Help Me Pick Out My New Book Cover

by Jeff Goins | 243 Comments | Twitter, Facebook, Google+

I just heard from my publisher last week. My first book is coming together well, but I need your help in deciding a few things.

Before we do that, though, I want to share with you the full title. The book will be called Wrecked: When a Broken World Slams into Your Comfortable Life (Moody Publishers).

It’s about how people’s paradigms change due to exposure to pain and brokenness and how that shapes their faith in God and understanding of the world.

The following are four mockups — each of which are very different treatments of the title and concept.

Concept #1

Concept #2

Concept #3

Concept #4

If you’d like to help me pick a cover, answer the following questions (fill out the form below):

We’ll take your feedback into consideration as we decide on the final design. Thanks for being willing to help. Your answers will remain confidential.

Feel free to share more in the comments: Which book cover did you like and why?

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About the Author

Jeff Goins

I help people tell better stories and make a difference in the world. I live in Tennessee with my wife and dog. Follow me on Twitter and Facebook.

http://billgrandi.com/ bill (cycleguy)

Sounds like a great book Jeff. I liked the wrecking ball because that, more than the others, depicts to me what the title says is inside. Second was the turtle. Least favorite was #2 (still trying to figure out what it is). Hope it goes well for you.

http://www.mhmcintyre.us Mark McIntyre

#2 Looks like cubes of crushed scrap metal. I know this from having seen WALL-E

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

Is that what it is? Interesting.

http://deuceology.wordpress.com Larry Carter

I liked the wrecking ball. It was subtle but told me whatcwas happening. Two of them were way too busy for me. The turtle just didn’t deliver the message strong enough.
http://jonstolpe.wordpress.com Jon Stolpe

I liked the wrecking ball. It simply goes with the title.

(I thought the turtle one was funny and attention grabbing, but it still places 2nd on my list.)
http://www.writing4rent.com/ JaneR

Voted for #4 – I really liked the title font, though the turtle got my attention as well.
Anonymous

I think the wrecking ball is a powerful image to support the title. I like the turtle, but it seems a little random, funny, but not right for this book.

Ps: can’t wait to read it!!
Michael Nichols

I like the wrecking ball but think it would be cool when combine with elements of concept #4. Just a thought.
http://zegmaardomi.blogspot.com/ Domi

I like the 4th design best, but only if it’s a novel. If the book you are writing is some kind of therapy thing, you should probably go for the 1st design.
http://twitter.com/chuch30 Charlotte Chung

Fourth one by a mile! It’s subtle and it’s more you.
Laurapauling

I liked the first because the message was clear and simple. The fourth came in second because I liked the art but the message wasn’t as clear. The turtle was more funny. So that would depend on the tone of your writing.
http://aparchedsoul.com Grayson Pope (A Parched Soul)

I like number 4. The small change I would make is the font of Wrecked. But number 4 is the most differentiated. Concept 1 and 3 look too much like a Malcolm Gladwell book.

http://www.dberruti.blogspot.com Deb.

Yeah, I’m with you. Number 4 . . . but change the font.

http://TheInvisibleOffice.com Erica Cosminsky

Agreed here. 4 was my favorite but the Wrecked font is hard to read.

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

would you keep it gritty or go more clean?

http://www.dberruti.blogspot.com Deb.

I think your background is gritty enough, so I would shoot for a more ‘clean’ font . . . actually, looking at it again . . . I’d try another ‘handwritten’ font, just without all the grunge.

http://forsakenforlent.blogspot.com/ Deb

exactly what I was thinking .
and Jeff? thank you .

Zoe

I agree, I like the look of number 4, but change the font of the title so it’s easier to read.
http://www.jeffrandleman.com Jeff Randleman

I agree!

http://kathyfannon.blogspot.com Kathy Fannon

I’m with a few others, I like the artwork on #4, but #1 is clear and clean looking. #2 is just chaotic.
http://www.katiemackwriting.com/ Katie Mack

Though I did like #4, I chose #1 because it was clean, simple and gets the point across. It looks like a book I would pick up at the store and investigate!
Andi

#1 is my first choice – I envision your book as addressing how we confront challenges that we never saw coming (like having two children with special needs ) and the first concept illustrates that concept well.

