Cover Prototypes for “Mr. Knightley in His Own Words”

Yay! I finally finished writing Mr. Knightley in His Own Words, my third Austen hero story, and now it’s time to think about the cover. How exciting! Cover design is one of my favorite parts of the process, bringing together my love of art and my love of books. And I thought it would be fun to invite you into the process, too.

As you may or may not know, each of the covers for my other two Austen hero stories was inspired by a still shot from one of the movie adaptions of the original book. I feature my title character – an artist’s rendition of Colin Firth for the cover of Fitzwilliam Darcy in His Own Words, and one of Alan Rickman for Colonel Brandon in His Own Words – along with a smaller image of a house they’re associated with.

I start by mocking up various prototypes with Canva, using available images. In fact, I have so much fun with it, I tend to get REALLY carried away, making up a dozen or more and then endlessly fiddling with the colors and font and proportions. (Take a look here for that stage of Colonel Brandon… – four prototypes with four different looks. Can you tell which one I went with in the end?)

This time around, I have a little different dilemma. The basic design is predetermined, since I want this new book to have a similar look and feel to the others. My trouble is deciding who get’s the part of Mr. Knightley for the cover of Mr. Knightley in His Own Words, because I don’t have a clear personal favorite. I even held a Mr. Knightley Pageant between Mark Strong, Jeremy Northam, Jonny Lee Miller, and Johnny Flynn to try and determine a winner!

I really appreciate everyone who voted – the very large panel of distinguished judges – either on the post itself or on various FB pages. Trouble is, no clear winner emerged. When I tallied all the votes I could round up, I had a virtual tie between Jeremy Northam and Jonny Lee Miller, with Mark Strong garnering more support than I anticipated and coming in a respectable third. The only definite conclusions I reached were: 1) Most people have a distinct favorite, so I can’t possibly make everybody happy. 2) Almost nobody wanted to see Johnny Flynn on the cover. Sorry Johnny.

So, using the best images I could find of the other three, I went ahead and mocked up a prototype cover for each of them (actually, 2 or 3… or 10 for each, since once again I got carried away, but these are the best… I think). To tell you the truth, I like all three, so I’m interested in your thoughts about which I should go with. Which one do you think would be the best choice and why? Would you make any changes?

7/7/23 UPDATE: For those of you who requested a better Jonny Lee Miller image, I think I found one (with the help of a friend)! So there’s now a new and improved cover prototype for him below.

(Again, these images are only for inspiration, however the “artist’s rendition” will hopefully achieve something with a very similar look and feel.)

Shannon Winslow

Shannon Winslow claims she was minding her own business – raising two sons and pursuing a very sensible career – when an ordinary trip to Costco about fifteen years ago changed her life. That was the day a copy of the ’95 film adaptation of Pride and Prejudice fairly leapt off the shelf and into her oversized shopping cart. After watching the mini-series, Shannon was hopelessly hooked on the story, Colin Firth’s Darcy, and all things Jane Austen. One may guess what followed – compulsive reading, late-night trips to the library and video store, secret rendezvous with Mr. Darcy and Mr. Knightley. Finally, only one thing remained. Her dedication (or obsession, as it could more rightly be described) ultimately inspired her to begin writing her own stories a la Austen.

Here's what Shannon says about her unique approach to writing JAFF: "Since I’m just sappy enough to believe there’s only one true story for the characters I’ve grown to love (and Jane Austen wrote it), I amuse myself with adding onto rather than varying from canon - expanding on what Jane Austen gave us and filling in the blanks in the record with prequel, sequel, and supplemental views. What was Mr. Darcy doing all the time he’s absent from the page? What happened to Colonel Brandon in India? And how did our favorite couples fare after the wedding? Inquiring minds want to know, and I’m happy to deliver the answers!"

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    • Tara Erickson on July 6, 2023 at 12:49 am
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    I think they all look great! My personal favorite is Jeremy Northam…His Emma was the first version I watched as a teenager and still my favorite! Johnny Lee is my second choice.

    1. JN was my first Knightley too!

    • Katie Jackson on July 6, 2023 at 1:53 am
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    I like Jeremy’s best! Jonny Lee takes a close second, though.

