Thanks for Voting!
Thanks for your input! You’ll receive an email April 12 when the book is ready for mailing 
So I’m curious – which cover did you choose, and why?
Much appreciated.
David
David Wood (Bio)
Professional Certified Coach
My Calling:
Create outrageous success for 'helping professionals' and charities. I travel the world, creating products to help coaches start and fill their practices, and causing trouble.
February 24th, 2010 at 8:13 am
THE $100 NOTE as it was the only one that would stick out on a shelf.
THE LEANING is bland and would melt into the landscape of other books, while THE FISH has no connection with the subject and wouldn’t catch a potential buyer’s interest (for this sort of book).
I managed several sections in a very busy Waterstone’s in Covent Garden in the heart of London for a year and it’s tricky finding a cover that actually sticks out.
Hope that helps.
Cheers,
Hakon
February 24th, 2010 at 8:14 am
I voted for the $100 note, because I tend to associate success and freedom with having money.
February 24th, 2010 at 8:16 am
In the spirit of complete honesty, I voted for the goldfish cover on pure aesthetics. I think your book sounds awesome, however I think you should look a little more stylish on the cover of your own book. Sorry if that’s harsh!
February 24th, 2010 at 8:16 am
Actually it showed up on my screen as two of the LEANING and one of the $100 NOTE. While the $100 NOTE stood out, the way it broke up your face was unsettling. LEANING was more accessible.
February 24th, 2010 at 8:19 am
I like the $100 note. It screams ‘success’ thru authenticity, the other 2 covers were just too…..cuddly.
February 24th, 2010 at 8:21 am
I voted for the gold fish cover. The fish jumping out of the water as opposed to the others swimming around better captures the essence of the title.
February 24th, 2010 at 8:22 am
I chose the leaning one because it spoke authenticity to me, genuine, it looked simple, casual, guy in t-shirt and jeans and getting paid for it wthout the extras was appealing. IT wasnt cluttered and it wouldbe a cover id gladly add to my library
February 24th, 2010 at 8:24 am
I voted for the $100 cover. Having worked at a bookstore for a few years, my experience tells me that cover would draw the most interest from the casual shopper to pick it up and start thumbing thru it. Although a great cover doesn’t guarantee a sale, covers are a prime reason for a browser to pick up a book to check out its contents.
February 24th, 2010 at 8:24 am
The goldfish “leapt” out to me immediately. It was powerful, professional and whimsical at the same time.
February 24th, 2010 at 8:25 am
The goldfish as I thought it was a good example of anything being possible with thinking differently and daring to do what others are afraid to do.
February 24th, 2010 at 8:28 am
I just went with the lean. What bugs me though is that the title seems somehow grammatically awkward. Shouldn’t it be “Get Paid for Being Who You Are” or something?
February 24th, 2010 at 8:31 am
I voted for “The Fish” visually it was the most stimulating as I connected with the fish out of water aspect of being different.
February 24th, 2010 at 8:34 am
The bill on the cover seemed to match the title.
February 24th, 2010 at 8:38 am
I like the one with the $100 note. It’s more catchy and jumps out more.
February 24th, 2010 at 8:39 am
The bill on the cover is the best HOWEVER USING AMERICAN MONEY MAKES OTHER COUNTRIES FEEL EXCLUDED. Not me personally as i was raised in the united states – but it’s like when american tv/film uses the word ‘green’ as a money reference or perhaps play on words: 9/10 other countries aren’t gonna get the reference. And i mean english-speaking countries. Obviously you cant have a bill that suits ever nations currency – sure you could make some multicolored thing but just as many people would be confused and think what the hell as would think ”ah money of the world”.
February 24th, 2010 at 8:39 am
I picked the $100 note cover since I feel it captures the essence of what I just read up above, and that one stuck out the most to me. I almost picked the goldfish one, and I love the analogy that cover gives the potential reader, though it didn’t stick out as much to me as the $100 note cover. The leaning ones are alright, but seemed almost a little too simple and I feel they would get lost in the crowd. Whichever one you end up going with, I can’t wait to check out the book when it’s ready!
February 24th, 2010 at 8:39 am
I voted for the fish, it has a symbolic meaning and it is the one I could relate to most.
February 24th, 2010 at 8:40 am
The fish……….The money didnt encapsulate the bigger picture, however the fish while looking more athsteticly pleasing also reminded me of the the Richard Bach story ‘Jonathan Livingston Seagull’. Be individual, AUTHENTIC and move away from the average fish!
February 24th, 2010 at 8:42 am
$100 note – no question. The leaning looks to me as if it will be a comedy or something. And the fish – another new age feel good book! We already have more of those than any culture should.
February 24th, 2010 at 8:43 am
I voted for THE FISH, as it screamed individuality with that single fish jumping up out of the water aka going its own way. Awesome for the books purpose. It was also the most beautiful cover.
February 24th, 2010 at 8:48 am
I voted for the $100 note. The two “leaning” covers struck me as rather generic, I’ve seen too many similar covers. The fish… just didn’t seem relevant to what the book is about. OTOH, I’m a rather literal-minded person. Of the four, I felt the $100 note had the most impact. I disagree with poster KJSM, above. I don’t think that anyone in the major English-speaking countries who is the kind of person who would buy such a book, would fail to get the reference. I mean, anyone who watches TV in Australia has seen enough American shows to know what US dollars look like. If I heard someone talking about “folding green” or “dead presidents” I’d know he meant money, not lettuce or expired political leaders. I should also add that I’ve worked in bookstores for years and buy a lot of books, so I’ve seen plenty of book covers.
February 24th, 2010 at 8:52 am
Cash cover: tacky
The lean: it’s been (over)done
The fish: perfectly represents the book’s message
February 24th, 2010 at 8:52 am
I voted for the 4th one over on the right…The one with David Staning on the left and the title in big bold down the right side.
What’s important to remember here is…this cover is going to be super small because I’m assuming it’s going to be on the web. If that’s the case, you’re going to want the words to be extremely clear and easy to read.
I also like the symbolism of the money. Maybe you could add money to the one of the far right with big words?
The two with the fish made me think too much. I want something for this cover that doesn’t make me guess what’s going on.
My two cents worth.
Best to you.
Otto
February 24th, 2010 at 8:53 am
The $100 note cover stood out the most and conveyed the message crisply. The leaning covers looked generic, the fish was interesting but you don’t want to convey that these ideas translate to “a fish out of water” (not an inspiring thought, that the ideas in this book will make you feel out of your element and gasping!)
February 24th, 2010 at 8:57 am
I voted for the $100 note…I associate “getting paid” with greenbacks, not goldfish, nor someone just standing there…
February 24th, 2010 at 8:57 am
Fish – while it didn’t immediately seem to connect with the title & what I assume the subject matter will contain, it did make me think about what that picture was conveying, and so seemed to create a deeper connection in my mind.
February 24th, 2010 at 8:58 am
I felt the Leaning cover was best, the $100 dollar one looked cheesey and unsettling, the fish is totally un-original I don’t know how many times I’ve seen that cover or picture elsewhere but if I had a nickle for every time….
February 24th, 2010 at 8:59 am
I voted for the leaning one because it stood out more clearly, particularly the type – bold clear message saying what the book is about. If the type had been clearer on the goldfish one I might have voted for it, as I think the image is better than just another book with a picture of the author on it.
February 24th, 2010 at 9:00 am
The leaning cover got my vote. It just stands out, is friendly and makes me want to see what is inside.
February 24th, 2010 at 9:01 am
I like the $100 note the best. All where very good. Can’t wait to read the book!
February 24th, 2010 at 9:01 am
I voted for the leaning picture. The $100 note version is vulgar in a way only money-obsessed Americans might respond to, in my humble opinion (I am not American) and because your face is obscured I don’t feel spoken to. The fish motifs don’t seem relevant. The leaning cover is aesthetic and well-balanced with clean lines; the message is conveyed clearly and the happy guy drives it home. It’s true what the bookseller says about the $100 version standing out more, but do you really want to put yourself on the same level as cheap scams and lose your credibility?
It seems that some people get two leaning versions. I got one leaning and two fish.
February 24th, 2010 at 9:03 am
I voted for the $100 cover because it stands out very clearly.