#4 is my second choice, but I’m not wild about the title font used. It reminds me of a rock band poster or graffiti. The graffiti imagery indicates a deliberate choice, and while your book probably is on some level about making deliberate choices, the reader looking to buy your book will be looking for a solution to his problem of being “wrecked” (i.e., he hasn’t made far enough to appreciate the choice part yet).

#3 is way too busy and unclear. I think it would blend into the bookshelf and be overlooked.

#4 is adorable and would be a great cover if your book was a humorous take on dealing with adversity, but humor isn’t your style on this blog so I’m assuming it won’t be your style in the book.
talia

i still like that turtle! everyone can resonate with the upside down turtle on the side of the road, poor little guy.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Patrick-Hearn/534496756 Patrick Hearn

The first one – it’s minimalist, and fits well with the style you already have for this blog.

Elizabeth Young

Patrick nailed it!

http://cherylbarker.blogspot.com/ Cheryl Barker

Definitely like the first one best. Easiest to read and gets the message across with the most impact.
Anonymous

I voted for the turtle, but I had a hard time deciding between that one and #4. Depending on my mood, I could go either way.
http://notquitehippie.com D.T. Pennington

I’m not sure how you expect anyone to pick anything but the turtle cover.

Seriously. Brilliant.

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

Interesting. Turtle fans seem to be convinced.

Carol

Sorry, Jeff, but no real fan of a turtle would ever want to see one in that conditon.

http://www.TehLemonsmith.com Tyler Smith

Amen. The turtle’s my favorite too.

I just like the idea of someone finding a turtle, turning it upside down, and taking a photo of it. We need to do that with more animals.

http://www.Deepakardi.blogspot.com/ Deepak Yadav

I didn’t like the turtle one much, it is too simple and it feels to me like unfinished. But I liked the Concept #4 I can imagine it as a nice book cover.

http://www.stephenmelancon.com/ Stephen Melancon

I’m with you Deepak. I liked Concept #4.
Jenifer2409

Yea.. I liked Concept #4 as well. I thought, it made a great book cover! Also, the cracked walls kinda go with the title.

Todd Dosenberry

Amen. Turtle all the way!

http://twitter.com/sevenrootsmedia Sevenroots Media

Me too, It looks like the turtle really in pain and need help, that what will make attention.
http://calebmcnary.com/ Caleb McNary

Turtle all the way. It really stands out and makes you consider what it means in relation to the title.

http://www.lifeofasteward.com/ Loren Pinilis

Kinda funny after reading all the other comments, but I like #2 the best.
In my humble (and probably wrong) opinion: #1 seems too cliche, #3 downplays brokenness by portraying it in an almost cute way, and the creative direction for #4 seems like it doesn’t really fit the trajectory of your book.
But that’s just me
http://www.nosuperheroes.com Chris Lautsbaugh

I agree with Grayson. I like number 4 but the font on “Wrecked” is difficult to read, especially at a distance. The Brick and mortar look is great. Number 1 is my second choice. Number 2 is too busy. The turtle – ehhh – not a fan
Anonymous

Just responded – I loved the first one, fits the strapline best I think
Megy Davis

I liked the turtle because it’s a living creature (like us) and his little claws look how I feel when trying make sense of ‘life gone wrong’ even if it’s my own doing. Visually it’s clean and hits in the gut. Make sense? hmmm
silvio

If I would browse through books in a bookstore, I would pick up that book with the turtle, and check out what’s that all about. It’s the most interesting cover. It’s the “hook” of the visual story that your book cover tells.
Nancy Wallace

I liked the wrecking ball because it strongly conveys the idea of something slamming into something else. What if you made the wrecking ball look like a world globe with a crack in it to show a broken world?

