Rate My Book Cover

[Blaise84]

First, THANK YOU for your time.

I posted here several weeks ago with an awful, terrible book cover (see attachment below, or, see complete thread if interested: Book Cover-- What do you think of it?).




Thankfully, everyone set me straight, and I now have a much better design (see attachment below).



The new cover design is leaps and bounds better than the first, but it's not quite complete.

What do you think this cover needs in order to be complete? How can I make it more concise, clear, noticeable, and attractive? What about it is problematic or ambiguous? What are your impressions when you see it?

Keep in mind that my target audience is high school and collegiate (DII, DIII, NAIA, JUCO) football players. If you're unfamiliar with the 40 yard dash, it's a test used to measure sprinting speed in football players.

I'm tagging a few of you who I've previously interacted with on this forum, but don't take that as me saying I don't want your feedback if you're not tagged. The more feedback, the better!
@ljb7
@Bdenner64
@MoreVolume
@MTF
@azsno
@LifeTransformer
@jasoncuellar123
@MJ DeMarco
@BrooklynHustle
@njsinko
@DronePilot
@Andy Black
@Carol Jones
@Arun Siva
@jon.a

 

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[Niptuck MD]

I like the title; however I think the cover (albeit simple and to the point) is something out of the 80's haha. Not necessarily a bad thing but it doesnt stand out to the other books or training aides regarding 40 yard dashes. If you were able to get a picture of a real football player (college athlete or generic one) at a combine (a little more official looking to the specific niche) that would set it off nicely IMHO.

since your niche is super specific (40 yard dash is solely unique to football mostly) i think half of the work is done for you. have you thought about incorporating a DVD or a private link to a private youtube channel or video to supplement your book?

 

[Blaise84]

I like the title; however I think the cover (albeit simple and to the point) is something out of the 80's haha.

Thanks for your feedback! Can you say a little more about what specifically makes it look old, like it's from the 80s?

 

[Niptuck MD]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008GNA8PA/?tag=tff-amazonparser-20

vs.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1466360844/?tag=tff-amazonparser-20

 

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[B. Cole]

Thanks for your feedback! Can you say a little more about what specifically makes it look old, like it's from the 80s?

I agree, definitely 1980. It's the color, graphics and layout. Have you thought about a real picture of a runner in a glorious moment instead of an 8 bit green arcade guy? Plenty of inspiration in the world of sports marketing.

 

[Dan_Fastlane]

i dont like the color composition and yes it looks not like 2017, less text would be maybe more appealing!

look this one = https://www.amazon.com/dp/1937715752/?tag=tff-amazonparser-20

short and pregnant words!

 

[MoreVolume]

That new cover is a huge improvement. It looks like it would be worth spending $ on

 

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[Dan_Fastlane]

hey @Blaise84 why dont just invest 10 bucks or for a better one 18bucks?

pixelstudio : I will design a professional book cover for $10 on www.fiverr.com

this one seems to make good work

 

[Blaise84]

Have you thought about a real picture of a runner in a glorious moment instead of an 8 bit green arcade guy?

I have thought of this, definitely. I'd like something that stands out. With sprinting and football training, most of the covers are the same-- a guy running/cutting. I'd like to do something that stands out a bit more. But, I of course don't want it to stand out in a negative way.

i dont like the color composition and yes it looks not like 2017, less text would be maybe more appealing!

look this one = https://www.amazon.com/dp/1937715752/?tag=tff-amazonparser-20

short and pregnant words!

Thanks! Yes, I thought the wordiness could possibly be an issue. To answer your question about Fiverr, I am planning to hire someone on Fiverr to finish the cover, but I first want to get feedback so I can have a more definite direction before hiring someone.

 

[Blaise84]

That new cover is a huge improvement. It looks like it would be worth spending $ on

Thank you!

 

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[The EL Maven]

IMO, the new cover needs some red somewhere. If it were my cover, I'd play around with altering some text color on that cover.

 

[Blaise84]

IMO, the new cover needs some red somewhere. If it were my cover, I'd play around with altering some text color on that cover.