Besides,it shows money which is a symbol of success.
February 24th, 2010 at 9:03 am
The Goldfish. The ones that have a picture of the author made me think, “does this guy really know what the f#$! he’s talking about??” The fish were aesthetically pleasing and didn’t bring up any judgmental thoughts about the author. Plus I liked the imagery of one fish figuring out how to launch out of the water, made me want to be that fish.
February 24th, 2010 at 9:04 am
I immediately connected to the fish that has jumped out of the water, therefore I voted for ‘The Fish’ cover.
The jumping fish signifies momentum towards ones goal. It personifies the qualities of individuality, courage and belief. It captures what this book is about, dare to be different and follow your dream.
February 24th, 2010 at 9:05 am
I chose the goldfish.
“for who you are” is the exciting part of the title for me.
If I was going to be excited about being me and getting paid for it. I’d want an image that I could project that feeling on to- not an image with a specific face or a skinny guy with jeans (no offense of course).
February 24th, 2010 at 9:10 am
Hey, I immediately was drawn to the fish one. I had the sense that by reading the book that I would/could have the experience of rising out of my current comfort zone, the surrounding water, and soar into unknown territory, like I was no longer just a fish and could become freer and more expansive.
February 24th, 2010 at 9:14 am
The relaxed look from leaning spoke of authentic cofindence. “I’m a success, my way and I enjoy my life!
February 24th, 2010 at 9:24 am
I like seeing your face, but like Conrad I was drawn to the fish cover because it seemed to give me an immediate picture of trying to go against the expected, which being your authentic self often requires. Can’t wait to read it!
February 24th, 2010 at 9:24 am
I voted for the Fish, because it was the only cover in which the subtitle (share your passion etc etc) was easily visible. Plus, I don’t recognize David so him being on the cover is not a selling point.
February 24th, 2010 at 9:25 am
I voted for 100$ note since it makes me image personal success associated with money
February 24th, 2010 at 9:26 am
Definetely the leaning one, it looks so effortless and relaxed, and that seems to be the whole point of the matter. Seems congruent with the title.
The fish one is beautiful, dut doesn’t make obvious sense. I get the flying fish thing, but I personally don’t associate succes with being a fish OUT of water!! Just the opposite in fact.
The portrait one … no offence, that’s not the way to go
The $100 one … looks to stereotypical … too much focus on ‘money money money’, not enough on ‘being your self’. Classic succes-cheesy look.
And I hope you choose the one that YOU like the best!! And I hope it’s the leaning one
February 24th, 2010 at 9:28 am
I picked “leaning”. It does not need to “stand out on a shelf” as I suppose it’s gonna be an ebook. The design is the most professional. If you pick the 100$ one, you need to adjust it so the shoulders match, it looks really creepy.
February 24th, 2010 at 9:36 am
Wow! I get a call from my assistant at 6:35am Pacific time to day “They sent the email out before we finished the voting page!”
That’s why you were seeing two of some pictures. We’ve just updated the page with the final four so we are good to go now.
Thanks for all your comments guys – they are very valuable. And it’s so exciting for me to share these and get real feedback.
David
February 24th, 2010 at 9:37 am
The $100 cover initially jumped out at me because it was so different and therefore striking, and while the goldfish one is the most artistic (for me), it didn’t convey to me, in an instant, what the book was going to be about. I ended up asking myself, “Which book would compel me to see what was inside it,” and that was the Leaning cover, because I definitely preferred seeing you to get a gut hit about who you are: your friendly face and full-body availability on the cover conveys authenticity, accessiblity, and expertise; and the leaning conveys “comfortable in his skin”; and the big vertical title conveys boldness, straight talk, solidity, height, simple truth.
February 24th, 2010 at 9:37 am
They all had their pros and cons.
The dollar bill one is, to me, the worst. For starters “Free up for your time” makes NO sense. I would never buy this book for the simple reason that NOT EVEN THE COVER WAS LOOKED AT BY AN EDITOR! That alone says to me that this book is going to be full of typos, errors, and bad writing. Visually, it’s cheesy, clichéd, and looks far more like it’s offering a get-rich-quick scheme than any actual tips to genuinely improve my life. It feels crass, even vulgar. The visual effects don’t really make an sense, either (though that’s totally nitpicky, I admit). That’s the cover that I’d most expect to see advertised on cable at 3am.
I voted for the fish one, because the aesthetic was the most pleasing / least off-putting. However, there are enough similar covers out there that it loses some impact. Which brings me to the worst part: the use of “impact lives” was a turn-off. Bad grammar on the cover is a HUGE turn off for me. Here, it makes me suspect I’m going to hear a lot of “business-speak” i.e. “big” words used incorrectly and repeatedly.
The leaning one isn’t bad. But it has been done before, and also uses “impact” improperly. But it’s less eye-catching and “uniqueness-indicating” than the fish.
The big head one doesn’t misuse “impact”, is simple, uncluttered, and clean. All very strong benefits. The problem is that I have no idea who this doofus is (no offense) or why he hasn’t even combed his hair. I’m almost unsure if he is the “before” or “after” picture. (Almost)
All that said, I voted for the fish, because the question was which one “would [I] buy?”, not “which one do you think will sell?”
February 24th, 2010 at 9:37 am
I chose the gold fish because of two reasons. One he didn’t stay with the crowd and second he took a leap of faith. To the fish he proved to himself he could do it (break free).
February 24th, 2010 at 9:37 am
I vote forbthe $100 dollar note. Many people connect success with monetary gains. I also agree with the mentioned statement from one if the other comments that it would better stick out in a book store shelf.
February 24th, 2010 at 9:39 am
The fish cover leapt out at me and visually communicated the essence of the book.
February 24th, 2010 at 9:42 am
I liked the simplicity and clean look of the one with David Woods torso in the front, and green text above. I imagen it to say something like: “This is me and my brilliant ideas. I don’t need other stuff on this cover, beacause my honesty sells it self”.
February 24th, 2010 at 9:54 am
The fish cover speaks to me the most. The fish out of water and having the guts to actually take the leap from the element in which you live and break from the pack — all pretty powerful.
February 24th, 2010 at 9:56 am
THE LEANING. We tend to associate a relaxed image to doing something that we want to do for a living.
February 24th, 2010 at 9:58 am
I didn’t really like any of the covers, however there are some elements that you could use in three of them. Of the four the goldfish was the most visually appealing overall, as well as the $100 note and the design elements of palm trees. If you combined the island motif and $100 note as what the goldfish was jumping out of it’s safe environment for it would communicate a lot more of what I think the book might be about.
February 24th, 2010 at 10:10 am
I voted for the fish because it caught my eye, Im an artist and unique things like that offten get my attention. I would change the font colour to be blue or that golden brown. do get lost with all the other fishes in doing the samething
February 24th, 2010 at 10:15 am
Dan – tell me what you really think! LOL. I love that I’m getting such straight feedback. Thank you!
February 24th, 2010 at 10:22 am
Thought the orange color too weak on the fish cover
Leaning cover also weak. Why lean??? Thought you are going for strengh!
February 24th, 2010 at 10:35 am
I voted for the cover with the 100 dollar bill, mainly for its representation with success. The fish out of water cover is interesting and has a more authentic feel but lacking something. Perhaps showing the fish in a bowl with a little 9 to 5 time emblem, a dollar sign, a heart and a smiley face etched into it — emphasizing the freedom of having time, money, love of what you do and more happiness. Just a random thought. Hope the book does great!
February 24th, 2010 at 10:36 am
I voted for the $100 note, while I find the fish more aesthetically appealing the $100 note appeals to the need for money (or just greed) and makes me want to pick it up and check it out.
February 24th, 2010 at 10:39 am
I voted fish. You’re a decent looking guy, but not recognizable-so having your picture wouldn’t help me make a decision to buy- save that for your future books.
February 24th, 2010 at 10:42 am
I also voted for the fish. It has a symbolic meaning and it is the one I could relate to most and it’s pleasing to the eyes.
February 24th, 2010 at 10:47 am
I think the Goldfish cover is by far the best. It is the most unique and relates to the subject matter in a clever/non-obvious way.