Bcanndid

Yes, just as I thought as well — only after I posted did I think of a crack in the globe so kudos to you!

http://www.atlumschema.com Andy Mort

I’m with this. From the title of the book this image was most evocative and appropriate in my mind. It kind of leaves everything to your imagination. If that wrecking ball smashed my world what would that look like?

Like the globe idea too – nice.

http://afewstrongwords.com/ Graham Strong

It was between #3 and #4 for me — ultimately I picked #3, but I don’t really know what the book is about. If it is more Hunter S. Thompson than Malcolm Gladwell, then #4 is your best bet…

~Graham
http://profile.typepad.com/6p00d83472758869e2 Roberta

I think that #1 makes the most sense and the comment by Nancy Wallace is very insightful. As for the tortoise cover, I can’t stand seeing an animal in distress, my reaction is to turn away.
http://www.likeawarmcupofcoffee.com Sarah Mae

Can you go back to the drawing board? I don’t think any of them quite “get it”. The turtle is the closest, but holding a book with a turtle on it is just…ewww.

LOVE the title.

http://www.likeawarmcupofcoffee.com Sarah Mae

I realize I’m being the fussy one here (but covers are SO important!). If I had to choose, #4 (but what the heck is it?). It’s hipster catchy (if that makes sense).

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

It’s a cleverly-designed V-neck.

http://www.saltandsparkle.com/home/2012/1/5/thoughts-of-september-2011-project-52.html Nics Cahill

I chose the turtle because it would make me pick the book up in wonder as to what it was about. People buy books visually as opposed to just looking at titles, and I think a brick wall, may perhaps put them off, I know it would put me off. Can’t wait to read your book Jeff.
http://www.eileenknowles.com/ Eileen

I like the turtle AND the wrecking ball. Can you combine the two?

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

That would be one green mess.

http://www.teresa-young.net/ Teresa Young

I like the turtle, it conveys the concept contained within the book’s title, but it gives an edge of slight humour to promote optimism in the face of adversity, rather than despair. Of the covers shown, the only one that would prompt me to buy the book would be the turtle.
Melinda Williams

I like the fourth one, including the title font. I suppose it’s because ‘wrecked’ looks wrecked that made me really like it. It seems to fit the title.
http://www.sundijo.com Sundi Jo Graham

What I loved most about this? Your first paragraph: “My first book is coming together well, but I need your help in deciding a few things.”

You’re already not limiting yourself by saying this is your only book. That’s what makes great leaders. Being confident in your abilities and knowing this isn’t the last.

Congrats!

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

Nor the best.

http://www.jmlalonde.com Joe Lalonde

I liked the turtle. I can only imagine how uncomfortable an upside down turtle must feel.

http://www.jmlalonde.com Joe Lalonde

PS: All the covers looked good. As a male, I find most book covers to be less than appealing. Each choice had something that appealed to me.

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

i appreciate that, Joe.

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

Apparently it’s a tortoise. My bad.

Jordan

I didn’t even look at #4 once I saw the turtle.

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

“You had me at ‘turtle,’” eh?

Angela Demmans

Like first three. First one classy. Second like how the squares form a cross. Three catchy and appropriate if the content of the book in light and has a touch of humor.
Valkryie27

I like Concept #4. I was drawn to the font of the word WRECKED. I would have no problem picking this book off a shelf and flipping to the back cover to learn more. I’ve felt this way many times,cracks in my beliefs,as the world tries to chip away at the wall I use to stay in the world,not of the world.
http://www.caroljalexander.com/ Carol J. Alexander

Jeff, I chose the wrecking ball for this reason. When I think of your blog and your writing the word “clean” comes to mind. #2 did not look clean and the turtle was just comical. That left 1 and 4. Also, I think the wrecking ball is typical of a mental picture most people would get from the word “wrecked.”
Congratulations, Jeff. And God go with you in this journey.
http://talesofwork.com kimanzi constable

If I was walking by a book shelf, #4 would make me stop for a second, more detailed look.
http://bjlivingreal.blogspot.com/ Betty Jo Martin

I like the first one best, but more than that, I just want to read the book.
Kim Bookless

I like #1 and agree with Nance’s suggestion to add a globe. The image on #2 is meaningless, the turtle in #3 is really painful to look at, and #4 makes me think of both decay and violence. If that fits the gist of the book and you choose #4, I agree with other posters — consider changing the font of the word “Wrecked.”

