Book Cover for the ever-expanding Machine Civilization Series

The Saga of Nichole5 Part One: Friend & Ally

Clayton Barnett

A new android is sent by the Japanese Empress to the city-state of Portland (former Oregon, former US) to make friends and influence people.

Late teen and up; either sex.

Paperback

1. Like my two covers and that of Jon Del Arroz's cover (see attachments), I like faces front and center; that's an immediate, emotional reaction by a potential reader. 2. I'd like the front and/or back covers to show two things: my main character and the story's location of Portland, Oregon. Please note that this story takes place about 10-15 years from now. 3. Main Character: Nichole 5 Clarke, a newly made self-aware android built by Somi Corp in Osaka, Japan. Her design has her looking like "a poster-girl for Irish Tourism." Seeming about 22 years old, mid-length strawberry-blond hair (usually in a ponytail), a small splay of freckles across the bridge of her nose, and vivid emerald eyes... to the point of glowing when she gets excited. In the story a friend of Nichole's draws her with a radio-headset on, looking like Winged Victory of Samothrace. 4. Location: in and around Portland, former Oregon. The novel is divided into three Acts; one is centered around DDG-173, Guided Missile Destroyer 'Kongo' which brought her from Japan to Portland; two is in and around the Lewis & Clark Bridge, some miles downriver; and three takes place at The Dalles Dam, some miles upriver. 5. There are six main secondary characters, but that would just confuse and clutter things. 6. While each of the three parts is centered around a battle, Nichole moves from strength to strength, learning about herself and the world around her. The tone is one of discovery and excitement, punctuated by some fear and uncertainty.

Nothing cartoon-ish. While willing to consider well-developed drawings, I prefer things as realistic as possible.