First, I love the idea of the spines of the books coming together to create an image. That is something that I have always enjoyed in books that I have read. Second, I think going back to the smileys is a great idea, but I wonder if you could add a little? Like maybe have the smiley hanging in the background (like a massive sun setting) then put a few key aspects of the book in the foreground? I don’t know how that would turn out in the end, but it seems like it might work to me. There’s my feedback, hopefully it gives some more ideas and keeps those brain juices flowing
For my vote: I agree with this comment… I was feeling yes smiley face for instant recognition, not sure about black-and-white to make me read it though… Love the spines, completing or back cover mashup or both or all not sure.
Ok… hmmm… tricky… I don’t think black and white is a “bad thing” but I will tell you color does draw attention. It does convey a mood, provoke thought, there is a reason black and white movies have gone out of style and are no longer made except as a reference to old movies or that one extremely artistic film that one guy made.
Note if you do go with black and white. I warn you to be careful, especially with silhouette. To be honest all the old comic covers you showed are hard to read visually except for Nethinim. The first two are the worst offenders. If someone showed me those two for just two or seconds I’d be confused.
I agree the smiley is iconic. It does convey mood and it does stand out on a shelf. And I think it would go very well with people who know the book. What it is.
But that’s the problem it tells me nothing… I don’t know anything about the book I don’t even know what genre it is or to expect. For all I know it’s titled choices it could be a therapy book about making choices.
And if I knew somehow it was fantasy. When I look at a cover. I want to know more about that guy. Or this part of the cover and I don’t think I would say… I want to know more about that smiley face screaming?
Anyway I don’t want to make you doubt yourself too hard. I know it’ll come out great. But these are the things that go through my brain? And it’s a very hard line to walk between iconic and weird at first view. I’m not even sure if there is a a line, more like a gray mass that shifts with trends and the generations.
I have this one idea with silhouettes and the smiley but I don’t know if it would be good or if I could even convey it without drawing an example.
See, but that is where I am right now...torn between the original smileys, but adding more, to reveal the nature of the book.
This is going to take some time,and for once, I want to be very, VERY sure.
I'd like to hear your ideas though, Joseph. All of this helps me,...and I know you well enough that you don't want me to doubt myself at ALL.... [smirk]
The originals are eye catching from across the room to a thumbnail, so I gotta go with the OG. Being seen is Rule #1. Your original cover concept is still your best IMO.
Before the title page, you could open your real cover to see a 2nd cover, that teases the story in any way you desire. And after that the normal contents start.
I have not seen it done, but it makes sense to me, especially for comics or graphic novels. I did Goggle it to see if the idea came from something I'd read, but the closest thing I found was a Duplex cover. That's different but here's a Youtube link that explains it. https://youtu.be/5Og8Gi-dao0?si=EYZdq-9FkU6qvwlX
Once (to reinforce: the above described version of) the book’s in somebody’s hands it’s an automatic word-of-mouth from there, so… Can you make them pick the thing up?
And… If you do use colour or something along your reference pic lines… your style maybe suit the jinx cover best I think. (better than any reference, naturally! 🤗)
I have to admit: I love the original smileys SO MUCH. But I don't have good insight into what YOU should do. But having an iconic, immediately recognizable cover? Huge. Having something that attracts attention? Huge.
You're all telling me David Farland was right....and he was SO intense about driving this point home...
"You'll want to change it, Jaime....but DON'T! People are not going to get it, but that's okay....when your books get known, no one will make a better cover that people will recognize and you'll find your brand in stone!"
Doesn't sound like I should walk away from this....which makes Ann's suggestion HUGE!!
First, I love the idea of the spines of the books coming together to create an image. That is something that I have always enjoyed in books that I have read. Second, I think going back to the smileys is a great idea, but I wonder if you could add a little? Like maybe have the smiley hanging in the background (like a massive sun setting) then put a few key aspects of the book in the foreground? I don’t know how that would turn out in the end, but it seems like it might work to me. There’s my feedback, hopefully it gives some more ideas and keeps those brain juices flowing
For my vote: I agree with this comment… I was feeling yes smiley face for instant recognition, not sure about black-and-white to make me read it though… Love the spines, completing or back cover mashup or both or all not sure.