Good luck!
http://profiles.google.com/leaseahb Lisa Boyd

I loved the turtle one! I actually laughed out loud. Then I started to wonder what in the world happened to put the turtle on his back, and then I realized I feel like that when the broken world slams into my comfortable life … like a turtle who can’t move or flip over!
Ben Steele

I voted for the wrecking ball. The image feels right with the words “wrecked” and “slams.” I also like the concept of #4 but it feels more cluttered as opposed to the simplicity of #1. The turtle is a great image, as others have said, but it doesn’t quite communicate the trauma of “wrecked.”

Also, in three of these the subtitle is above the main title. That feels out of order to me. Stuff like that always confuses my eyes about where I’m supposed to start reading.
Chris

I like the type face and layout of concept one, but with the turtle concept as the cover picture.
TorConstantino

Jeff, I like the Turtle. The image is direct and memorable. It has stopping power with an emotional, universally recognizable image that exactly conveys your message. It will also reproduce will in smaller scale formats.

#1 – the cable looks too much like a rope – possibly consider swapping it for a chain, this would be my next pick;
#2 – I get the idea of compressed scrap metal, but the composition and proportions of “squarish” lower 2/3 treatment look odd to me;
#4 – while I like the stylized look, I don’t think it will re readable or reproduce well as a thumbnail and will become muddled, which is how most book covers are viewed in the current e-economy.

Thanks for the opportunity to share, for what it’s worth….

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

Great feedback

Anonymous

Turtle – there’s a humor element there.
http://SacredRoutine.com/ Jodi Schumm

I like the wrecking ball – it combines simplicity with a powerful connotation. The turtle is humorous, but that’s probably not the reaction you want with your title. The other two are too busy.
I LOVE the title/subtitle. Sounds like a book everyone can relate to!
http://jessemedina.com/ Jesse Medina

I chose #4. The turtle is a cool image, in general, but it doesn’t fit the title of the book (even if it fits the concept).

Second choice is #1.

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

thanks, Jesse.

http://twitter.com/HopeScribbles Elisabeth Allen

I really like #4! #1 is okay – it’s fits the title. #2 makes me think, “What is that … ?” No offense to the graphc designer who came up with the idea, but I don’t get #3. What’s with the turtle?!? It just makes me want to turn the poor thing right side up and let him carry on with his little life! Thank you so much for asking for feedback. What fun!
http://lifebeforethebucket.blogspot.com Adrian Waller

Turtle cover is ingenious (actually made me laugh and might actually catch attention more), but I chose the last one.
Anonymous

I like the look of #4 but I like Wrecked being 1st in the title. Interesting poll.
b
http://kenfallon.net/ Ken Fallon

The wrecking ball was what I visualized before seeing the covers, but I didn’t choose it because the design for #1 was too predictable (and, frankly, dull). It needed more visual interest. What is the ball crashing into? I also thought the font choice on #4 was much more effective. How about some sort of 1 & 4 combo? Number 2 is too abstract, number 3 is too whimsical.
Deb

I like the wrecking ball. It caught my attention immediately and caused me to
wonder what it was about. The turtle is a close second.
http://www.linchpinbloggers.com/ Don McAllister

Go with the turtle. It speaks to the premise of your book. Comfortable turtle no longer comfortable.. The wrecking ball would be #2 for me, but it’s kind of boring. If I see a wrecking ball versus a upside down turtle, I’m picking up the upside down turtle book first.