Improvements? hmmm.
Maybe give the “jumping” goldfish wings. Emphasizing the need to find your unique gifts *and* the right environment to utilize them in.
I would also consider making the background black. Hardly any self help books are black. I know it would catch *my* attention at least.
February 24th, 2010 at 10:58 am
First ask yourself what message you want to send. Is the book about being the best you and being successful and happy? Is the book about going your own rout. or is it about making money. Your inner philosophy will be the real truth to which cover you should use.
The Leaning one shows confidence and the idea of Leaning on who you are while wearing a big ol’ smile gave me a sense of confidence in the source material. I know I want to feel like that guy feels. You might try justifying the type on the title by adjusting the horizontal size. This might give it a more solid feel but over all the only uncomfortable thing on the cover is the Author placement.
The money one reminds me too much of infomercials where you can make a lot of money on realestate.
The fish one Has two problems. 1) it reminds too much of “The Big Leap” Cover. 2) it has two major elements fighting each other. The text is powerful and bold but doesn’t work with the image. The image is trying to tell you something about breaking free. A san-serif and reworking of the typeography to show a bigger and maybe different colored fish jumping over/through the title might help it overall.
Then there is the other one. ZZZZZZZ.
February 24th, 2010 at 11:06 am
Fish for sure. Clean, uncluttered, well-composed, catches the eye with a striking metaphor for (what I take is meant to be) the theme of the book.
Leaning guy is second best of the four, mainly as it’s not too busy. But–just a personal response–it seems to me I’ve seen thousands of leaning-guy business/career/change-your-life books, and this one doesn’t call forth any emotional response for me.
Dan is right about bad grammar, misspellings (one of the covers referred to the “foreward”), and biz-speak clichés putting off buyers. Or maybe Dan and I are just the two people left in the United States who care about language … “Impact lives” didn’t grate on me as much as it did on Dan, but it does edge a little into trendyspeak. I’m not sure I have a better verb–”change lives” is more straightforward but could have the connotation of slipping into some other life, I guess.
Oh, the $100 bill–this one didn’t appeal to me at all. Esthetically jarring, and half your face obscured by a disproportioned piece of currency–covering your mouth–does that really convey what you want to be telling your readers? I would walk right past this in the bookstore or library, *unless* some other source had aroused my interest before I ever saw the cover.
Off the topic, I think I was in that Waterstone’s in Covent Garden last month–very busy indeed!
February 24th, 2010 at 11:11 am
I liked the typography of the “LEANING” and the imagery of the FISH. Make the typography in the FISH cover as good and that will be the best cover. Still, the fish that jumps up feels a bit too close to the text..
February 24th, 2010 at 11:13 am
I think the one with your face is the best because it shows you “as you are” which is the theme of the book. The other covers are very cliche and I would instantly categorize it straight into the sea of useless self-help books out there that go over the same themes over and over.
Differenciate it. Make it how you want and to the market you want. Do you think the masses will benefit from this realistically and if not then who will and hone in on that, emphasize it and really do it how you want it, not how a publishing house has suggested. Only you know how it should be like because no one else has read the book.
February 24th, 2010 at 11:15 am
I like the fish! I’m feeling a little childish so maybe improve it with a cartoon like speech bubble from the jumping fish saying “yippeeeee I’m free” or something about the other fish still not realising they’re swimming in/surrounded by water.
February 24th, 2010 at 11:21 am
I would make the one fish hopping out of the water bigger to kind of symbolise the indivdual/inteded buyer or make the jumping fish look at the inteded buyer, thus speaking to the customer.
For the leaning cover, I would add an arrow pointing towards the person (you) standing there or I’d have you pointing toward the intended customer, not in a too Uncle Sam-ish way, though. This also for the purpose of directing the book at the customer, thus emphasizing the books title.
February 24th, 2010 at 11:23 am
I liked the Leaning cover because the author was relaxed, something I like to relate to. The author looks like ‘the guy next door, another good aspect. I like goldfish but I don’t relate it to making money. The $100.00 bill was cool but it distorted the author’s face, not cool.
February 24th, 2010 at 11:38 am
i like the fish because it’s supposed to be about _me_ not _you_. your photo de-personalizes it.
February 24th, 2010 at 11:41 am
The 100 dollar note immediately stuck out not only for it’s significance for wealth, but also how it was integrated into who you were in quite a creative and artistic way. Good luck with the book!
February 24th, 2010 at 11:46 am
I voted for the goldfish cover because of the emphasized WHO YOU. I was drawn to the color of the tropical cover, but am not much tempted by the tropics (and, so, for me, the setting clashes with the title – since it’s not me).
February 24th, 2010 at 12:05 pm
“Fish out of Water” and jumping out voluntarily. What better discriptor is there???
February 24th, 2010 at 12:08 pm
I voted for the fish because of the three I felt it looked the best ascetically, but it would be nice to be able to tie money into the cover in someway since that is also a focus of the book
February 24th, 2010 at 12:11 pm
The leaning cover would be better if the leaning were less dramatic.
On the Goldfish cover; the Goldfish leaping out of the water could be larger and more colorful than the other fish.
February 24th, 2010 at 12:11 pm
I liked the aesthetics of the fish cover from the image down… although it didn’t quite align with the whole point of the book. The $100 one was weird, and the leaning one wasn’t very sleek in its design.
The thing that turned me off about the fish cover was the styling/font of the title. WOuld have voted for it otherwise.
February 24th, 2010 at 12:16 pm
The fish: has zip, energy and a sense of direction all of his own.
February 24th, 2010 at 12:21 pm
The $100 bill cover is a little to Americanised for my British tastes
It looks a bit tacky, sending a “do it for the money” signal rather than a “I’m being myself, getting paid for it comes naturally”.
The fish cover sends across a “fish out of water” metaphor which I think is undesirable… Being different to everyone else isn’t necessarily being yourself. Also the serif-y font isn’t very good on the eyes for the title.
The leaning cover is the best in my opinion, it’s the simplest design-wise and focuses strongest on being yourself . It screams “be who you are” the most, and the money part comes naturally. The typeface of the fonts overall works best, though I’d experiment with replacing the title font with helvetica and adjusting others as required. I wouldn’t add anything to the cover, all I’d do is tone down the angle of the lean by a few degrees…
February 24th, 2010 at 12:24 pm
I like the fish jumping out, distinguishing itself from the others. I’m not sure if that has anything to do with “getting paid”, but I always found it obnoxious to see the author on the cover of a book, rather than in the inside fold with a short biography.
February 24th, 2010 at 12:26 pm
i voted for the blue cover one because striking colour always captures my attention. i didn’t like the fact that your face and money collide to create an image. i am tired of money being the focus all the time. americans are often associated with money-religion.
the fish one was actually my first favourite but if a fish jumps away from other fish, from the water, it dies. so that was an unsettling message. using a fish swimming in a different direction would work or by using another species group.
in fact, i revise my answer, if you changed the fish to another animal group i would vote for it. it captures the be yourself, different from the crowd message the best.
the leaning one is just boring. it looks like a backpackers guide to somewhere.
February 24th, 2010 at 12:33 pm
The $100 is really clever and colorful, however the way the dollar splits your ace in half is a bit disturbing.
The FISH cover is interesting, it’s the fish taking the leap, doing his own thing.
I like that one.
February 24th, 2010 at 12:45 pm
Love the fish cover cause it just appealed to me immeditately. An authentic life style is not the result of earning a lot of money.
But from a sales point of view and thinking about the current economical situation in many countries of the world you should nevertheless go for the $ 100 note cover David.
February 24th, 2010 at 12:52 pm
I would have voted for the $100 cover, but something about the photoshop job on David’s face (mostly his smile) showing through the bill looked off-putting. I think it would be the best cover of the three if David’s image were a little smaller and the bill didn’t occlude his face.