    1. Thanks, Katie!

    • PatriciaH on July 6, 2023 at 4:47 am
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    Jonny Lee Miller has always been my Mr Knightley.
    HOWEVER, for the cover, I vote for Jeremy Northam!!
    He is the cover boy type ><"

    1. Haha!

    • Glynis on July 6, 2023 at 4:56 am
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    I would still vote for Mark Strong. I definitely think that is the best cover. Kate Beckinsale is definitely my favourite Emma whereas I’m not a fan of Gwyneth Paltrow so I suppose that influences my decision.

    1. None of the adaptations is perfect, and I like things about each one! That’s what makes it so hard to decide. :/

      • Lisa on July 7, 2023 at 5:29 pm
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      I’m in complete agreement with all your picks here, including kicking GP to the curb. Jonny Miller’s version has never appealed to me.

    • Jennie N on July 6, 2023 at 6:57 am
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    I vote for Jeremy Northam!

    1. Got it!

    • Sandy on July 6, 2023 at 8:45 am
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    Jeremy Northam does look wonderful on a cover but his version of Emma is my least favorite. He did a wonderful job with the script he was given but Gwyneth Paltrow made me cringe as Emma. Jonny Lee Miller was perfection as Mr. Knightley. When I think of “Emma”, I think of Jonny Lee Miller and Romala Garai. Both actors did an amazing job and the script was the most faithful to the book. My vote is for Jonny Lee Miller with Mark Strong in second place.

    1. Thanks, Sandy. I like them all, but the Miller/Garai version was much longer than the others, so it had the chance to tell the story more fully, which is a big plus!

    • Bea on July 6, 2023 at 9:00 am
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    the middle one. don’t know the actors from each other, but the middle one.
    the hat looks odd and the first one, once made into a drawing, is too much like the Darcy one in pose. I think they all should have different poses.

    1. Good thought, Bea – that they should all have different poses. Thanks!

    • Alexandra on July 6, 2023 at 10:01 am
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    I wholeheartedly vote for Mark Strong–his voice alone gave a gravity no other Mr. Knightley had despite the atrocious hair.
    He is the one who really feels older, more mature compared to any “Emma”. (Yep, I’m a little biased, I know. He’s the third Knightley I found and watched and the best so far…)
    Congratulations on the new release!

    1. Thanks for the feedback, Alexandra!

    • Elizabeth Storm on July 6, 2023 at 10:06 am
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    I have a soft spot for Jeremy Northam, but after seeing the three covers, I would have to choose Mark Strong. There is an intensity and a longing in his gaze.

    1. Oh! I think “the artist” might be intimidated by the challenge of capturing that intensity and longing! Haha!

        • Elizabeth Storm on July 6, 2023 at 2:04 pm
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        I think the “artist” DID capture that intensity and longing. That’s why I think it’s the best cover, even though Mark Strong is not my favorite Mr. Knightley. But we’re choosing best cover and not favorite actor, so that’s what my eyes were doing. 😀

    • Simone on July 6, 2023 at 10:28 am
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    I vote for J. Lee Miller. He was so good. He deserves the cover. Did you need the permission from the actor for your bookcover? Your paintings are georgeous.

      • Simone on July 6, 2023 at 10:32 am
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      Sorry mistake. I mean gorgeous.

    2. Thanks, Simone! The actor’s images from their movies belong to the movie studios, so no. Besides, the artist’s rendering on the final cover will not be an exact copy, believe me.

    • Jan on July 6, 2023 at 11:03 am
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    Jonny Lee Miller!! 💓

    1. Got it, thanks!

    • Char on July 6, 2023 at 12:02 pm
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    hmm…here are my choices. I have seen all 3 movies. And when it first came out I liked Jeremy & Gwyneth. But then I saw Kate & Mark Strong and I loved this version. Jonny Lee & Romala were ok. My first choice is Mark Strong, followed by Jonny Lee. Looking forward to reading this one! Thanks Shannon and congrats!

    1. Yes, when it comes down to it, it’s really about what’s BETWEEN the covers, right? Glad you’re interested in Mr. Knightley’s story, Char!

    • Marie H on July 6, 2023 at 1:35 pm
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    Ack! I love JLM, but not the photo you chose. I like the estate photo on his the best too. If I have to pick from these three, I’d go with Jeremy—but I’m sad the Jonny image isn’t his best. 🥺

    1. I actually agree with you, Marie! I had the worst time finding a good image of JLM to use. The only really good ones are where he’s looking straight at the camera, which is not what I wanted. I’m still mulling that over, though.