Guest

Agreed. The turtle wins for me too.. no contest.
http://joebunting.com Joe Bunting

Well said Don.

Jean Gogolin

I’d say Number 1 wins hands down. It’s dramatic, full of impact, and clear. The turtle is not wrecked; it’s merely inconvenienced for a bit. The other two are too busy.

By the way, I’ve been in love with writing for a long time and have my own writing blog, but I love yours!

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

thanks, Jean!

http://www.jennyraearmstrong.com Jenny Rae Armstrong

I’m going to be non-conformist and say #2, because it looks like–well–wreckage. I’m not loving the turtle for the subject matter, and I say that as a person who would probably buy the book for the content. (Unless the book includes a lot of humor? But is the topic really funny? I’m being a stick in the mud, I know, but I’m not the only person who tends to get a little humorless about the topic. ) #4 would be my second choice–those are my thoughts.
http://warriordave.com/ Dave Lukas

Jeff, my vote is for #4.

The reason I like #4 is because of the edgy art of the brick wall. It helps your book standout. It just “looks” interesting. It grabbed my attention right away and if I saw it in a bookstore, I’d want to pick it up to see what it was about. While I personally don’t have a problem with the font, I can see what other commenters are saying that it can be a little distracting. I think the font corresponds to the art of the wall.#1 would be my second choice. I like this one cause it’s simple and to the point, but for me, it’s just not “interesting” enough.

#2 just look confusing and I don’t think meshes with the content of the book.

#3 is cute, but I don’t think matches up with what the book is about. It almost seems childish and I’m sure that’s not the idea you’re trying to convey.

So those are my thoughts. Congrats again on the book, very exciting for you! I can’t wait to read it!!!
DeeDee Warren

as one who has had a “wrecking ball” slam into my life… I had to go with #1. Will look forward to reading the book, regardless of the cover…

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

thanks, DeeDee. Appreciate your support.

Susan Upp

Your book title and concept brought to mind the image of a wrecked cruise ship.

Susan Upp

I could see a beautiful day with a swanky ship at sea….torn page on diagonal to reveal an image from mission trip. Hands making bricks or building house.

http://uppside.blogspot.com/ Susanupp

I just think your topic is a big one and the covers, in my opinion, don’t have the potency of what I think you will be talking about. The topic made me think of the image that circulated of starving African children juxtaposed to the “we are the 99%” sign holders… or even a Madmen type silhouette broken to bits… or even your hands at that old typewriter broken…to reveal mission photo. I’ll stop.

Martorana Eli M

Turtle haha i like it.
Kelleylynne

Ok the turtle is cute but when I read the explanation of the book contents I liked the wall because as the Christian body I think we’re all like bricks. Each of us has a role and sometimes our role changes when we grow in our faith and we grow in our faith when God brings us through certain times and events. It seems after much tragedy and heart break, my brink in the wall changed. Just saying, as a believer, artist and reader.
http://twitter.com/davidozab David Ozab

I picked the wrecking ball in part because I like the title over the subtitle rather than the other way around. I’d prefer to see the ball about to hit something that isn’t wrecked yet. The turtle is cute, but all you have to do is pick him (?) up and turn him over. Pretty simple solution—life’s never that easy. #4 is ok, but needs to be more ruined—added holes, cracks, etc. #2 is confusing.

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

thanks, David. i agree — title needs to be over subtitle. that’s an easy fix (much like helping the turtle).
http://ChristinaLiBooks.wordpress.com/ ChristinaLi

I think the idea is that we are the turtle and need God to pick us up. We can’t do it ourselves. What seems easy for God isn’t so easy for the turtle. However, I like the title over the subtitle too.

http://www.facebook.com/laeaton1 Lisa A. Eaton

The turtle certainly represents how I feel when my comfortable life is messed up.
http://twitter.com/sethleonard Seth Leonard

I love the turtle, but it doesn’t really speak to a broken world or slamming.