February 24th, 2010 at 1:03 pm
I love the fish cover. I’m thinking it would be better to have your secondary words–share your passion, etc, bigger. I agree that an authentic lifestyle comes first, then the money, if in fact this is what you are seeking. Some people in this day and age are not. But they are truly looking for a way to live from the depths of their being authentically. I only had to think about a second to vote for this cover. Great idea, Sandy
February 24th, 2010 at 1:04 pm
I agree that the title is awkward grammatically. It should be “Getting Paid for Being Who You Are” or “Getting Paid for Being Yourself”. I’m guessing the current title was intended to be a play on the phrase “loved for who you are,” but the difference is that the “for” in “loved for” refers to a *reason* for loving, while the “for” in “paid for” implies an exchange of something for money. In that sense, “getting paid for who you are” could be interpreted as “selling your soul,” which I’m sure is NOT your intended meaning.
You might also consider changing “Getting Paid” to “Get Paid” — that would have more impact, IMO.
I voted for the leaning cover because the photo looks like a relaxed and happy guy just being himself, not needing to impress anyone. But I think it would be better if it included some images that signal prosperity, like the tropical island and/or the C-note in the first cover.
I almost voted for the C-note cover, but your left cheek looks all cruddy from the semi-transparent Benjamin Franklin showing through, and the title font is not as attractive as the bold, sans-serif font in the leaning cover.
February 24th, 2010 at 1:07 pm
I voted for the fish for esthetics mainly.
Honestly, I think you should keep looking for a better front cover design. There must be something way better out there.
The LEANING one is just too normal and as many have already said would go under.
The DOLLAR is very cliché. It would catch my attention shortly, and I mean it may very well represent what your book talks about and teaches, but personally I would not have looked twice at such a book – just not serious and thought-through-looking for me. I’d think: Oh yeah, another one of those how to get rich and hand out on my private beach, without working… Probably not unique, and probably full of presuppositions and values I do not share….
The fish design look nice, and it takes (me at least) a second or two to understand what it means – which I think is cool. As long as I take the 2 seconds to think about it. But I personally probably would because the title would grab me.
MY TIP OF THE DAY:
Maybe the individualistic fish could have some special feat. Like geeky or cool or posh (or whatever) sunglasses on. Or something else that would destinguish him from the rest and be a symbol for being authentically who you are…
What would be very cool (in my book
would be to have multiple versions (with different looking individualistic fish) scattered on the bookshelf at random. You know – symbolizing how everyone is different, but being yourself is good and will get you places….
that’s my two cents worth.
Thanks alot for the offer. I’d really enjoy having a look at your book, if I really get my hands on it FOR FREE. Sounds awsome.
greets from Zürich Switzerland.
John
February 24th, 2010 at 1:38 pm
Combine the visual impact and curb appeal of the “$100 bill” cover with the content/layout of the “leaping fish” cover (which actually makes a better subject matter statement about the book’s goal and core audience: not the MONEY part, the YOU part.) How to do this? Easy – have fish jumping in Tahiti, to connote not only the leap of faith, away from the pack, but also that when the fish leaps he’ll likely be successful post-jump. (Most fish that jump out of a fishbowl die). Oh, and put Raybans and a hawaiian shirt on the goldfish who dares to jump, people just love that.
February 24th, 2010 at 1:41 pm
I like the leaning cover because it most highly suggests the content of the book, ie, relax and be yourself is the suggested key to success. However, I knew that already. Perhaps someone seeing it on a shelf would not.
In that vein, the fish cover might be better, altho I didn’t get it for a second either. I agree with the above, that something like sunglasses on the fish out of water would be an improvement. As it is, it suggests supreme effort, but sunglasses on the fish would suggest a simpler process of setting onesself free from the masses. Also, they all just look like a bunch of fish at a glance.. If you go with this cover, I think the “out of water” / “against the flow” theme would stick out better if the water had some color to it (light blue), better highlighting that the fish is in a new realm, and would add some needed color/pizazz to the cover.
The leaning cover would benefit by moving your name and forward info to the bottom (under the title) and moving the subtitle to the top left. It’s too small to be read/noticed easily, and a casual observer of the book on a shelf might miss it entirely. Since that’s the point of the book it deserves to be treated more like an important headline.
While I like that the colors of the dollar cover do make it stand out, I also agree that it’s a weird, unsettling image; money on a book-cover is old hat, but if this book is about “authentically being you” then “you” need to be seen clearly and authentically. Vote for the leaning cover!
Guy
February 24th, 2010 at 1:44 pm
The leaning one, becuase it is consistent with books already out there such as like a Jack Canfield book. The dollar one I found unsettling, and the fish actually could be quite a good one because the imagery is unique and open to interpetation.
February 24th, 2010 at 1:52 pm
Hands down the goldfish. The others look cheap, like they’re trying too hard, and how can I say… kinda 1990′s…
February 24th, 2010 at 2:03 pm
The leaning one, because it conveys your exact message: that I can be comfortable in my own body, my own clothes, my posture and still make money. Plus I very easily saw Jack’s name on the front, and not too many other words. And it was personal… I saw you… I know who is talking to me now when I read.
The cash one felt disturbing because it broke up your face with a gimmick related to cash. I didn’t trust you to relate valuable, trustworthy information to me that wasn’t gimmicky.
The fish one was pretty, but took my brain a long time to get to how it was related.
February 24th, 2010 at 2:05 pm
I like the fish, but I HATE the type and the font and the placement. It doesn’t look professional at all. I could do better in a couple hours with photoshop. It just looks hodge podge and mix matched. I picked the one with you leaning, it looks most professional, however, it looks the most boring. But when it comes to getting paid, I think professional is more important then being boring. However, it’s sales, and it’s about being yourself, so who really knows. Best of luck.
February 24th, 2010 at 2:27 pm
Have the fish jumping toward a paycheck or currency.
February 24th, 2010 at 2:28 pm
I voted for the cover of you leaning against the title because it felt much more real to me than the other two. The money one kind of weirds me out so I’m glad that one’s not in the lead, and the fish one didn’t associate with authenticity or freedom to me though it is easy on the eye.
The leaning cover I’m more inclined to have on my bookshelf because relating to the title and subject matter, it seemed the most authentic. Though I admit I wouldn’t want a bookshelf of books with the author on the front, for this one I think it’s appropriate and I like the casual and chilled feel of it.
Good luck with your book!
February 24th, 2010 at 2:37 pm
Appreciating all your feedback and suggestions
February 24th, 2010 at 2:50 pm
Have the fish trying to get the $100 bill as it’s jumping out of the water.
February 24th, 2010 at 2:55 pm
I voted for the fish because I have a Dr. Seuss fetish! Kidding!! I l iked it the best. I didn’t like the money one at all. The leaning one was 2nd best. DO NOT dress any different contrary to what the other person said about your apperance. Could you introduce me to Rain for all this heartfelt info?=D
February 24th, 2010 at 2:55 pm
I loved the fish cover as an image – it really stands out. However, I didn’t vote for it becasue I wasn’t sure it gets across the message of the book. The leaping fish is different from the others but there’s no suggestion that it’s getting paid for being authentic.
Maybe it could leap out of the bowl into some kind of transformation image – partly morphing into some kind of transforming version of itself – half goldfish, half golden whale?
What I liked about the leaning one is that you look completely authentic – no hype, no special clothes, bling, lighting, makeup etc – and relaxed.
February 24th, 2010 at 2:56 pm
The Fish cover looks ALMOST IDENTICAL to Gay Hendricks’ latest book, The Giant Leap. I would recommend going with one of the other covers (The Blue one with the 100 dollar bill my vote). The cover would cause to question copyright infringements. way too similiar.
February 24th, 2010 at 3:10 pm
I would consider changing either the size of the fish jumping or the color & type.
February 24th, 2010 at 3:31 pm
I think if you made the jumping fish a different color and type of fish, or a different type of animal, maybe a pimped out fish, or rock lobster with some kind of $$$ symbolism? More color? Thanks
February 24th, 2010 at 3:52 pm
Plain and simple: If I were walking through B&N or browsing Amazon I would see the fish cover and take a look. For me, any cover that has a picture of the author is usually ignored initially because it reeks of self-promotion rather than idea promotion.
I speak from experience. My Amazon bill was over $10K last year.
February 24th, 2010 at 3:55 pm
Make the copy clear and readable. right now, at a glance… i don’t even know what it says… which is probably why I voted for the book with the narrow column oriented title with you leaning on the words.
