Comments on: Help me choose the cover for my next book!

By: Jennifer Palus

Jennifer Palus — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 19:00:41 +0000

You can “provoke interest” but you may have to do it in the “anti-semantic” section of the bookstore.

By: Royce Parker

Royce Parker — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 14:57:34 +0000

Provocation: something that incites, instigates, angers, or irritates.

Although the words are often used in conjunction with eachother, I don’t think you can ‘provoke interest’. I think when you provoke, the result is almost always a negative reaction.

I am looking forward to reading the book (goofy title or not).

By: Karen Anderson

Karen Anderson — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 14:14:55 +0000

I’m a big fan of #1. And just as an aside comment to #16, Steph, there is not apostrophe after RFP. It’s simply a plural form, not a possessive, so I hope you won’t make that change! Really excited for your book, Tom–knowing you, it will be great!!

By: Tom Searcy

Tom Searcy — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 12:44:46 +0000

Thank you everyone for the feedback. It has been great! We are taking what you have given us and finalizing 2 choices for your review.

Now, you know we didn’t take every piece of advice, but I think some of the gems are going to make it a much better cover.

As an aside, I read Seth Godin’s recent blog on book covers- in summary he said that the cover’s responsibility is to get people to read the back of the book jacket and the back of the jacket is to get people to read the inside flap and the flap hopefully gets them to buy the book.

The fact is that the majority of the business books are bought on line- so, we have even less real estate to use to provoke interest. I think that the title, “RFPs Suck!” meets the test of provocation for me. I think that the feedback about the word “suck” is all valid- I have just decided to go with it anyway.

Please look at the 2 choices and let me know this week what you think of our finalists!

Thanks-

By: cpr_designer

cpr_designer — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 14:00:11 +0000

The two large copy areas are two similar. The orange color is not as dramatic as the maroon you use on other samples. I do like the person in the O as a branded element. I also did not recognize the crumpled paper as the background element in other options.

By: Kelly

Kelly — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 18:53:02 +0000

Even though I use the term “suck” myself, I don’t think I would use it in a book title that targets professionals. It kind of dates your book too, because slang words come and go with generations. Do you want your book to be timeless? As for the covers, I think the graphic artist is lacking in creativity. Changing colors and fonts is the easy way out. If you keep the title, I liked the idea of using a vacuum or a black hole.

By: Marcie

Marcie — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:59:24 +0000

I didn’t recognize what the crumpled paper was in any of them except the first one.

By: steph

steph — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:20:09 +0000

I like # 1.
Please add an apostrophe after RFP and before the s.
Also the word “for” should NOT be capitalized, as in “and for All”
It’s just not as important of a word.
I’m not crazy about the orange color for the title – maybe explore a couple of options.

By: Royce Parker

Royce Parker — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:49:26 +0000

Tom,
I understand the message you are trying to convey with the title, but I would strongly advise that you stay away from the word ‘suck’ in a book title. It is a term that is awkwardly overused and rather sophomoric. Your name on the cover will sell the book; you don’t need a gimmicky title. Professional people are drawn to professional books. I am afraid that those who don’t yet know your work might not take it seriously.

My 2 Cents

By: Jennifer Palus

Jennifer Palus — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:29:55 +0000

Book covers are on Seth Godin’s mind too…today’s blog

http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2009/07/the-purpose-of-a-book-cover.html