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

thanks, Seth. my question is: does it matter? if it causes you to pick up the book, has it done its job? i agree. i’m just torn.

http://www.linchpinbloggers.com/ Don McAllister

The turtle would cause most to pick up the book. That turtle is wrecked, helpless even. I would imagine 8/10 people would pick this book up just for the cover. A wrecking ball just doesn’t have the magic.

http://bunsongpayat.tumblr.com/ bunsongpayat

I go for 4 but i think there’s a lot going on with the cover photo (great photo!) PLUS font of “Wrecked” (too artsy here).

Second is the turtle, just having second thoughts if it actually reflects the whole tagline/concept because i was looking for something that symbolizes the “broken world slams..”.
http://junhax.com/ Paul Jun

I personally love the last one only because it reminded me something of Ralph Steadman’s work with Hunter S. Thompson.

Thats just me and my crazy reverence for the two.

All covers look awesome, though. I’m excited for the release.
http://www.nurturingcreativity.net/ Denise Smedley

Turtle. It’s perfect
MM

Great cover designs. I liked the wrecking ball. I liked the turtle, too, but it’s more humorous than showing someone or something being wrecked or being a wreck. A lot of people liked the turtle, but maybe they’re responding to the humorous side of things.
Melissa Hampton

I am torn between the wrecking ball and turtle, but I think the turtle wins. The wrecking ball seems like more of a one time event versus the on going struggle of the turtle.
Caradog

the wrecking ball as a nice ominous feel to it.
elise

It’s the wrecking ball for me! So funny how we’re all so convinced here in the comments that there is no other choice but the one we’ve made. I think the wrecking ball is clear and to the point. I like the simplicity and think that will make it stand out on the shelf. Sounds like an insightful, helpful, real book! Best of luck.

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

Hah! I know. Makes it hard for me to decide. I kinda like the tortoise but agree that it may not evoke the sense of wreckedness that we’re going for. Eye-catching, nonetheless. Ah, decisions, decisions…

Elizabeth Young

Sorry Jeff, Tortoise is cute but total non-starter.

http://www.facebook.com/christine.kylemoore Christine Kyle Moore

Elise, I agree as you can see by my post. I hadn’t read any comments and am glad to see that someone see’s it’s significance. Almost the same comment. lol
http://ainasstuff.blogspot.com/ Aina

Yes, the wrecking ball! It’s simple and eye cathcing. The single ball has a strong message – the dark ball being a strong symbol of a dark world (Earth) smashing into your comfy life.

Maggie

I like #4, but agree with others who suggest changing the font of “Wrecked.” I like the jagged letters, but the “C” seems out of place. The reason I like this one is because brick is strong and solid, like a comfortable life. So many others liked the turtle, but I did not. My second choice is the wrecking ball. The font is good, but the graphic doesn’t pack as strong a punch as the brick wall one.
Rick Costa

First instinct was the turtle. Grabbed my attention immediately. I like the 4th one alot too just not the font.

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

It’s really eye catching, isn’t it?

http://www.jeffrandleman.com Jeff Randleman

I didn’t like the italics in #s 2 and 3, or the shadows in #1. If the images in #1 were cleaner, it would have been my pick.
Carol

I am totally surprised by how many people think the turtle picture is cute or funny. To me, it depicts cruelty. #2 said it best for me.
http://somewiseguy.com ThatGuyKC

Glad to hear things are progressing so well. Excited for the book and the road ahead for you.

I personally really liked #4 (and voted accordingly)
Lanny

Once I saw the turtle upside down, I was done!

The upside down turtle messed with my thinking of not seeing the turtle on the fencepost and caused me to wonder what the heck happened???!!!

GREAT IMAGERY for getting your mind and life wrecked!
Alice5403

I chose one because it conveys the brutal power of things slamming into your life but I also liked number 4 maybe with a different font. Can’t wait to read the finished article.