February 24th, 2010 at 4:27 pm
The ‘leaner’ is the most aesthetically pleasing and would sell the most books (in my opinion). In the past few years I have bought literally thousands of books and believe that gimmicky covers don’t sell well to book readers (a slowly dwindling population).
February 24th, 2010 at 4:34 pm
The fish cover is great; however, if you can, try to put a small pair of wings on the fish that’s in the air (flying fish) that signifies the difference between just swimming around like all the other regular fish and one that’s using his ability to soar like a bird and go after his dreams. Peace!
February 24th, 2010 at 4:38 pm
I would make the fish jumping out of the bowl a different kind/color of fish….my 2 cents…!
February 24th, 2010 at 5:06 pm
I voted for the goldfish cover cuz I liked it best, but it -is- still a bit bland.
Could you maybe put little top hats on the other fish, and then a red clown nose on the fish jumping away? Or something else uniquely identifying?
I feel like something could be added to make the fish pop more…
I look forward to the book!
February 24th, 2010 at 5:41 pm
The $100 Note cover is colorful and catches the eye faster when looking to buy the book. Even if the book is displayed amongst other new books, it jumps to your attention. Go with the Money Cover…
February 24th, 2010 at 5:48 pm
I would have the fish jump towards a $100 bill or food which would display an ability to go after what you want even if it is out of your comfort zone.
February 24th, 2010 at 6:06 pm
I went with the funny money one…..The fish one could be grabbing some type of money out of the air.
February 24th, 2010 at 10:46 pm
Thanks a lot guys – I’ll make some tweaks to the fish cover. It’s way in the lead of the voting by the way.
the money one provokes and unsettles people, which may ‘work’, but I’m not really up for that.
D
February 25th, 2010 at 4:37 am
Wow… I’m really surprised.
First, I thought the fish cover was by far the worst. It’s bad on so many levels. For one thing the typeface of the title, stressing “WHO YOU” is distracting. Second, it’s clearly an attempt to be gimmicky, the opposite of being authentic, and incongruent with the message of the book. Speaking of which, just what does a fish jumping out of water have to do with getting paid for who you are? A fish out of water is NOT being who he is. I get that a fish jumping out of water is breaking with the conformity of what other fish do. But this is not a smart move for the fish. In short, it’s a lousy metaphor.
If you’re writing a book on being authentic, and thriving by being yourself, the obvious choice is the leaning cover. You look relaxed, not caring what others think, yet satisfied and happy. The cover communicates the message of the book. And it looks professional. Jack Canfield’s name is also prominently visible, which will sell more books than any jumping fish.
Finally, how congruent are you writing a book about profiting by being yourself and leaving the decision on the cover up to other people? If you really “get paid for who you are”, then pick the cover you like.
-Gene
February 25th, 2010 at 6:01 am
The fish cover is great and catchy.
It makes you read more and that is what a cover is intended to be.!
February 25th, 2010 at 6:08 am
The fish is a good symbol for abundance and prosperity but i don’t think the goldfish jumping out of a bowl (to inevitably end up dead and dry on the living room’s carpet) is very positive. i would stick with the idea of the fish but with a totally different lay-out, at least with one that would suggest some kind of destination or opportunity for the fish. or perhaps, instead of a goldfish jumping out of the bowl you could have a little shark or a dolphin, to emphasize the importance individuality has on one’s success – often it is refreshing to realise, without of course being condescending, that we do not belong to the life we made out for ourselves, but to a life based on higher grounds, deeper values, better skills, and meaningful challenges. good luck.
February 25th, 2010 at 6:40 am
I’m not crazy about any of them. Get some more suggestions.)
February 25th, 2010 at 7:59 am
I voted for the goldfish one. It was between that and the 100 dollar bill one. The dollar bill one grabbed my attention more, but I was intrigued mainly because I DIDN’T like it. Interesting, because it kind of irritated me, but I would have picked it up anyway. There was a phrase on the dollar bill one that said something about “the planet” which grabbed my attention more than the similar phrases on the other titles. Overall, the goldfish captures the concept more and is more visually appealing.
February 25th, 2010 at 8:07 am
I would find the fish cover more appealing if the fish were a bit bigger and the subtitle a bit bolder
February 25th, 2010 at 10:24 am
The goldfish was best: professional, stylish, contemporary. The title says it all. The $100 bill was disturbing in what it did to your face. The one of you leaning wasn’t bad. Look forward to reading your book!
Cheers
Ruski
February 25th, 2010 at 12:04 pm
The goldfish cover appealed the most to me; I think it represents the idea of helping you to find OPTIONS in life that you were not seeing before. I’m not sure, but maybe I’d try to test this cover using more shadows below the water’s surface, and the fish in black&white, only showing the true colors on the jumping fish.
February 25th, 2010 at 12:34 pm
I vote for the leaning picture
February 25th, 2010 at 1:20 pm
I voted for the goldfish. I would suggest making the jumping goldfish a real gold colour so that it stands out from the rest. Gives it distinction and will catch the eye of potential readers. Also symbolises more! Better than a dollar note..
February 25th, 2010 at 4:49 pm
the pictures of the author are dodgy. a bit gay?! tight jeans and t-shirt…no thanks. So I chose the fish one, but the way the title is written on the other two is better. you need to combine the fish with the look of the writing on the other two in my opinion.
February 25th, 2010 at 8:02 pm
MAke the fish jumping a different color
February 26th, 2010 at 2:14 am
Well I think the fish should be the shark, will be more impressive
February 26th, 2010 at 12:22 pm
I voted for the fish cover because it’s unique. I like things that are unique. Others like me who want to get paid for being their authentic self, are “different” from the rest and I think are more likely to be drawn to a book that doesn’t have an author on the front or some tropical scene on it… that’s so blah and boring, I’m really tired of seeing people on the cover of their own book and/or the implication that if I make money, I will want to go to a tropical island with my money. I want to DO something SPECTACULAR to touch others’ lives when I begin to make money just by being authentic, and jump out of the water I’m swimming in! To improve the fish cover, I’d suggest incorporating something to do with money in the image. I loved the way the title was arranged and “who you are” sticks out on this cover.
February 26th, 2010 at 1:02 pm
The water should be totally even, and right now it tilts slightly to the left, which is very distracting and off-putting. Otherwise I like the phrase on the front just above the fish, because it’s quickly descriptive of what the book is about. I’d avoid putting your face/body on the cover, as that seems cheesy and a little self-aggrandizing.
February 26th, 2010 at 2:46 pm
The fish image associates (or equivocates) being self-actualized with being out of one’s element and therefore unsupported by life. The implication is that the fish is innovative and radical (and perhaps can fly — which is not the nature of a fish).
Isn’t the real message that one can shift from superficial support to deep support? Isn’t the message that one can become MORE of a fish and that doing so makes the water a miraculous blessing? Isn’t the message that “escape” is the point of view of the ones without the support and nourishment of strong awareness?
February 26th, 2010 at 4:08 pm
FAVOURITE: Goldfish. Clean, stylish and direct. What about changing the colour of the jumping fish to accentuate its personality?
Leaning cover, one more in tthe bunch. Dollar cover, looks messy to me…I had to look at it three times to understand it, too much information in “one” picture.
February 26th, 2010 at 4:10 pm
Darkening the rest of the fish would be an option, too
February 26th, 2010 at 5:55 pm
Very cool.
I really prefer the one with you leaning — that pose says it all. Being relaxed, being yourself. Also very clean and simple, it communicates instantly.
The fish are beautiful, and at the same time, the fish are small, and it looks like it took oh so much effort for the one to get out of the water. The jumping out of water makes it look like you have to do something that is NOT who you are.
The ocean cover, also clever. But to me, the beach conveys leisure (good) but it doesn’t communicate “who you are.” I see that the dollar bill over your face is what communicates the “money for who you are” but the ocean dominates, and it takes a bit too long to get it all.
February 26th, 2010 at 8:18 pm
thanks guys!
We’ll reset the vote and put the next round on there. Any comments coming after this one will be on the next round of covers.
February 26th, 2010 at 9:09 pm
The tropical setting is magical and if you work and show who you are and get rewarded for, so be it.
The fish convey the message,be diferent take a chance,but is kids pet here is it going?
