Grey and Blue goes well with the idea, and more so because such is the atmosphere. Staying calm and subtle will take you further towards the orange of hope. However you have to go through the pensive existence of grey and blue.
Looks just like the old one (which I already have), so I wouldn't even look twice at it. I would have no reason to believe it's any different than the one I have. I would DEFINITELY look at the second one.
You want people to notice the book. You ARE selling something - that's the bottom line.
I likethis one better... Looks different than the first one; however, as a buyer of the first version I would definitely at least have a fast review of all the expanded content to decide whether to buy it or not.
This one, red and orange seems mad, and unwelcoming. As a designer I would see the color choice and not stop. The other color scheme is much more "4 hour workweek."
This one certainly stands out more, but the colors are too strong, in my humble opinion. Maybe lighten the orange and fade it down more into the reddish banner. It's so strong, it almost assaults me.
I would say yes on this one. It'll grab the groups the design of the first one didn't (people looking for vacation rather than lifestyle design, etc) and so potentially widen your market. It'll also get the attention of people who already own the book and hopefully get "repeat" purchases.
This is OK but the Australian cover of the first edition was much better (picture of two people with the guy holding a bunch of ballons). I don't think this looks anywhere near professional enough.
If you are targeting new readers, the older colour-scheme is a better fit for the content. If you are targeting existing readers with new content, I would choose this cover. Existing 4HWW readers would probably miss #2 is an expanded version. This cover leaves no doubt that something has changed.
I agree that the first one pops more and probably has better instant attraction. However, as a designer and a branding professional, I also think that a book cover should say something about the content inside, attract the right age demographic and help people buy into your proposed philosophy. I have read the original edition, and I think there are elements from both covers that are appealing.
The brighter cover of the first option suggests that the content is fun and exciting or that it shows you how to live a more fun and exciting life. However, the bright colors are a little too primary for my tastes and suggest that the ideas are not new or novel and that they are in fact very elementary. The colors make my heart race and my eyes swim and get a little tired. There is no clear hierarchy or focal point. All of the colors have the same intensity and to me stand in stark contrast to the relaxing image on the cover. There is a disconnect to me. For this color combination to work one of the colors needs to be altered in intensity and brightness. The background could become gold, all elements that are currently red could become a more soothing deep royal blue or navy blue, while the elements that are currently bright blue could become the bright red since these are the important elements in this edition. This would add an air of sophistication similar to the original cover, but allow the more eye-catching colors to be more effective in small applications. This would allow most of the elements to provide a refined background that stands in contrast to the brighter elements.
The second option is more sophisticated and relaxing, matching up with the lessons that I took away from reading the book that you can live a simpler more relaxed life and be in control of your own time. The white background and elegant gold support the image and ideals in the book. The white conveys clarity and simplicity, while the meaning of gold is rich, luxurious, valuable and prestigious, all things that readers of this book are looking to gain. The color aqua conveys a refreshing and cleansing feeling, however the color does not pop and doesn't provide enough contrast to help the element stand out. I think shifting the color slightly to a brighter turquoise or teal, having similar meanings to blue but providing more interest and contrast to the white and gold. The golden orange/yellow color is bright and eye-catching, but doesn't seem to flow with the rest of the elements. By shifting the color to a vibrant but deep orange, the friendly and happy meaning of yellow is remains while adding an air of sophistication matching the rest of the cover. Orange is an optimistic color that inescapably attracts the human eye, and among many connotations, conveys the warmth of a tropical sunset. These small changes would keep the integrity and relaxed feeling of the original cover while providing some brighter elements to add interest. The turquoise and orange could even be printed in a metallic to further convey the rich lifestyle readers are looking to achieve and blend better with the gold.
The simple and elegant original cover is what attracted me to the book in the first place. I would not have been as enticed to buy the bright cover version had it been on the shelf instead. I think maybe there is a middle ground that combines the best elements of both proposed covers.
Go with the orange cover. I own your last book that has a cover similar to the other option you are considering. As a consumer, I'd accidentally pass-up the new and improved book thinking it was the same book I already own. Fu
definitely #2. warmer colours and differentiated from the first edition. mind you, here in australia the softcover design beats them all. Tim, you should post it up so everybody else can see the Aussie version. its what sold the book to me in the airport newsagency.