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

thanks, Alice.

http://www.facebook.com/anna.notario Anna Notario

I like the turtle the best. Honestly, #4 reminds me of a high school devotional book.

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

…which is bad, I’m assuming.

http://thehandwritten.com MichaelDPerkins

The turtle…

Because I know I would stop and look at the book at a bookstore just by seeing the cover.

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

and because you love aquatic wildlife, right?

http://thehandwritten.com MichaelDPerkins

Well, I wasn’t going to bring that up, but yes. I love aquatic wildlife more so than any other form.

http://FollowingJesusSucks.org Shon Ridenour

It’s gotta be between the turtle and the wrecking ball. I love the turtle, but I’m not sure it’s the best fit with the word “Wrecked.” But just so you know, I’m going to steal the one you don’t choose!

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

hah! better check with Moody Publishers on that.

http://carefulcents.com Carrie Smith

Although a lot of people like the turtle/tortoise one, I prefer the brick wall. “Wrecked” is a very strong word and #4 depicts it the best for me. My second choice is #1 as it’s clean, and gets the point across amazingly well.

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

hah! thanks… i’m excited, too. now, i just need to finish the darned thing.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=791064551 Tom Davis

Love the turtle concept. Not a fan of the ‘darker’ debris scene or the wrecking ball. Doesn’t communicate what your after. Great job on this Jeff. Proud of you my friend.

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

thanks, Tom. I may be hitting you up for an endorsement.

Stephanie

#1…. When my child died, a wrecking ball is the only thing that comes close to describing that pain. My aunt suffered similar traumatic loss. We both say those kinds of deeply painful experiences can only be compared to a bulldozer or wrecking ball coming in and destroying everything. When that happens, you have no choice whatesoever but to go forth from the rubble of your former life and create anew. The turtle merely conveys a minor discomfort. Either your life is truly unrecognizable from the traumatic experience, or it’s just a “bump in the road”…. I would say the turtle is just a bump. So it depends on the depth of pain and brokenness you are speaking of in the content. The image of the wrecking ball is powerful because it represents something that really does destroy everything it comes in contact with.
http://www.facebook.com/christine.kylemoore Christine Kyle Moore

I like the simplicity of #1. Wrecking balls–wreck things just as life experiences sometimes can. It relates very well with the tittle and the visual would catch my eye on the shelf.

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

thanks, Christine.

http://www.christianfailure.com/ White

I think it depends what you want the cover to do – draw people in or the content out?

It seems clear people (myself included) like the turtle. My reaction was, “hey, I know that feeling!” It would grab attention because it is relatable to the person, if not slightly egocentric. But the unconscious response is that the turtle just needs to be turned right side up, which doesn’t send a message of the person being changed by the ‘wrecked’ world they experience – they just have to get back to where they were.

The wrecking ball seems to clearly convey the idea of “oh crap, something’s about to change I better get ready.” Which from your description of the book seems to go along well with the theme of people being changed. However… I’ve seen a lot of book covers that are similar. If I knew nothing about the book, it wouldn’t intrigue me. I’d walk right by.

All that said, I think the turtle is best. It makes me smile. It would grab attention and be relatable to the content, and the content itself would stand for itself in explaining the concept of people adapting to the broken world around them.
http://twitter.com/Syndee_Stein Syndee Stein

Love the turtle, but it doesn’t have any weight. Leaves no impact. I wouldn’t read it because I wouldn’t believe that you know anything about struggle or hardship. The wreckage… bla. The wall feels the hardest. It would hurt to hit into that. But the font is too hard to read. I vote for the wall with a cleaner font or the wrecking ball.

http://popparables.com Keri

Great points, Syndee. I was thinking some kind of combo of the wrecking ball and the wall would much more clearly convey the idea behind the book. Concept #2 seems a little trite and overdone. NOT a fan of the turtle at all. I don’t get how he’s wrecked!? Wrecked reeks of messy to me, and I think that’s what this book is about from Jeff’s short intro.