The leaning is just that relax something will happen,do not do too much.
February 27th, 2010 at 5:20 am
Go with the fish man, its abstract, a nice metaphor and clean & stylish.
February 27th, 2010 at 8:58 am
I voted for the goldfish. Without a person on the cover it’s easier to personalize the message in a positive way making it about the reader improving. With the author on the cover it feels more judgemental, more of a in-your-face “you’re doing it all wrong and I’m doing it right” message.
February 27th, 2010 at 12:32 pm
I chose the leaning cover. The fish one says nothing to me and the lettering emphasis makes no sense or impact on me at all.
February 27th, 2010 at 4:30 pm
David,
I spent 25 years in the magazine publishing biz and the covers that SELL off the newstand the best are ones that have a number in them like “Top Ten Cars for 2011″ or “5 Secrets to Better Sex” ~ etc. Go with the one with the “5 Steps…”
*just my personal opinion based on experience…*
Best of luck, I can’t wait to read it.
February 27th, 2010 at 5:07 pm
There was no $100 note on my screen. Just two books with fish covers. I chose the one that had the biline “work from anywhere, free up your time, etc.” The other one’s trendy phrases turned me off.
February 27th, 2010 at 5:29 pm
I clicked on the more simple heading of the FISH cover, but I really do not like and would not buy the book based on this cover. It actually turns me off quite a bit. Something more simple would work.
February 27th, 2010 at 5:55 pm
I like the fish in shirt & sunnies; creates the idea of breaking free of the mundane, everyday & making fun in your life. Works for me.
February 27th, 2010 at 6:53 pm
The “dressed” fish really punctuates the whole concept of breaking free from the pack (or more appropriately, school”!
February 27th, 2010 at 7:00 pm
I voted for the “clothed” goldfish simply because it had alittle more color.
As a retired graphic artist, I’m not sure either one would stand out in a bookstore. I think you have more creativity in you than that.
February 27th, 2010 at 7:07 pm
The Fish cover with the Fish in the Hawain shirt…subtle demonstration of individuality.
February 27th, 2010 at 7:36 pm
I personally hated the hawaiian shirt and would pass it over as too gimicky. But I do agree it, the fish should have a bit more than sunglasses to separate it from the pack
February 27th, 2010 at 7:49 pm
I loved all three original book covers. The fish one got my original vote, and I like both of these iterations as well. I voted for the Hawaiian shirt version, because, as noted by the others, it makes the fish stand out all the more. Great work!
February 27th, 2010 at 8:03 pm
I voted for the leaping goldfish in the Hawaiian shirt over the one just wearing sunglasses. The one just wearing sunglasses didn’t stick out enough in the picture. But now that I’m thinking about it, a goldfish wearing sunglasses in real life would sure stick out to me! Maybe we can give the fish a without the Hawaiian shirt a Mai Tai either to stick out or for consolation?
February 27th, 2010 at 8:10 pm
I voted for the Hawaiian shirt goldfish over the one with just sunglasses because it appeared to be a BIGGER FISH than those in the “school” below. The color of the Hawaiian shirt also made it stand out – if I were browsing in a book store I believe it would catch my attention more quickly than the smaller fry.
February 27th, 2010 at 8:22 pm
David – you made me laugh.
I’ll tell you my thoughts – the fish without sunglasses polled really well. Beat all other covers. We’re just tweaking now. It stands out because it’s leaping out of the water. And if you have to look closer to see the subtle sunglasses, all the better. So I think the one without the shirt gets my vote.
so far the votes are SHIRT: 63 NO-SHIRT: 60
February 27th, 2010 at 8:24 pm
I voted for the fish with the shirt – I thought it did stand out from the other one and I also did not see a 100 or a leaning choice. I knew what the book was about from just looking a the fish out of the water with the shirt on, that’s why I chose that one.
February 27th, 2010 at 8:25 pm
I chose the cover with the clothed fish because it looks different from the others still in the water. It has really escaped. It is really free, which is what the title of the book talks about.
February 27th, 2010 at 8:35 pm
I voted for the fish that is different. If one is getting paid for who they are, it comes not only from the fact that the fish is soaring in the air but is wearing an outfit that distinguishes him from the other fish and establishes his own identity. He is definately following his own rhythm and celebrates being different. I can’t wait to read / hear this book and am so proud of all that you are accomplishing. Best to you David!!!
February 27th, 2010 at 8:51 pm
The $100 bill cover is slightly unsettling. I voted for the fish w/ sunglasses, but it doesn’t seem to capture the essence of the title. Any other choices? The fish got my vote, but I don’t think it should be the final pick for your book.
February 27th, 2010 at 8:51 pm
Apparently there are three covers but I only saw two. So of the two, I voted for the one with the $100 bill….I didn’t particularly like it but seemed to fit the book title more. The one with the goldfish was more polished but also like any other success cover that would not stand out to me.
February 27th, 2010 at 9:10 pm
The cash note encapsulates for me the freedom to do what you want, and the leaning smiling relaxed figure shows confidence and ease with oneself, though the wording of the 5 steps on this cover is a little awkward, prefer the wording of the 5 steps on the fish cover. While the fish were ‘cute and colourful’ and I do get the idea of one fish leaping as being an individual it just didn’t have the relevance to the title that the other cover had. Good luck with it all.
February 27th, 2010 at 9:11 pm
Now that I’m just seeing the cover with the goldfish with the sunglasses (and no shirt) next to the cover of you and the folded $100 bill, I’ve got to admit that the sunglasses stick out even more on the fish. I have to agree with your reasoning about the subtle sunglasses. (Actually, I don’t really *have* to, but I do find it compelling.)
IMHO, both of the goldfish covers are more intriguing than one with you and the $100 bill (even though you and Ben Franklin make a fine team). To me, the goldfish conveys why people should read the book. Hey, I like money, too, but a $100 bill isn’t as compelling to me as an enjoyable lifestyle – and to me, that includes cash.
Now it’s starting to dawn on me why my mind has been on vacation in Hawaii over most of the last hour.
It was nice meeting you at SANG a few months ago!
February 27th, 2010 at 9:15 pm
I liked the ‘ goldfish ‘ better. Cleaner looking. I liked it beacause it is different, and as a voracious reader, I look for the jacket cover to catch my interest even before the title. The fish catches my eye because I am curious as to what the book is about, especially with the fish jumping in and out. The dollar bill cutting your face in half, not pleasing to look at, even though I know where you’re going with it. Your attire is a bit too dressed down for me to take you too seriously, or to think you really know what you are talking about.
February 27th, 2010 at 9:58 pm
I liked the layout of the goldfish cover better. However, I am familiar with the goldfish image from http://www.istockphoto.com and would be concerned that it’s been used before.
Good luck with it David.
February 27th, 2010 at 10:20 pm
Money cuts your head – and subconsciously I don’t even want to hold such book in hands.
Goldfish does not relate to money but it’s more aesthetic (as somebody mentioned before). Water makes picture fresh.
Fish cover is not ideal, but it’s better than a bent bill.
February 27th, 2010 at 10:34 pm
I voted for the goldfish simply because it caught my eye.
February 27th, 2010 at 10:43 pm
I voted for the goldfish cover because it was refreshing honest and not greedy. Like all money pushers all you see is money., Money is fine but you don’t need to stuff it under everyones nose.
I have money but you would never know it. Louise
February 27th, 2010 at 11:39 pm
I voted for the fish, much better design and very evocative. Also the other design is very unattractive, even ugly.
Cheers,
Rhea
February 27th, 2010 at 11:45 pm
Goldfish. It’s more active than the $100 and, to me, gives the sense of breaking away, swimming with my own flow, heading for freedom!
February 27th, 2010 at 11:59 pm
I voted for the fish as it had that feeling of jumping out of the boring old bowl to find something more exciting. The photo of you with half your head missing in the note was a little off putting. Maybe try a great photo of you holding the bowl of fish with one jumping out!
February 28th, 2010 at 12:57 am
The $100 one goes more with the ‘Getting Paid’ part but the fish one is more kind of giving ‘Who You Are’ freedom 1st wich for me is way more important. So I go with the fish cover. Simple and clear even thou it’s more ‘normal’ than the other
February 28th, 2010 at 1:29 am
I voted for the $100 cover. The fish spoke to uniqueness but not to money. The C note cover grabbed my attention. Whether I like one over the other or not; the grabber is the key.
