Choices, Choices
A late Christmas present just arrived! I’m psyched because I just got the first cover design for my new book, The Little Book of Talent, that’ll come out in September. Actually, two designs.
The question is, which to pick? That’s where you excellent people come in.
FYI, the book will be pretty little — it’ll measure 7 inches by 4.5 inches. It’ll be hardback, and it’ll have no jacket — just plain cloth. We’re aiming for a classic/timeless feeling, but we don’t want it to feel old-fashioned or fusty. In other words, not your grandpa’s little book.
First, we have choice A:
Then, option B:
Which do you like?
(In our family voting, there was a clear winner. I’ll tell you which in a little while, so as not to skew the voting process.)
Here’s the update as of Monday January 16: A = 30 votes, B = 8 votes.
Our family’s vote was exactly the opposite — we preferred B, because the title seemed to “pop” more and because it seemed a tad less nostalgic, a little fresher. But now you’ve got me thinking….
Thanks for all the great feedback; keep ‘em coming!
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100 Responses to “Choices, Choices”
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Dan, for me it really doesn’t matter. I’ll buy it on Kindle but if I wanted a hardcover I’d choose option A. I think the A cover better reflects the content. B to me looks like change for change sake.
The second
YOU are right. Choose the one where your title and name pop out.
Of the two that would be B.
I vote for A…
I prefer option A. For what it is worth. Can’t wait.
I like second too. But I’m not american. So I don’t think my taste is not universal thing but B looks like a notebook.
Colin (age 17)and I both say option B. It just looks sharper and more clean, in our opinion!
Cover B. Just like it better!
Maybe option B would be better if the black was a little bigger all the way around. It is too close to your text. I’m going with A.
“A” it up!
I’d do B. I’m colorblind and like the sharp contrast.
Definitely option B
B – More striking
Actually; I like B for the black and red. I’d lose the gold sun. Cheesy look. Maybe a more neo-archaic font for the title?
B. It jumps out at me. Crisp.
Love it!
Hmm, I’d have to go with cover A. It feels more expansive and open, as though the information continues out beyond the cover (which it does, right?). The B option pops, yes, but it feels confined (just shy of cramped) and a bit boxy.
…but whichever you choose, I look forward to reading it!
A: makes it feel like little big book.
B: makes it feel like claustrofobic because the black rectangle is so close to the circle.
A wins for me:)
A, for sales. More eye catching.
I agree with your family and choose B because the title does seem to grab my attention.
I like cover “A”. Another option would be to use cover “A” and change the font color to black to make it “pop”. I will buy it regardless of the cover choice
Asthetically I am immediately drawn to A. For me it looks sharper and conveys that smart, classic look you refer to wanting to captue.
I Vote for B. I was surprised to see the vote was much higher for A. I think that B looks more studious and professional, and I agree that the title seems to Pop more.
Cover A is more balanced. You can relax and take in the title. Cover B funnels you in to the center, but says, “look at me!” rather than, A, which, to me facilitates the interested reader’s focus more.
A!
I like option B more. I agree the color combination is more vibrant, more robust, while option A seems a bit subdued. Nevertheless, the black rectangle appears “squeezed”-too narrow. I would like it more if it were wider, more propertionate relative to the entire cover.
A is a cover I’d probably take more seriously. don’t kno why
I’d go with option A. While I also like option B, it just feels too cramped.
I like B !
Hi Dan,
I couldent give a monkeys, i just want to let you know why I don’t care. I have taught tennis for 13+ years and the talent code has just changed how i think about everything and opened my eyes to what my coaching education should have been and where to take it….Thank you.
Don’t care if it’s wraped in an old newspaper just get it out!!
I like A. B feels a bit cramped. Congrats!
Thanks, Tim — that makes my day. (Now if I could only do something about my serve!) Best, Dan
Option A, because it reminds me most of The Talent Code’s cover, i.e. it was clear to me the second I saw it that it’s your next book.
I think Option B looks a little better, but the association of option A to The Talent Code is clearer, and I think that will help best with recognition (and, hopefully sales).
Can’t wait !!
B jumps right of the shelf and into my hands!
My favorite is B
I’m voting for A but the truth is both have their merits and drawbacks.
Dan, I think option B is outstanding. Much stronger and eye-catching.
Hi Dan,
I am in the I don’t care I just want it as fast as possible group!
But I like the black and red it reminds me of those classic hardbacks that my grandfather had filled with great short stories.
Very much looking forward to it!!
Choice is B. Classic light on black with a pop.
Of course, the text, ’52 TIPS FOR IMPROVING SKILLS’, is a slightly different color in the two examples with B definitely seeming to stand out more. Additionally, the text in B looks slightly heavier, although not quite bold. trying the two designs with the same color and weight may give you a better insight to the impact of the black rectangle.
My eye physician (not optometrist)says I have extremely sensitive adjustment in my eyes. “B” draws my attention better but the downside is that with the black box the lettering and seal look smaller and squished into a smaller space, but it has a sharper look that draws the attention. “A” either has the illusion of larger print which is easier to read than “B” once I focus on it; however, the lettering on the gold seal on both is an adjustment because of the light color and sheen on gold. Again, “A” is easier to read because the print seems larger. Perhaps a darker color, font, or more bold on the seal lettering will make it easier to read without so much adjustment on “A”. If it was me, I would put a conceptual visual that encapsulates my book or system instead of a seal.
For me, “A” definitely. The simplicity of “A” is more elegant. My eye was able to take in all info on the cover easily and almost instantly. “B” isn’t bad, but it took longer for me to figure it out – the stark red and black feel like separate elements. B = “picture frame”, A = “little book”.
p.s… Keep the gold sticker. Love it.
I like B better.
A. The black spine is reminiscent of a traditional composition book. I’m guessing the black wraps around. The high contrast of the type on the spine will help it stand out on a shelf.
A…and when can I buy it?
Hi Faith,
Thanks for asking — pub date is August 21 …. hopefully you can buy it lots of places. There are still bookstores in existence, right?
B. But it’s a close call.
Hi Dan,
Looking forward to your upcoming book. I still tell others about your book The Talent Code and our radio interviews together! I like B.
I prefer A