Jeffery McNutt

I like #4. I agree with some others that the font used for Wrecked isn’t quite right, but the font shouldn’t be so nice and neat as on the other titles either. I’m interrested in the fact that only one option has the subtitle below the main title, which is how I would prefer it.

Anyway, coming from a life “wrecked” by inner-city missions, the 4th option wins.
http://profiles.google.com/maxandrewdubinsky Max Andrew Dubinsky

#4

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

thanks, bro. i respect your opinion.

Karen A. Wyle

The first cover (wrecking ball) was by far my favorite — clean, striking, readable.
Anonymous

I picked the wrecking ball because, to me, it makes the most sense relative to the title and I can picture it on a book shelf , but I love the turtle cover probably the best.
Pacificpearl2

The turtle cover is relatable, connects on many levels, and offers hope (the turtle can get back on its feet). Is ‘wrecked’ the word you/your publisher really wants to use? It means destruction, ruin. Not, I think, the message you’re going for!
http://marriedwithdebt.com/ John @ MarriedWithDebt

Jeff – I actually thought the Turtle cover was the most grabbing, but I’m not sure the image matches the title. The title suggests that the world is to blame, but we don’t see how he got on his back. Maybe that works though, because it grabs attention and causes me to try and figure out what the book is about.

I might like the wrecking ball better if it were just a stark white background.
Amy E.

At first glance I liked the wrecking ball, it was eye-catching, and the turtle made me laugh and it was second. BUT after reading what the book is about, I think the turtle is much more appropriate. The ball maybe represents the world, but if the book is about us and the upheaval and helplessness we might find ourselves in…much like the turtle must feel ( if turtles have feelings)…then I vote for the turtle. And it’s funny!
Jimmy

Picked the wrecking ball. Laughed, and not in a good way, at the turtle. #4 looks like a million other covers I’ve seen recently. And #2 is confusing. At least, that’s my take…
http://alishanewton.wordpress.com/ Alisha @ Unusual Passions

#4 is my pick because the wall reveals its true exterior, similar to how a life disaster leaves one vulnerable. When you’re wrecked, you have to face reality.

But, I agree: change the font.
Bcanndid

I like the wrecking ball because of it’s clean, crisp design. One suggestion to consider — oops, actually two — have the ball appear suspended in mid-swing rather than the rather flat, two-dimensional appearance it now has, and have it be the globe rather than a mere iron ball.
Bcanndid

I am completely irritated with myself with the “it’s” error in my prior comment! Please pardon me — I’d begun my comment on a different track and didn’t change to the proper “its” on rewrite — eeerrrrggghhh!
http://sarachoe.com sara choe

i voted for the wrecking ball, but second was the turtle. the last was my least favorite, felt almost juvenile.

but, hello! you’re picking out book covers?! that means there’s gonna be a book behind it! w00t w00t!
Jill N.

I would be delighted to share my thoughts on your book cover concepts! Thank you for giving my opinion value.

#1 Wrecking Ball

Strong first impression! If the focus of this book is on the things that ruin a comfortable life than I would choose this cover. However, I think I would like it better if the ball were turned into a globe.

# 3 Turtle on it’s Back

Loved this! This image made me laugh. I just looks so uncomfortable! When a broken world slam into your life it can flip you on your backside.
LacyMarie

I thought the turtle was a great representation of the emotion involved. Rock right, roll..nope, Rock left, roll…nope. Well maybe if I get some momentum going… It’s really how I feel in life sometimes.
I enjoyed Concept #1 too. I’m sure whatever is picked will be great!
Jen Schwab

The wrecking ball and the turtle were too light for the subject. It would be harder to take the book seriously with those two. Liked the other two, but #2 is the best.

Ben Steele

Really? The wrecking ball too light? What if it were shown smashing into something?

Jen Schwab

Ah – now that might do it. It just looks so impotent as it is. If it conveyed more action, or had a context I think I would like it much better.