February 28th, 2010 at 2:05 am
The fish cover resonated with me and got my vote – be totally who you are no matter how different that may feel. The message is simple, honest and clear. The cover with the mixed up images I found rather ‘off putting’ and unlikely that it would attract my attention on a bookshop shelf as it didn’t resonate with me at all.
February 28th, 2010 at 3:12 am
I chose the fish jumping out of the bowl as the whole image appealed to me more than the other one. I said to me ‘I am an individual and I am doing my own thing’.
Good luck with the book. My new book is with the typesetters at the moment and will be on the bookshelves in August. Wish me luck.
February 28th, 2010 at 4:26 am
I chose the fish jumping out of the water because this movement give a better perception of freedom, the feeling I supose the book contents comunicate. I´m sure the book launching will be a big success.
February 28th, 2010 at 5:50 am
Both images are pretty good to convey the message you want. The second, with a fishbowl on the pier shows a bit more connection with the human reality. While many of us live with awareness that we are capable of doing something more, with more meaning , and know where to look for it, hesitating we stay in a convenient limit, where life goes on without our total input which we are capable of… while some of us, who have guts enough… jump over the `golden cage` barrier and at least dare to try the new experience of giving and getting more. ..One never knows if it will be a good or a bad one, until he tries.
You could get that jumping fish some other color or some sparkles around or some arrows ahead or change the color of the lake so it would appear more appealing.
February 28th, 2010 at 6:16 am
Chose the fish without the bowl: I liked it more esthetically – the other one with the bowl on the pier is too “busy” for me.. Isn’t it fun to discuss these kind of things with so many people that are actually paying attention and putting their time and energy in. David, you are such a blessed person – don’t forget
February 28th, 2010 at 6:21 am
I chose the fishbowl one because I think that many people feel they are limited in their choices and so on. Some may even feel “trapped” or something to that effect.
February 28th, 2010 at 6:47 am
Hi David,
My humble opinion as a lover of beauty is the first book on the left, the reason being it is open and spacious, a grand and glorious energy for creating money!
Congratulations on your success,
Love and gratitude,
Melody
February 28th, 2010 at 7:17 am
YESSSSSSS to the
fishes swimming in the water. and not in the bowl.
why ?
because one’s mind tends to find a symbol to associate with. even if i’m a person that is stuck in a job i dont quite enjoy, i wouldn’t want to see myself and my world limited to a ‘bowl’.
water is an universal symbol. people all over the world can relate to it.
it is also something connected to the ancestral memories recorded while we were in the womb of our mothers. a feeling of safety. of being who we are.
jumping higher/better/faster. out of the water.
i DO wanna be different. the best. but still enjoy the confort of my everyday life. with my everyday people.
lets keep in mind that this book is addressing to the beautiful normal person. with a beautiful normal mindset.
as visual identity. the colours of the text ’5 steps to Financial Freedom… and Inner Freedom’ needs to be more emphasised. (as it is in the bowl cover)
i admire the wholistic view of the message: finance, time, location, inner touch.
this is an important part that differentiates this book from others, that are usually unidirectional: money driven, time management etc. whereas life is always a mix of all these aspects.
we must consider that people’s motivations gravitate around 2 major polls:
1. safety. already discussed.
2. feeling important.
for some of us, as shown in the posts above, our source of importance gravitates more towards external incentives: money. the 100 bill, other possessions.
while others value more internal gratifications.
the book cover should find a way to meet both needs.
(money+soul)
——————-
personally, i would pick up that book cover that has
ENERGY.
STRONG Colours/contrasts.
words related to Powerful EMOTIONS:safety (for the girl in me), power and control(for the man in me).
and gives me a cool feeling.
—————–
as far as i know you David. your number one charactheristic is the great sense of humour you have. i would love to see that reflected in the way this cover looks like.
one hint.
your avatar mood posted on facebook some time ago.
i loved it. avatar is a worldwide known movie. everybody loved it. it made people connect more with their inner self.
dunno.
just an idea that crossed my mind. something different, a la david wood, but still common and connected to emotions.
———–
best of luck ! your fb posts are an inspiration to so many of us.
we believe in you. whatever you choose, i know its gonna rock.
cheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrsssssss !!!!!!!!!!!!
February 28th, 2010 at 7:24 am
I chose the cover on the left: the fish jumping out of the bowl into the open water. The other cover does not give the impression the fish is escaping from a confinement (just jumps up in the air only to fall back down again).
February 28th, 2010 at 7:29 am
I prefer the open feel of bookcover 2. Everyone can relate to that single fish that dares to jump out of a (in this case invisible) bowl.
As a (European….) arthistorian/ coach / corporate identity expert I ‘am quite sure I would pick up the book in the bookstore ……
best of luck!
February 28th, 2010 at 8:38 am
the new one is ‘not exactly’, but good idea… perhaps with the right designers working it, you can make it look as solid as the original. could be that there are too many elements on the same page. something to work with
February 28th, 2010 at 8:56 am
David – I voted for the fish jumping out of the water and NOT jumping out of the bowl. Why, because it was a brighter cover and it didn’t make me think…..then- oh, I get it now…. However, I’m not keen on the fish idea unless you make a lead-in on the cover, like “don’t swim with the fishes”…… a take-off on wisdom of the Sopranos. Then add the 5 things to take control of. Oh and put a cigar in the mouth of the jumping fish. But I’m not a PC guy. Cheers!
February 28th, 2010 at 9:29 am
The fish bowl on a dock, and the fish jumping out of water were the two that appeared. Of these two, the fish one was better – brighter. I wouldn’t go with either cover though. The fish don’t really speak to the subject for me, and I wouldn’t be inclined to pick either cover from a bookshelf. Any other options?
February 28th, 2010 at 9:32 am
I voted for the fish jumping out of the bowl into the lake. The first one, although graphically stronger (less visual ‘noise’ if that makes sense!) implies in either the fish potentially coming to harm or just falling back.
The second cover had a much stronger implication of daring, making change and getting out of that comfort zone (although there are still risks with jumping into the lake!).
Perhaps a bit of clever manipulation with the second one will creater a stronger design and give the same message.
February 28th, 2010 at 12:34 pm
I votes for the fish picture..however, it is very similar to “Getting Unstuck” by Timothy Butler.
February 28th, 2010 at 12:44 pm
I voted for the first cover, because it has a stronger meaning to get out of your bowl and get into the whole lake. Besides the colors used and the landscape its more attractive than just a white cover as the second one.
February 28th, 2010 at 12:48 pm
I picked the plain white with the fish jumping out of the water because it was the most energetic, and most easily captured the essence of the message.
I didn’t see this $100 note everyone was talking about, but I’m glad that it’s not on there, as it would cheapen the message.
The one with the bridge to nowhere in the middle of the dark lake looked dreary, and didn’t make the activity you’d be taking on by reading the book look exciting or joyful.
The “cool fish” out of water shows what most people would likely want to identify with. Unlike the fish in the lake version, he looks natural and free….there’s nothing cold or scary that he’s jumping into.
I also like the fact that it shows the other fish, swimming along as fish do….freely (not confined by a bowl….just as many of us are free to do what we like whether we act on it or not)….and this one fish decided to be different. He looks at ease, and benefits from seeing things from a different perspective.
I could go on and on (why stream of thought writing is so very dangerous…LOL!), but simply put, it best puts across the message, and makes the action the book proposes something that is not only desirable, but natural and doable if you allow yourself the chance and opportunity.
Best of Luck David!
February 28th, 2010 at 12:56 pm
great marketing – engage them and they will buy
Oh, my cover choice – between the fish bowl and the loose jumping fish, I choose the fish bowl, by a long shot.
Visually, I love them both – but the fishbowl tells me what (I think) the book is about much more than the free jumping fish. (I’m assuming this book is some variation on the theme of the 4-Hour work week and how to break through conventional assumptions of what work and life “structures” are and should be, gaining financial and lifestyle freedom, etc.)