Yeah, BenD, those are my thoughts exactly, and on all aspects. I love that!!
Okay...a second on something is super important to notice...
Ok… hmmm… tricky… I don’t think black and white is a “bad thing” but I will tell you color does draw attention. It does convey a mood, provoke thought, there is a reason black and white movies have gone out of style and are no longer made except as a reference to old movies or that one extremely artistic film that one guy made.
Note if you do go with black and white. I warn you to be careful, especially with silhouette. To be honest all the old comic covers you showed are hard to read visually except for Nethinim. The first two are the worst offenders. If someone showed me those two for just two or seconds I’d be confused.
I agree the smiley is iconic. It does convey mood and it does stand out on a shelf. And I think it would go very well with people who know the book. What it is.
But that’s the problem it tells me nothing… I don’t know anything about the book I don’t even know what genre it is or to expect. For all I know it’s titled choices it could be a therapy book about making choices.
And if I knew somehow it was fantasy. When I look at a cover. I want to know more about that guy. Or this part of the cover and I don’t think I would say… I want to know more about that smiley face screaming?
Anyway I don’t want to make you doubt yourself too hard. I know it’ll come out great. But these are the things that go through my brain? And it’s a very hard line to walk between iconic and weird at first view. I’m not even sure if there is a a line, more like a gray mass that shifts with trends and the generations.
I have this one idea with silhouettes and the smiley but I don’t know if it would be good or if I could even convey it without drawing an example.
See, but that is where I am right now...torn between the original smileys, but adding more, to reveal the nature of the book.
This is going to take some time,and for once, I want to be very, VERY sure.
I'd like to hear your ideas though, Joseph. All of this helps me,...and I know you well enough that you don't want me to doubt myself at ALL.... [smirk]
Always appreciate your thoughts.
The originals are eye catching from across the room to a thumbnail, so I gotta go with the OG. Being seen is Rule #1. Your original cover concept is still your best IMO.
Have I told you that your my favorite reader today?
LOL.....JK,...I love everyone.... but that...well, I want to make the originals work... better.
This covers ARE the best to be seen.
I keep wondering if there is a way to tell more but leave the front covers just the smileys?
Could you have a 2nd cover inside, and tease it?
...what do you mean a second cover inside?
Can you elaborate on that?
I'm curious....
Before the title page, you could open your real cover to see a 2nd cover, that teases the story in any way you desire. And after that the normal contents start.
That....is a really cool idea!!
I've never seen that done.
Has someone done that before??
I have not seen it done, but it makes sense to me, especially for comics or graphic novels. I did Goggle it to see if the idea came from something I'd read, but the closest thing I found was a Duplex cover. That's different but here's a Youtube link that explains it. https://youtu.be/5Og8Gi-dao0?si=EYZdq-9FkU6qvwlX
Couple of PSs …
Once (to reinforce: the above described version of) the book’s in somebody’s hands it’s an automatic word-of-mouth from there, so… Can you make them pick the thing up?
And… If you do use colour or something along your reference pic lines… your style maybe suit the jinx cover best I think. (better than any reference, naturally! 🤗)
Oh! OHHH!!
WHAT ABOUT THIS....
Imagine the front cover the same as the old ones, but far more details on the face.
Then as you turn the book, there is a frame with a spine picture, then on the back of shows a short black shirt sleeve and Wendells arm.
... but behind him would be a scene from the book, AND out could be black and white OR color!
This would be exceptionally cool… But what could you do on the cover to make me look inside to find out how freaking cool all this is…??
I have to admit: I love the original smileys SO MUCH. But I don't have good insight into what YOU should do. But having an iconic, immediately recognizable cover? Huge. Having something that attracts attention? Huge.
Okay...THIS IS MY CHALLENGE!!
You're all telling me David Farland was right....and he was SO intense about driving this point home...
"You'll want to change it, Jaime....but DON'T! People are not going to get it, but that's okay....when your books get known, no one will make a better cover that people will recognize and you'll find your brand in stone!"
Doesn't sound like I should walk away from this....which makes Ann's suggestion HUGE!!
[...my brain is hurting now....]
...and I have to leave on the road in 3 days!!