features a young boy who suffers severe burns and scarring after the tree he is tied to by bullies is struck by lightning. The Scar Boys follows 17-year-old Harry as he tells his story of recovery and rediscovery through music.

The cover, which mimics a classic punk rock concert poster and features a lightning bolt and a guitar, both critical elements in Harry’s life, was designed by Room39b Design.

The Scar Boys will publish in February 2014.