The Book Cover

This is the cover (ebook version). Almost every book about Richard Ramirez is black and red, sometimes with dripping blood, sometimes satanic. We are more interested in the miscarriage of justice aspect rather than the horrors of the crime scenes, so I wanted to make something different: Lady Justice and the Los Angeles skyline.

I know that it’s an odd choice, but I like that stereotype ‘Los Angeles aesthetic’ so that’s what I went with. I know some of the buildings are anachronistic but symbolism is more important than accuracy. The 1985 skyline had nothing distinctive about it like it does today. I darkened it so it has that creepy brooding coming nightfall look.

I think I explained it in another post but I (VenningB) use the name Emily Zola for nonfiction. Venning was for fiction, but when I started writing for this blog, I hadn’t released my other Emily Zola book yet so didn’t use the pen name. Emily Zola is named after Émile Zola who wrote a book about a famous French political scandal and miscarriage of justice, the Dreyfus Affair. His book was called J’accuse…! So, that’s the name I use for this sort of thing. The name Venning will return for my fiction writing. I know it’s kind of confusing.

Anyway, below is the original drawing in coloured pencil. It took me a long time. My friend said it reminded her of Grand Theft Auto V, which was totally the aesthetic I was going for!

BUY IT HERE!!

-VenningB-

52 responses to “The Book Cover”

  1. ok I LOVE this so much! Excellent work bravo! Truly a masterpiece! Congratulations to all 3 of you for this amazing work you she’s done! Can’t wait to get this book! Ps this is the only time I have ever been excited about a book! 😂

    Liked by 3 people

  2. You have an incredible amount of talent. The cover looks excellent! I look forward to reading the book!

    Liked by 4 people

    1. Thanks!

      Liked by 2 people

  3. Brilliantly creative! You have immense talent. I can’t wait to purchase my copies!

    Thank you for your dedicated work.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thanks!

      Liked by 1 person

  4. I can’t believe my eyes! Thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart (also from Richard up there). I wish the book the widest and most widespread diffusion, and all the success and attention it deserves.

    Liked by 5 people

  5. interesting-case Avatar
    interesting-case

    Beautiful artwork. I wondered for a long time what cover you would choose. Existing covers from other books of RR all look very similar and scrambled. So this stands out aesthetically. Although my personal preference would’ve been to have a photo of him as a cover, I can still appreciate your decision. The font is giving 80’s.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. We wanted him on the cover but photographers charge hundreds of dollars for them. We tried to get one from the L.A. Times but they said it was $600!

      Liked by 3 people

    2. interesting-case Avatar
      interesting-case

      Nice touch with the Avia’s 👟⚖️

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks haha. The whole case was built around those cursed shoes.

        Liked by 2 people

    3. That was the original plan, but, as Venning said, the cost was immense. We bought the rights for some inside instead (and they were expensive too). The one I wanted for the cover we couldn’t even get, so we had to compromise and decide to go down another route.

      Liked by 3 people

    4. The font is also called “Poor Richard”. I have always wanted an excuse to use it.

      Liked by 3 people

  6. I think having him on the cover too would be cool! But the way you guys did it is even cooler it’s different and unique! I think the avias are for sure the best touch 😂

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thanks. I laughed drawing them in! Well, they are the part of the case that people obsess over!

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Haha and it is something that he was mainly convicted of why not show it! It’s very well done it would have been funny to see Gil with those shoes on the cover

        Liked by 1 person

      2. That would put people off reading it, surely? Ha ha!!

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Hahaha oh most definitely 😂 I had that picture in my head with Gil wearing the the shoes and him raising like one eyebrow thinking how to pin the crimes on Richard 💀

        Liked by 1 person

      4. Or how about when he actually bought a white pair and tried to dye them back.. cos, you know.. “Man in Black”. 😂

        Liked by 1 person

      5. Omg he did that?! That’s hilarious 😂 Gil’s so desperate 😂

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      6. Yes hahaha.

        Liked by 1 person

      7. This guy! he’d make a good comedian 😂

        Like

  7. This is probably a stupid question but is the ebook version already on Amazon?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yes! We were going to announce it tonight but we are having problems with the paperback. It might be resolved and I’m communicating with Amazon. Watch this space! And definitely order it 😆

      Liked by 3 people

      1. I’ll keep an eye out for any announcements. Hope the issues get resolved soon—I have already gotten the ebook can’t wait to binge read!

        Liked by 4 people

      2. You did? That’s wonderful, thank you.

        Liked by 2 people

      3. They’re both out. Such a relief. Thanks for your support!

        Liked by 2 people

    2. girl let me left ya soemthing! There is no such thing as a stupid question ❤️

      Liked by 1 person

  8. you guys are doing a book book or just ebook or did I miss something ?

    Like

    1. Both but one got stuck in processing! Sorted now!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Awesome! But yes I got the paper book one said it will deliver on Friday august 23!!!!!!! 😁😁😍😍

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Yay!! Ok now I have to make an announcement post! Will do it tomorrow!

        Liked by 1 person

      3. So excited!!!!!!!!!!! I love being all 3 of your supports! I love supporting people like my you 3!!!!!! Literally won’t be able to sleep at night till that book comes!!!!!😆😍😍😍

        Like

  9. I actually saw the book on Amazon and it said a paper back so I got that one just now! And it worked for me

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yess the problem is resolved!

      Liked by 1 person

  10. donnaluvsrichie Avatar
    donnaluvsrichie

    I need to order this book NOW

    Liked by 3 people

    1. run Donna run get that book!!!! 😂

      Like

  11. i really can’t wait ! Good job for this cover

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Thank you!

      Like

  12. I have one question for you guys!

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    1. What is it? We’ll try and answer.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. First off congratulations on releasing your book!!! Second can’t wait to get it hehe ordered it right away 😍

        My question is that I’m truly happy you guys didn’t give up and fought for this book and stuff but I’m scared for you guys to have your book taken away by Gil you’ve worked so hard for this all 3 of you. Ik you’re use to the backlash and stuff but still I worried Gil will come after you guys!

        Like

      2. That could still happen. I’d kick up a fuss, go to the press, everything!

        Liked by 2 people

      3. I pray that doesn’t happen but knowing that crazy Gil he’s capable of a lot of things! But you have our support we got your backs all 3 of you! We will all fuss! Hehe

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      4. We haven’t made anything up, everything is backed up with footnotes. What will be will be….

        Liked by 2 people

      5. That’s what makes you guys awesome you fight for the truth no matter who it is! I wish Richard had someone like you guys as his lawyers he really needed that! But in a way you guys are cuz of this book and blog!

        Liked by 2 people

  13. I was just looking though Amazon to see what other Richard stuff they have I came across even t shirts of him and note books and one t shirt even said “don’t be a Richard” 😣

    Liked by 1 person

  14. csmutny06cae8b36d Avatar
    csmutny06cae8b36d

    Beautiful cover. The book will be excellent as well. I wish all three of you the utmost success with it. The truth will never sound so sweet as this will. Best of luck, I will be getting a copy soon!

    Liked by 2 people

  15. Been digging through your blog here. Really admiring your work and passion for Richard’s case. I just came back here after ordering a copy of the book on amazon..

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Hi, thanks for your comment, we appreciate it. Hope you enjoy the book.

      Like

    2. Thank you! I hope you enjoy the book!

      Like

    3. Thanks for sharing. We appreciate the support.

      Like

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