The fishbowl pic illustrates the confines in which most folks are working and living their lives, and the beauty and possibility of the escape from that -
The jumping fish also depicts that somewhat, but it’s more generic – I could see it on the cover of a book with an entirely different topic, as well. It didn’t immediately tell me what the book was about – the fish bowl did (I think).
There’s a lot of talk up above about a cover with money on it – I don’t see that here as a choice, thank goodness – any pic on the cover with money would make me immediately dismiss this book as a “get rich quick” gimmick. Another way that won’t deliver for most, to take someone’s money because they are dissatisfied in some way and just searching, searching, searching… is it?
Anyway, good luck with this venture – despite my cynical nature, I’m an admirer.
February 28th, 2010 at 1:03 pm
you know what? Angelina, who replied before me, but whose comment I didn’t see until after I posted mine, makes an interesting point.
I disagree with her cover choice for all the reasons I stated in my earlier post, and I also disagree that the fish bowl picture evokes dreariness or scariness – I actually see it as beautiful and inviting – BUT….
I also see how someone could see it the way Angelina does, so I now suggest that the concept remain the same, but the environment outside the bowl be brightened up a bit – to ensure that folks don’t have her reaction to the pic.
Hope you’re enjoying your Sunday.
February 28th, 2010 at 1:58 pm
Hi David
I chose the goldfish leaping out of the water as to me it gave me the sense of excitement, individuality, potential – all things you need to get in touch with if you are going to be paid for who you are. Loved it. Looking forward to seeing the book.:)
February 28th, 2010 at 2:27 pm
Of the two offered to me (fish bowl on the dock w/ fish jumping into lake, and fish jumping from clear water) the fish jumping had the most visual memorable impact. The message of the fish bowl on the dock was lovely and profound, but had no eye-catching value…you have to study it to get it.
February 28th, 2010 at 3:48 pm
Purplse fish because it was clearly different than the others. I often find Authenticity requires acting different than others.
February 28th, 2010 at 4:04 pm
I voted for the goldfish jumping out of water. I like the concept, and while the purple fish is a good metaphor for “uniqueness”, I felt the goldfish out of water captured this well enough. The purple fish wasn’t as aesthetically pleasing to my eye…looks unnatural, like food color.
February 28th, 2010 at 5:04 pm
The purple fish looked unwell. Maybe a different colour would work.
February 28th, 2010 at 5:08 pm
The two covers that showed up were both goldfish. I voted for the purple goldfish for the sense of individuality, and I also agree with the above comments that the purple wasn’t the right shade. Of course in print it would look different.
February 28th, 2010 at 5:21 pm
The purple goldfish is not believable. I voted for the gold one, sunglasses and all.
February 28th, 2010 at 7:39 pm
I must say the cover design isn’t very inspiring, and having seen it in a bookshop I might have not even touched it! I voted for the orange goldfish, as the purple one represented a fish out of water gone blue…dead! That is hat it seemed to me, regardless of what else it was meant to represent.
February 28th, 2010 at 8:00 pm
I voted for the purple goldfish with shades. Reason being, in your title the words “WHO YOU” is in bold letters and stands out as well as the purple fish, so I made the connection.
Also as entrepreneurs we must be bold and stand out in the crowd. I believe the easiest way of doing this is by simply being yourself. When you are comfortable with who you are there is a certain boldness that comes to the surface and demans attention, just like the purple goldfish. Hope this helps.
February 28th, 2010 at 9:50 pm
I voted for the orange gold-fish over the purple one. I just found the purple fish distracting and unnecessary. The orange one also stands out more.
February 28th, 2010 at 11:25 pm
Fish don’t make money. They also suffocate out of water. But, hey, if Jonathon Livingston Seagull can be who he is, why not Raymond Harvey Goldfish.
February 28th, 2010 at 11:40 pm
I choose the goldfish over the purpul one because although I liked the message of the purpul one more, the gold one looks more stylished.
February 28th, 2010 at 11:40 pm
Yellow fish jumping out is too subtle….funky pink fish is kinda like the “ugly duckling” who turns into a beautiful swan…pink fish symbolizes our personal uniqueness of getting paid for who we are….
March 1st, 2010 at 6:33 am
I only saw “fish” covers – one had an orange goldfish (just like all the others) jumping out of the water. The other had a bright purple fish (unlike the others). I voted for the one that was unusual and, in fact, unique.
March 1st, 2010 at 11:03 am
Hi David,
I had the option of the two different goldfish covers. I choose the one with the purple fish jumping out of the water. To me is symbolized breaking apart from the rest and making yourself stand out.
March 1st, 2010 at 1:59 pm
I voted for the orange goldfish rather than the purple goldfish. At first, I thought about the purple one because it stands out more, but it didn’t look natural. I liked how the other cover felt more cohesive. I like when things make a subtle point and support the branding, but are not so much in your face.
March 1st, 2010 at 2:00 pm
I voted for the purple goldfish – I felt like it was creative and fun – much how we strive to be individuals. (Oh, and purple is my favorite color.
)
March 1st, 2010 at 4:09 pm
Because you asked for honest feedback, and I am your market, here is my opinion. From the two choices given, I chose the purple goldfish. Because I am familiar with you, and I know the power of the subject matter you are including in the book, I will grab a copy regardless of what’s on the cover. However… I’m not quite sure if it’s the graphic or the sub title etc, but neither the cover or subtitle vibe in a powerful way for me as presented together and if I wasn’t familiar with you and your work, I can’t say I would buy a copy based upon the 2 choices you provided. I appreciate you are asking us for our feedback as I am certain it will lead to greater results.
As a coach in your field, a shot of your laptop on your lap, smoothie in hand and your bare feet with the ocean behind them would be a kick ass cover and certainly resonate with me in the context of the promise of your subtitle.
Whatever you end up with, I wish you the very best and look forward to helping promote it. Can’t wait to read it!
Live Your Dreams,
Jill
America’s Top Goals Coach
March 1st, 2010 at 6:58 pm
Fish, purple, if I;m feeling the groove I usually come across the fresh different stuff, and if its a good time when I see it I usually get the individual thing
March 1st, 2010 at 8:37 pm
thanks guys – appreciate your comments. Votes were split about 100 orange fish, 100 purple fish. So I get to choose.
Purple it is!
D
March 2nd, 2010 at 12:27 am
I chose the orange goldfish because it spoke to me of all human beings being essentially the same & that what makes one unique need not necessarily be glaringly obvious, like the packaging in the color purple.
March 2nd, 2010 at 10:08 pm
I only had the choice between the 2 goldfish covers. Much like Sabina before me I picked the orange goldfish because it’s not what’s on the outside that makes us stand out, it’s the effort and courage we use to jump out of the tank and into the possibilities of the unknown.
March 3rd, 2010 at 11:37 am
I like the gold fish jumping rather than the purple one. The shades stand out more on the gold one, and the jumping is enough differentiation– it doesn’t need to be a different color, too. The gold is also a more lively, happy color.
March 3rd, 2010 at 8:22 pm
I chose the purple fish over the goldfish. The purple definitely stands out from the other fish at first glance; plus, it shows a sense of uniqueness and individuality.
March 4th, 2010 at 7:54 am
I liked the gold-fish better than the purple-fish, because having all the fish the same color makes everyone equal in abilities (thus leveling the playing field) with the primary difference being the fish that *does* something out of the norm being the one to get noticed/results. The purple implies that you must somehow be different (specil talents, etc.) before making the “jump”. I don’t know the contents of the book, but telling someone unique and special to do something unique and special seems pointless. I would imagine that the point would likely be that everyone has talents (thus, everyone is equally unique in their own way), and it is *how* these talents are used that matters.
March 5th, 2010 at 2:22 am
Great that you are choosing the purple one. To me it shows individuality, a symbol for wanting to do something different and going out there and doing it. Good luck David and it’s great to see you are still going strong.
March 28th, 2010 at 9:35 am
I liked the orange goldfish cover with the glasses. I feel it represents we peope are all the same, but it comes down to the ACTION of the individual that allows one to take a different path (hence the action of the jumping goldfish). The purpose goldfish looks unatural to me. That’s just my two cetns though- awesome covers either way!