By Lisa Batten Kunkleman
I have several potential designs for a book cover and am looking for input. Have mercy! I never knew how tough it would be to publish a book. Actually to prepare a book for publication. Wow. Writing it was not the hard part.
Decisions, decisions. I never thought much about book design but I think about it now. In awake-time and in sleep-time. And this is only about the cover. There are oodles of other decisions to make for the interior. So, I need some friendly eyes and kind opinions on the following photo cover examples. Here’s your chance to be opinionated. (Consider the first photo to be A and the last to be E and read them like a book left to right in your input.)
I’m pretty sure I’m on the right track now but would appreciate some confirmation or suggestions. Many of you have been through this process and may have some words of wisdom. It’s taken several great minds to get this far and I want to get it right.
Thanks ahead of time. I’ll get by with a little help from my social media friends.
February 14, 2019 at 12:02 am
#1
February 14, 2019 at 12:30 am
Hey Ben. Thanks. Yes you are the first vote. Yay.
February 14, 2019 at 12:05 am
Wooohoooo! Cannot wait to own a copy of this! I like the one smack dab in the middle – C. It looks the most like a piece of classic literature to be savored and delighted in.
February 14, 2019 at 12:13 am
Thanks for the input Jen. I appreciate it. Stay warm.
February 14, 2019 at 12:41 am
HI LIsa ,
I vote for D but can you make your name a bit bolder or bigger????
My least favorite is E as the title fades into the barn.
Love the picture!
IT’s getting there!
Love, Bridgett > On Feb 13, 2019, at 6:57 PM, Life Stories and Beyond ply@wordpress.com > wrote: > >
February 14, 2019 at 1:07 am
Thanks Bridg. If the font on E was bolder and didn’t fade in what would you think?
February 14, 2019 at 1:05 am
Is the font bigger in number 2? I like the bottom where your name is on the first one, but the bigger font on the second one – but that could just be my old eyes. So happy for you – and impressed. AWESOMEEEEE!!! Hugs Cousin
February 14, 2019 at 1:06 am
Ooo thanks so much. I’ll check on pics and keep all that in mind.
February 14, 2019 at 1:47 am
I like #4. The print is easy to read and find, and I like your name over the grass in the foreground. The disclaimer is that I have no experience in publishing. Writing a successful book is awesome. Congratulations!
February 14, 2019 at 2:07 am
Thanks so much for the feedback. I’m pretty excited to be heading toward the actual publication.
February 14, 2019 at 2:24 am
I choose option 4. The font and layout would definitely pull me in for a closer look. I really like your name on the grass at the bottom here too!
February 14, 2019 at 3:40 am
Thanks Meredith. I appreciate the helpful thoughts.
February 14, 2019 at 3:09 am
I like the last one! It just looks the most… design-integrated? For me, the strips of black across the top and bottom kind of distract from the image, and I like it when it’s all part of one cohesive whole 🙂
February 14, 2019 at 3:39 am
Thanks for the detailed input. That’s very helpful.
February 14, 2019 at 3:33 am
They are all good, but I think I like the fourth one the best. I can see the photo clearly, but also read the name of the book easily, which is important if I’m looking for it by title. And congrats on getting a book published!!! That’s a huge accomplishment!
February 14, 2019 at 3:38 am
Thanks Ann. I’m ready to get it in hand.
February 14, 2019 at 3:52 am
I like the one on the bottom left best. The typeface is easiest to read in this one. Nice cover!
February 14, 2019 at 4:06 am
Thanks so much.
February 14, 2019 at 1:55 pm
Lisa, I like D(#4) but would like the “Life is Beyond to be the same as in photo B(#2). I know nothin about writing and publishing but so happy that you have written this book. I will look forward to reading it.
On another note, congratulations on your beautiful new grandbaby boy. He is just adorable. I know he is going to be spoiled for sure as he has so many people who love him!! Your life is really going to change now. I hope you make lots of money on your book as you will probably be spending most of it on your grandson!! Smile…………..
February 14, 2019 at 1:57 pm
Thanks so much Judy. I appreciate the ideas. About little Wesley, you’re right. He has changed all our worlds and is currently the centerpiece. He’s adorable. Now if his mom and dad could get some sleep…
February 14, 2019 at 3:56 pm
I am no expert but I prefer the second cover from the right. It is bright and draws the eye and the lettering is easier to read.
February 14, 2019 at 7:02 pm
Thanks for the input. It is clearer.
February 15, 2019 at 7:42 pm
Hi Lisa, Thought I’d put in my 2 cents – 🙂 I’m a graphic designer and have also designed both the cover and interior of several books (all children’s so far – picture books and a chapter book). I have a few thoughts – #4 is the strongest, but I would break up the title text the same way you did in #5. I’d move your name up a bit, so the type stands out more on the lighter green grass (just a little). What is a bit confusing looking at the cover is that it appears that the book has two titles. Anyone not familiar with your blog and its title may be confused as well. Therefore, the type weight and size should be different for each of them, being larger and heavier for the actual title, and lighter for the other. Hope that helps.
February 16, 2019 at 12:28 am
Very wise suggestions. You must be very good at your job. Thanks so much.
February 16, 2019 at 3:24 pm
Well, thanks! Happy to help. Feel free to ask if you have any other thoughts/questions.
February 16, 2019 at 4:03 pm
Thanks so much.
February 21, 2019 at 1:53 am
I agree with the graphic designer above. D is my favorite, but I do like the suggestion of the different fonts. Congrats! Can’t wait to purchase your first book!
February 21, 2019 at 1:54 am
Thanks Cuz.
February 15, 2019 at 8:39 pm
I agree with the designer above. Great free advice from her and very on the money I think.
February 16, 2019 at 12:27 am
Thanks. I think so too. I should have asked for opinions long ago.
February 16, 2019 at 2:54 pm
I vote for B. Good luck deciding. You’re right, writing a book seems like the easy part once you get to the publishing part.
Sent from my iPad
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February 16, 2019 at 4:04 pm
For sure. You should know. And happy valentines to you btw. I appreciate your lovely cards each year.
February 19, 2019 at 1:11 am
I like B because it’s easiest to read for these old eyes. :). I can’t wait to see the finished product!
February 19, 2019 at 1:12 am
Thanks so much Melissa. Great to hear from you.
February 20, 2019 at 4:53 am
Personally I prefer B but I would have the title in black then it would stand out more. 🙂
February 20, 2019 at 4:54 am
Thanks so much for the input.
February 20, 2019 at 5:07 am
You’re welcome and good luck with the book 😉
February 20, 2019 at 11:02 am
Thanks.
February 20, 2019 at 10:14 pm
I like #4…..great picture!! Good luck to you!!!!!:) Jennifer Dann
February 20, 2019 at 11:12 pm
Thanks Jennifer. I appreciate the input.
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