THIS is the cover for THE NIGHT WE SAID YES! Isn’t it wonderful? Doesn’t it scream “I AM THE BEST BOOK EVER?!” (Okay, maybe not, but I’m kind of proud of it.) As I mentioned on my cover reveal yesterday, I’m extremely happy with the direction HarperTeen decided to go. Yes, the romance is central, but so is the friendship. To me, friendships are relationships, and, especially in high school, best friends are just as important as boyfriends/girlfriends. I try to show that in my book.

But here’s the fun part of creating this beautiful cover: when my editor asked if I had any thoughts on the image, prior to design, I pleaded for one thing – for it not to be a kissing cover.

Don’t get me wrong, I think there are some LOVELY kissing covers out there, and, yes, my book totally has kissing in it. But if you were to see a cover with two people kissing, and then were to read my title…what would you think?

EXACTLY.

Apparently HarperTeen had the same idea, and already said no to that type of cover. It’s a wonderful feeling, knowing you’re on the same page with your publisher. It’s also hilarious, to me, thinking that they were discussing that.

After, I was asked if I wanted just Matt and Ella on the cover, or if I preferred all four of the characters. I asked for four, but left it to them, because they know best. They know what image will work. But, as it happens, they went with four, believing in the friendship plot. (The message of friendship is also woven into the official description, too, which I adore.) And I cried with happiness at the final image.

So what you see here today is the final product, and what will grace bookstore and library shelves June 16th of next year.

HarperTeen designers, I love you.

(Don’t forget to enter to win a signed advanced copy of TNWSY! Go here!)