This cover will "pop" more on the bookshelves, which is what I think you want. Red and yellow combined are the two most contrasting colors to draw they eye's attention.
If you've got a drastic expansion planned, then defintely this one. This color scheme lends itself more to the "mini-retirement" vibe as well as doubling as an attention-grabber that sets it apart from the older version. Just sayin'. :)
1 point
by M Larsen @chinatown9 months agoon 4-Hour Workweek #20 children
Unless you've got a hardcover, too, in which case I'd vote the other way - I don't want a gaudy orange book jacket on my bookshelf (but it's okay in the bathroom, at the beach, wherever else...)
Call me strangely partial to the color scheme, but I think this one totally beats out the old one. The old one was so plain and boring. This new one looks a lot warmer. More approachable, even. I don't know, maybe it's just the color. Either way, congratulations.
I hate to feel like a lemming, but I had to vote for this because it really will stand out more in the bookshop... plus the orange goes with the concept that Little Relaxing Guy is basking in the sunset. Damn you, marketing theorists, damn you!
This one resembles a deeper step forward. The other one seems like a small update. This one stirs more emotions and signifies a much bolder step forward. The content just needs to match its boldness ;)
If you will do a third book, then save this for a completely new book, and lead your current audience to the expanded edition by using the same color scheme. If you have no plans to expand, then certainly utilize this bright color scheme for the expanded edition!
I always thought the original cover was classy and I love how the silhouette pops with the simple two-color design. By the way, I read the book during the summer of 2007 - I raved about it to anyone willing to listen and sent copies to people who I thought really needed to read it. Thanks for expanding my thinking about what's possible.
I think I like this one better, its more soothing and fits the theme a little better with the sunset colors vs. the harsh/boring white. I'll be sure to pick up a copy when it comes out regardless of the cover though.
This design is gaudy and loud, while the alternative has a more sophisticated palette. I vote for this one, because love it or hate it (i dislike it), people will be able see it halfway down the street, remember it after they see it, and pick it out from crowded bookstore shelf.
This version will help to differentiate from the original. Any idea when the new version will hit the shelves? How about the audio copy? I've read the book twice but listen to the audio book all of the time for motivation and reference! Keep up the good work amigo!
By far this cover, sunset and ocean colors symbolize paradise, which equals an ideal situation, which is what I believe is the goal for anyone that is interested in reading your book.
As a former marketing veep for the national bookstore chain, I can tell you the orange/yellow cover will pop much better on the shelf. Go with the other one. BTW, saw you at WordCampSF and became an instant fan @jimseybert
Gotta go with this one. Keep the design the same, just change up the colors. Great idea. People will instantly recognize, and realize that it's a new version....about...summer vacations? ;) This one is the beast.
Is it me or are there a lot of orange self-help related books on the shelves these days? I'm sure there is some research as to why orange is such an attractive color. I think it works, this cover looks really inviting, and makes me think of orange sherbet for some reason.
I like this one best -- but am so used to the other since I have it and have read it twice. But I'd go with the new color... A 66 year old female fan. EMeredithY on twitter
Seems that people like the German cover
Grey and Blue goes well with the idea, and more so because such is the atmosphere. Staying calm and subtle will take you further towards the orange of hope. However you have to go through the pensive existence of grey and blue.
Yes! I believe in living out Loud!
Looks just like the old one (which I already have), so I wouldn't even look twice at it. I would have no reason to believe it's any different than the one I have. I would DEFINITELY look at the second one.
You want people to notice the book. You ARE selling something - that's the bottom line.
I likethis one better... Looks different than the first one; however, as a buyer of the first version I would definitely at least have a fast review of all the expanded content to decide whether to buy it or not.
no good. looks like the sun is setting on this one. It's past it's prime.
Classic mellow feeling to the book,
The orange is rather intense on the other cover
This one, red and orange seems mad, and unwelcoming. As a designer I would see the color choice and not stop. The other color scheme is much more "4 hour workweek."
Making it easier to discern from the original is important.
This one screams: hoooliiddayyy. So go for it!
This one screams: Hooooliiiidayyy!!! so got with it! AntjeX
Just on design of experiment/survey... don't display points or comments - they will sway opinion of those who come to vote later.
The off white and brown is so late 90's early 2000. This one has a bit of a reborn 80's feel, which is very current.
Even though the colors here are a bit drab, the orange/red cover screams too much "I like to sell you something."