    • Inspire on July 6, 2023 at 2:01 pm
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    The Jonny image is too smirky but if you could find another image for inspiration, the estate image is great. The Jeremy image is the most ‘Knightly’ expression in my opinion. He is a very kind and earnest character and that gives that feel. Neither the Mark image nor the estate appeal, The estate is too much and the character looks bland in that particular image of Strong.

    1. As I told Marie above, I’m not satisfied with this image of JLM either. If I decide to go with him, I’ll have to dig some more for a better one as inspiration. Thank for the feedback!

    • Weney Luther on July 6, 2023 at 2:15 pm
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    JEREMY IS ALWAYS KNIGHTLY…LE SIGH

    1. You vote has been counted, Wendy. 🙂 Thanks!

    • Linda A. on July 6, 2023 at 2:31 pm
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    I like the building on the JLM cover. But the image of him kinda blends in to the faded brown color behind the font. If you got a better image of him, where he isn’t smirking, or sharpen up the colors a bit…

    I like the Jeremy image and the darker brown, but not the building. He has a softer, gentler feeling to him than the other two pictures. He looks like the kind of man that would live with his father-in-law to make his wife happy.

    The Mark Strong image does have an intensity to it, that he takes things very seriously. The building might be okay, along with the brown background color. Was his home really that big?

    If I have to pick which actor… I’m torn between JLM and Jeremy. I like all three actors.

    1. You see my problem, Linda? I like all three too!
      I’m not satisfied with the JLM image either. If I go with him, I’ll have to find a better one to use as inspiration.
      The houses shown are the ones used as Donwell in that actor’s version of Emma. The Mark Strong movie used Sudeley Castly, and no, I don’t think Donwell was supposed to be anywhere that large!
      Thanks for your good feedback!

    • Colleen on July 6, 2023 at 2:32 pm
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    Okay, I like Johnny Lee Miller for Mr. Knightly, however, in the image you have above he looks like he is in pain. The other two seem to have tender, loving looks on their faces. I would still go with JLM but he needs a better facial expression.

    1. Got it. Others agree with you about the JLM image, according to the comments above. And so do I! I’m not satisfied with it either.

    • Sabrina on July 6, 2023 at 2:59 pm
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    As I can’t really remember any of the movies, I’m only influenced by how well the cover matches the image in my head of Austen’s Mr. Knightley.
    I don’t know the actors’ names, but I don’t like the first one. He doesn’t look like Mr Knightley at all.
    The second one is certainly the most handsome face, but he looks more like I’m imagining Mr. Darcy.
    So I would choose the third one. He looks mature, serious and longing enough to be Mr. Knightley. I even like the hat. The third version of the house is also the best.

    1. Thanks, Sabrina! That’s interesting. Since you don’t remember the movies, you aren’t being influenced by them and have a different perspective than most.

      • Sabrina on July 8, 2023 at 4:34 pm
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      After your update the first two switched their places. To be clear: I don’t like JLM as Mr Knightley, Jeremy looks more like Mr. Darcy to me and my favourite cover is the one with Marc.

      1. Got it, Sabrina! Thanks.

    • J. W. Garrett on July 6, 2023 at 5:08 pm
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    Oh, I loved Mark Strong, but there was just something about Northam that got me. Maybe it was his ‘Don’t kill my dogs” line and that marvelous first kiss. There is nothing wrong with Miller, I just liked the other two better. The houses were fine. Of course, you have the final say and that is fine with me. I wish you all the best on the launch of this new work. Blessings.

      • J. W. Garrett on July 6, 2023 at 5:09 pm
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      I meant to say that Strong was my pick even though I liked Northam. Grrr!

    2. Okay. Got it! Thanks for the feedback and the well wishes. 🙂

    • Michelle Whitby on July 6, 2023 at 5:42 pm
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    Shannon – I think you have pulled a subconscious swifty on us!
    As I slowly scrolled down and Jonny Lee came into sight, the ‘Emma’ part of my heart skipped a beat.
    But then, I scrolled down to Jeremy and the colouring of his portrait and the rest of the cover blended so beautifully that it was a visual win!
    I think the only solution is for you to send Jonny Lee to me (do you need the address?) and you keep Jeremy. 😝
    I trust your decision and eagerly await the release.