I tend to agree. I think the colors need to "pop" a bit more

 

[Xeon]

The new version is a lot better than the old version. In the old version, I can't even see the silhouette of the runner properly
The new version has some issues and everyone else has really good points, so just to add a few:

1) Generally, cool colors like blues and greens aren't associated with speed, which is what your book is about : FREAKINGLY FAST
For a book like this which is also aimed at a younger audience, a color palette like red, orange, bits of yellow, white background and bold black font will make it "pop" (tbh, I really dislike the "make it pop" buzzword but....).

2) In design, to make something less static and boring, try to avoid too many horizontals and verticals. In your book design, everything is on a horizontal straight line. The words, the silhouette of the runner etc, it's all horizontals. You want to convey a sense of speed, so.....

3) Check out some of these inspiration:

Notice how in these images, you see a ton of diagonal lines and shapes. They all scream out speed and dynamism.
You don't have to make it as complex as these though, but you can use the same principles.
If you intend to hire a fiverr guy to do the job, you can show them these sort of stuff.

Speaking of fiverr, I've hired there quite a few times to test them out (for graphic designers) but for my case, their portfolio usually doesn't match the quality of the work though, so it's kind of a hit and miss, and I guess I'm a very fussy guy when it comes to this sort of thing lol

Good luck!

 

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[MTF]

@Blaise84, it's a better cover, but it still looks amateurish. If you don't know how to design it from scratch, consider ordering a pre-made cover, for example from Go On Write. Sport Premade Book Covers.

Here are a few of his pre-made covers that might be suitable for your book that are much, much better:

And my favorite one:

 

[Kid]

Try changing green runner with orange.

 

[Blaise84]

The new version is a lot better than the old version. In the old version, I can't even see the silhouette of the runner properly
The new version has some issues and everyone else has really good points, so just to add a few:

1) Generally, cool colors like blues and greens aren't associated with speed, which is what your book is about : FREAKINGLY FAST
For a book like this which is also aimed at a younger audience, a color palette like red, orange, bits of yellow, white background and bold black font will make it "pop" (tbh, I really dislike the "make it pop" buzzword but....).

2) In design, to make something less static and boring, try to avoid too many horizontals and verticals. In your book design, everything is on a horizontal straight line. The words, the silhouette of the runner etc, it's all horizontals. You want to convey a sense of speed, so.....

3) Check out some of these inspiration:

Notice how in these images, you see a ton of diagonal lines and shapes. They all scream out speed and dynamism.
You don't have to make it as complex as these though, but you can use the same principles.
If you intend to hire a fiverr guy to do the job, you can show them these sort of stuff.

Speaking of fiverr, I've hired there quite a few times to test them out (for graphic designers) but for my case, their portfolio usually doesn't match the quality of the work though, so it's kind of a hit and miss, and I guess I'm a very fussy guy when it comes to this sort of thing lol

Good luck!

Now these are cool examples. They're energetic, yet simple enough to understand immediately. What's a bit disconcerting is that my 2nd cover was done by a designer, not by me (although he used my input).

 

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[Blaise84]

@Blaise84, it's a better cover, but it still looks amateurish. If you don't know how to design it from scratch, consider ordering a pre-made cover, for example from Go On Write. Sport Premade Book Covers.

Here are a few of his pre-made covers that might be suitable for your book that are much, much better:

And my favorite one:

I'm going to check this site out. Thank you! What's a bit discouraging is that I did not design the 2nd cover, a designer did! GAH. I'm definitely stuck in analysis paralysis. How do authors decide on a final cover for their book with all the options out there??

 

[Blaise84]

Try changing green runner with orange.

Thank you. This could make it more eye catching.

 

[MJ DeMarco]

The 2nd one is an improvement! But it still looks a bit underwhelming.

The first one is God-awful and looks like a MS Paint job.

 

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[Blaise84]

The 2nd one is an improvement! But it still looks a bit underwhelming.

The first one is God-awful and looks like a MS Paint job.

Waa-waaaa.

Honestly, I'm getting a bit razzled by how challenging coming up with a great book cover is. A designer created the 2nd one, not me (don't think I indicated that in the original post).

Not to say I'm going to quit. But sheesh. Creating a product ain't no joke.

 

[stavedeve]

I like the title; however I think the cover (albeit simple and to the point) is something out of the 80's haha. Not necessarily a bad thing but it doesnt stand out to the other books or training aides regarding 40 yard dashes. If you were able to get a picture of a real football player (college athlete or generic one) at a combine (a little more official looking to the specific niche) that would set it off nicely IMHO.

since your niche is super specific (40 yard dash is solely unique to football mostly) i think half of the work is done for you. have you thought about incorporating a DVD or a private link to a private youtube channel or video to supplement your book?