This one certainly stands out more, but the colors are too strong, in my humble opinion. Maybe lighten the orange and fade it down more into the reddish banner. It's so strong, it almost assaults me.
this one feels more like an updated edition
This one has much more appeal, warmer colors and does look a lot different from the old one
I say #2. It looks like a new version for your new and expanded info.
I would say yes on this one. It'll grab the groups the design of the first one didn't (people looking for vacation rather than lifestyle design, etc) and so potentially widen your market. It'll also get the attention of people who already own the book and hopefully get "repeat" purchases.
The combination of color and image on this cover reminds me of the Chinese flag, Communism, hammer and sickle...
This one! Same theme....better feel.
will stop people in their path who are familiar with the first book, get some repeat customers.. always good. has some POP too.
This is OK but the Australian cover of the first edition was much better (picture of two people with the guy holding a bunch of ballons). I don't think this looks anywhere near professional enough.
If you are targeting new readers, the older colour-scheme is a better fit for the content. If you are targeting existing readers with new content, I would choose this cover. Existing 4HWW readers would probably miss #2 is an expanded version. This cover leaves no doubt that something has changed.
The orange one draws atention, but DAMN it is ugly. White one all the way.
I am instantly drawn to the first cover, but don't feel it's fit for purpose.
I agree with your conclusion, but "impactful" is not a real word ;-)
I agree that the first one pops more and probably has better instant attraction. However, as a designer and a branding professional, I also think that a book cover should say something about the content inside, attract the right age demographic and help people buy into your proposed philosophy. I have read the original edition, and I think there are elements from both covers that are appealing.
The brighter cover of the first option suggests that the content is fun and exciting or that it shows you how to live a more fun and exciting life. However, the bright colors are a little too primary for my tastes and suggest that the ideas are not new or novel and that they are in fact very elementary. The colors make my heart race and my eyes swim and get a little tired. There is no clear hierarchy or focal point. All of the colors have the same intensity and to me stand in stark contrast to the relaxing image on the cover. There is a disconnect to me. For this color combination to work one of the colors needs to be altered in intensity and brightness. The background could become gold, all elements that are currently red could become a more soothing deep royal blue or navy blue, while the elements that are currently bright blue could become the bright red since these are the important elements in this edition. This would add an air of sophistication similar to the original cover, but allow the more eye-catching colors to be more effective in small applications. This would allow most of the elements to provide a refined background that stands in contrast to the brighter elements.
The second option is more sophisticated and relaxing, matching up with the lessons that I took away from reading the book that you can live a simpler more relaxed life and be in control of your own time. The white background and elegant gold support the image and ideals in the book. The white conveys clarity and simplicity, while the meaning of gold is rich, luxurious, valuable and prestigious, all things that readers of this book are looking to gain. The color aqua conveys a refreshing and cleansing feeling, however the color does not pop and doesn't provide enough contrast to help the element stand out. I think shifting the color slightly to a brighter turquoise or teal, having similar meanings to blue but providing more interest and contrast to the white and gold. The golden orange/yellow color is bright and eye-catching, but doesn't seem to flow with the rest of the elements. By shifting the color to a vibrant but deep orange, the friendly and happy meaning of yellow is remains while adding an air of sophistication matching the rest of the cover. Orange is an optimistic color that inescapably attracts the human eye, and among many connotations, conveys the warmth of a tropical sunset. These small changes would keep the integrity and relaxed feeling of the original cover while providing some brighter elements to add interest. The turquoise and orange could even be printed in a metallic to further convey the rich lifestyle readers are looking to achieve and blend better with the gold.
The simple and elegant original cover is what attracted me to the book in the first place. I would not have been as enticed to buy the bright cover version had it been on the shelf instead. I think maybe there is a middle ground that combines the best elements of both proposed covers.
Go with the orange cover. I own your last book that has a cover similar to the other option you are considering. As a consumer, I'd accidentally pass-up the new and improved book thinking it was the same book I already own. Fu
because of the color, I probably would pick this one off from the shelf than the other one.
definitely #2. warmer colours and differentiated from the first edition. mind you, here in australia the softcover design beats them all. Tim, you should post it up so everybody else can see the Aussie version. its what sold the book to me in the airport newsagency.
Def this one. It will jump off the shelf - much more impactful.
PS--It also seems to envoke more activitiy and excitement.
