Help Me Select Social Media Marketing Book Cover Design
June 7, 2009 by Bernie
Filed under Social Media, Web 2.0
My new social media marketing book is coming out this summer. And, I need your help selecting the book cover design.
The book title is Marketing 2.0: Bridging the Gap between Seller and Buyer through Social Media Marketing. The book is written for small and medium size businesses. It is a how-to book for marketers who have not yet fully developed their social media marketing strategy. The book provides guidelines for developing your strategy and real world case study examples from other SMBs for inspiration.
You’ll hear more about the book soon. For now, I want you to help me select the book cover design. Below are two slightly different versions of the book design. Please use the comments section below to give me your opinion on which one I should select.
I look forward to your input. Thanks!
Bernie,
All about the top one:)
I think the first one is much better.
Hi there! Saw your Tweet….
Here’s my two cents worth. (Book design has been my primary occupation for the past 25 years) Are you selling this online or in stores? Are you limited to choosing either A or B or can you make changes?
If it’s an either/or situation, I’d suggest the first one with your name on the blue background. Visually, the placement of your name is “bridging” the two blocks on either side which seems to “connect” the sellers on one side and the marketers on the other. Good Luck with the book!
Anita
I like the first one. Unless you had a co-author, then you could pull off the name on the blocks.
I vote for cover number one.
the first one!
I like the first on much better too, but for some reason i find myself wondering about alternate background colors.
The first one – it ties in with the book’s subtitle. Metaphorically, your name is bridging the blocks of sellers and buyers. In the other version, the two blocks remain completely separated.
The first one! Love it!
I don’t think you have time to do this, but here is an interesting experiment.
Pick 3 different book covers. Print out sample copies. Take the three of them and wrap them around a book of the same size. Then put each of the three on a bookshelf in a bookstore during a busy time. Grab a cup of coffee and watch from a safe distance. Whichever book cover gets picked up the most, that is the one for you.
If anyone actually picks up the book and goes to buy it, explain the experiment to them and tell them they won 5 free copies of your book for them and their friends, plus given them a $20 gift card to buy another book today.
PS – Make sure the book store does not catch you. Or maybe ask for permission.
PS – I LOVE these, and can’t wait to get a production copy!
The first one
I love the first one — like where it places your name centered at the bottom.
#1
Something bothers me about the visuals though. Honestly, my first thought was that this was a so-so book, a cut below. As you know, that initial positioning impression is the purpose of a book cover, so I am not sure you have been served well by your cover designer. And I doubt that what is between the covers is “so-so.”
If I wrap thoughts around that initial gut feeling, they center on the stick figures. The idea of visual bridging is a very powerful one, but it is executed poorly. The colors and shapes are simplistic, when the subject you write about is anything but simple. Hence the impression to me is “dumbed down.”
Take a look at the Dummies series – their covers are visually complex. There is a reason.
I’ve worked with cover designers before, so this is an informed and reaction. We spend all our time writing, but it’s the cover that makes or breaks sales.
Be careful who you are asking….it should be people like me who don’t know you, not just people who know and love you!
Thanks for all the great input folks! The first one with my name centered is my favorite choice as well.
I also received input on alternate designs, which are very subjective.
Mike Volpe’s idea is an interesting one. He’s right that I wouldn’t have the time to pull it off.
The book is mostly going to be sold online. I will promote it through my social network by sharing excerpts of it including interviews with many of the interesting people in the book. I’ve already started doing that and more will follow.
Thanks again! Much appreciated!
The first one looks cleaner with your name in the middle and with a box around it.
I must concur with the concensus, the first one appeals to me as well. I really like the idea of your name bridging the gap.
Looking forward to the book!
It’s all about bridging the gap…first one is clear winner for me.
I hate to do this, but I actually agree with the majority. unheard of!
Definitely like the first one better – I think your name should be higher up and the forword be at the bottom – just makes more sense. Also, the cut-outs of the people isn’t very “web 2.0″. I would adopt the current vista-icon-like look, that more people would relate to upon first glance. Would help tie in the title, too. Good luck!
Oh yea, the first one has it.
Bernie,
Yes, agreed with everyone else. I’d like to see the two blocks a lighter color. Your name would stand out a bit more.
Best of luck!
Lesley Peters
Definitely the first one Bernie!