I like your point about the niche. Is this book targeting one sport? Football or track and field? Or Both? If it's one or another maybe incorporate that into the design. My other thought: is the book stritkly for the 40-yard dash?

First, THANK YOU for your time.

I posted here several weeks ago with an awful, terrible book cover (see attachment below, or, see complete thread if interested: Book Cover-- What do you think of it?).

View attachment 17134


Thankfully, everyone set me straight, and I now have a much better design (see attachment below).

View attachment 17135

The new cover design is leaps and bounds better than the first, but it's not quite complete.

What do you think this cover needs in order to be complete? How can I make it more concise, clear, noticeable, and attractive? What about it is problematic or ambiguous? What are your impressions when you see it?

Keep in mind that my target audience is high school and collegiate (DII, DIII, NAIA, JUCO) football players. If you're unfamiliar with the 40 yard dash, it's a test used to measure sprinting speed in football players.

I'm tagging a few of you who I've previously interacted with on this forum, but don't take that as me saying I don't want your feedback if you're not tagged. The more feedback, the better!
@ljb7
@Bdenner64
@MoreVolume
@MTF
@azsno
@LifeTransformer
@jasoncuellar123
@MJ DeMarco
@BrooklynHustle
@njsinko
@DronePilot
@Andy Black
@Carol Jones
@Arun Siva
@jon.a

 

[stavedeve]

My thoughts: is it specific to one sport? Football or track and field? Also ... maybe you take out the 40-yards reference in the title. It may turn off people who may be interested in becoming fast but have no interest in the 40. If you're super focused on the 40-yard speed in the book, then obviously keep it.

 

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[Xeon]

I'm going to check this site out. Thank you! What's a bit discouraging is that I did not design the 2nd cover, a designer did!

Not everyone who knows how to use Photoshop is a designer, so.....

 

[Blaise84]

I like your point about the niche. Is this book targeting one sport? Football or track and field? Or Both? If it's one or another maybe incorporate that into the design. My other thought: is the book stritkly for the 40-yard dash?

It is specifically targeting the 40 yard dash. Not sure if you follow football much, but within the football industry, the 40 is a razzle dazzle event everybody talks about.

 

[Niptuck MD]

It is specifically targeting the 40 yard dash. Not sure if you follow football much, but within the football industry, the 40 is a razzle dazzle event everybody talks about.

Yes. unfortunately the 40 yard dash is the norm but i think it should be only used for defensive backs, linebackers, wide receivers and running backs. I believe shuttle runs and 20 yard sprints are more suitable for offensive and defensive lineman etc.

I remember when I played a 4.5 40 was considered Division 1-A caliber now its just the Norm: i ran a 4.59 back in 2005 and that is mid range now for a defensive lineman ; the game has evolved to unreal measures (good thing though)

 

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[Therob]

I really like it. But would be nice to do some work with fonts and colors. Make it a bit more smooth or something. But actually it's great!

 

[Dan_Fastlane]

Waa-waaaa.

Honestly, I'm getting a bit razzled by how challenging coming up with a great book cover is. A designer created the 2nd one, not me (don't think I indicated that in the original post).

Not to say I'm going to quit. But sheesh. Creating a product ain't no joke.

yes but thats the right way!! i just can say this is a part of CENTS , entry is one key

 

[LifeTransformer]

That new cover is a huge improvement. It looks like it would be worth spending $ on

This! It looks a lot better.

There might still be room for improvement, but I wonder if you might be over-thinking it at this point.

Get it out there and see how it goes.

 

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[Blaise84]

I really like it. But would be nice to do some work with fonts and colors. Make it a bit more smooth or something. But actually it's great!

Thanks! Any specific suggestions?

 

[Blaise84]

This! It looks a lot better.

There might still be room for improvement, but I wonder if you might be over-thinking it at this point.

Get it out there and see how it goes.

I'm definitely over-thinking it. However, I also want it to be AWESOME. The best cover, ever. LOL.

I think you're spot on. I'm making a few more changes, then I'm going for it.

Your post was clutch. Thank you!