    1. Haha! Wish I could accommodate you, Michelle!
      Glad you’re interested in the book too, not just the coverboys. 😉

    • Kim P. on July 6, 2023 at 6:20 pm
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    Jonny Lee Miller is my favorite Knightley of all time!! … but I don’t like the side eye look of this picture. Maybe if the artist softened it up a bit. Jeremy looks great and very Knightley-like. But JLM is still my favorite.

    1. Yes, I need to find a better inspiration photo of JLM, if I decide to go with him. Thanks for registering your vote!

    • Suzan Lauder on July 6, 2023 at 7:41 pm
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    Oh, it has to be Mark Strong. Those eyes!

    1. Wouldn’t it be cool if I could make the book available in three different covers? Then everybody could get the Knightley they want!

    • Patty Edmisson on July 6, 2023 at 9:34 pm
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    Jeremy Northam is my favorite Mr. Knightley. I have watched the first two in Emma, but I have not seen the Mark Strong version.

    1. Thanks for letting me know, Patty!

    • Michelle H on July 6, 2023 at 9:37 pm
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    That’s definitely a look of love in Jeremy Northam’s eyes.

    1. I believe you’re right. *sigh*

  25. I’ll leave the voting to others…just wanted to say congrats on finishing the next book, Shannon!

    1. Thanks so much, Christina! This one was a struggle, but I’m pleased with how it came out. 🙂

    • Jennifer on July 7, 2023 at 11:27 am
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    My vote is for Jeremy Northam, he always looked to me the iconic Mr. Knightley. Although Johnny Lee Miller is also good, in my crazy mind I associate him more with Edmund Bertrum ( those darn movies). However my favorite Emma will always be the 2020 version, smoldering chemistry gets me everytime!

    1. Yes, I’ve heard that from others too, Jennifer – that JLM is Edmund Bertram, not Mr. Knightley, in their minds.
      And I agree with the 2020 chemistry! Here’s my review, in case you’re interested: https://shannonwinslow.com/2021/06/29/a-movie-review-emma-2020/

    • Catherine Wong on July 7, 2023 at 2:33 pm
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    Jeremy Northam is my favorite Mr. Knightly. JLM will always be Edmund Bertram to me. Love the covers!

    1. That might be a problem, if JLM reads as Edmund Bertram instead of Mr. Knightley
      Glad you like the covers! Hopefully the artwork will live up to the same standard. 🙂 Thanks for your comment!

    • Michelle Whitby on July 7, 2023 at 10:31 pm
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    Definitely the ‘new’ Jonny Lee Miller cover!
    But I could be biased 😉

    1. Haha! EVERYBODY seems to be biased for their favorite, so I know that whatever I do, I can’t make everybody happy. I really do wish I could offer the book with choice of cover! Don’t think that’s an option, though.

    • Marie H on July 8, 2023 at 8:20 am
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    Still Jonny for me! 😉

    1. Surprise, surprise! 😉

    • BarbNH on July 9, 2023 at 10:43 am
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    I know I’ve seen all of these versions of Emma, but can only remember the Jeremy Northam version, which tells me he made the the more memorable Mr. Knightly. So, yeah, Jeremy Northam is still my choice.

    1. Thanks, Barb!

    • Tricia Knight on July 15, 2023 at 2:37 am
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    Johnny Miller all the way. He and Ramola had a wonderful chemistry. He appreciated and loved her youthfulness but found the grown woman side of her too. They did the best job as a couple in my humble opinion and when I read the book I will be imagining the two of them. In their roles. He also does not seem as that much older than her as do the other two. Great miner dialogue and internalisation.

    • Sarah B on July 17, 2023 at 1:01 am
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    I don’t know names, I am partial to #3, mostly because he is the one I think of when I think of Mr Knightly. I will say that #1 has more of the heart throb look going for him.
    As for the houses, I like #2 best…
    Good luck making a decision!

  1. […] took polls. I held a Mr. Knightley Pageant. I made multiple Cover Prototypes. And still no clear winner emerged between the top candidates. So, putting off the decision as long […]

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