The cover for The Emergent has been selected. But think about this:
If you participated in phase two of this part of the project (the cover poll for The Emergent), you have judged book covers so that others may judge a book by its cover. Up to the point when the cover poll was released, only a handful of people were involved in the design and content of the book. Now, thanks to you and your sharing the poll around, almost 200 individuals (a small village) have contributed to the book becoming what it will be. I think that’s pretty dope (to use a phrase from the 90s).
UPDATE: publication date is now 3/30/2022. At a later date, I will share info on pre-orders and an e-book flash sale so you and all your all your friends can get copies.
Okay. Here’s what you really came for:
At the beginning of the process, I pulled a number of books off my shelves and shared their badass covers with the designer (see below). Other than an extended synopsis (with spoilers) of The Emergent, these book covers were the only thing influencing the designer in the first round.
The one below missed the mark completely; felt a bit like they did it quickly to fill a quota.
The second one (below) is supposed to evoke the Santa Clara Valley (the setting for much of the story). It’s a decent job of replicating the feel of another example I shared with the designer – a simple yet intriguing cover for an excellent book by an old acquaintance of mine.
Below are the two favorites. I asked for and got one “major” change. Can you see the difference?
While none of the endorsements appear in the images below and at least one minor correction needs to be made in the text, here’s what the ARC (advance reading/review copy) cover wrap looks like.
nick holmberg 
Awesome. Congratulations
Thank, Hec! I hope you are staying well. Cheers!
Brilliant, love it!
Thanks! I hope you get something out of the book.
Glad to be a part of the village, though I voted for the other one, lol. Congratulations again!