This cover will "pop" more on the bookshelves, which is what I think you want. Red and yellow combined are the two most contrasting colors to draw they eye's attention.
Simple and easy on the eye. I prefer this
If you've got a drastic expansion planned, then defintely this one. This color scheme lends itself more to the "mini-retirement" vibe as well as doubling as an attention-grabber that sets it apart from the older version. Just sayin'. :)
Unless you've got a hardcover, too, in which case I'd vote the other way - I don't want a gaudy orange book jacket on my bookshelf (but it's okay in the bathroom, at the beach, wherever else...)
Call me strangely partial to the color scheme, but I think this one totally beats out the old one. The old one was so plain and boring. This new one looks a lot warmer. More approachable, even. I don't know, maybe it's just the color. Either way, congratulations.
I hate to feel like a lemming, but I had to vote for this because it really will stand out more in the bookshop... plus the orange goes with the concept that Little Relaxing Guy is basking in the sunset. Damn you, marketing theorists, damn you!
This one seems to be like there will be newer information. For your next one, I'm thinking something more like this: new cover
I like this one
I liek this one
This one resembles a deeper step forward. The other one seems like a small update. This one stirs more emotions and signifies a much bolder step forward. The content just needs to match its boldness ;)
If you will do a third book, then save this for a completely new book, and lead your current audience to the expanded edition by using the same color scheme. If you have no plans to expand, then certainly utilize this bright color scheme for the expanded edition!
I always thought the original cover was classy and I love how the silhouette pops with the simple two-color design. By the way, I read the book during the summer of 2007 - I raved about it to anyone willing to listen and sent copies to people who I thought really needed to read it. Thanks for expanding my thinking about what's possible.
I'm biased, orange is favorite color ... so I was easily sold.
The burnt orange cover makes me feel as if I am that much closer to paradise.
I think I like this one better, its more soothing and fits the theme a little better with the sunset colors vs. the harsh/boring white. I'll be sure to pick up a copy when it comes out regardless of the cover though.
Good Luck!
Bryan Bittner
Hi Tim, the image so says it all. Best of luck
I vote for this one
This design is gaudy and loud, while the alternative has a more sophisticated palette. I vote for this one, because love it or hate it (i dislike it), people will be able see it halfway down the street, remember it after they see it, and pick it out from crowded bookstore shelf.
This version will help to differentiate from the original. Any idea when the new version will hit the shelves? How about the audio copy? I've read the book twice but listen to the audio book all of the time for motivation and reference! Keep up the good work amigo!
By far this cover, sunset and ocean colors symbolize paradise, which equals an ideal situation, which is what I believe is the goal for anyone that is interested in reading your book.
Yo Tim - Easy choice.
Go with the new color scheme.
Give me number 1. What are the additional cost of doing both and simply dividing equally the type in various shipments to stores, etc.?????
Too faithful to the original. Also, super similar to David Bach's Finish Rich series of books.
@Greg a beast indeed.
As a former marketing veep for the national bookstore chain, I can tell you the orange/yellow cover will pop much better on the shelf. Go with the other one. BTW, saw you at WordCampSF and became an instant fan @jimseybert
Gotta go with this one. Keep the design the same, just change up the colors. Great idea. People will instantly recognize, and realize that it's a new version....about...summer vacations? ;) This one is the beast.
Is it me or are there a lot of orange self-help related books on the shelves these days? I'm sure there is some research as to why orange is such an attractive color. I think it works, this cover looks really inviting, and makes me think of orange sherbet for some reason.
Keep it up tim.
your little traveler
I like this one best -- but am so used to the other since I have it and have read it twice. But I'd go with the new color... A 66 year old female fan. EMeredithY on twitter
Prefer this to the old one, and I always love palm trees. While I prefer this, I think you should go for a more complete redesign, not just a tweak.
festive!!!
oh...I follow you on Twitter, which is how I knew about this link. feel free to come see me @JacobNordby :-)
LOVE the quotes in your book. Here's another good one
"I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world. This makes it hard to plan the day."
E. B. White
looks great. I read your first version 3 times straight through--which is saying something since I read LOTS of books. damn, Tim! you rock, dude.
I like it. This way I won't feel like a jackass when I re-purchase the book for having two copies that look exactly the same sitting on the shelf.
Orange sky = sunset = warm and relaxing.
testing these comments out