Monday, June 17, 2013

Of course we judge a book (and others according to Laurie Cole) by its cover.

photo via Us Weekly
I’m still editing this book though I can see a finish line in sight. We’ve been tweaking different version of the front (and back) cover and I’m fairly certain “let’s put this to bed” from my publisher means they’re annoyed with my desire to get things just right. Too bad, to me the details matter. I, for one, judge a book by its cover, a wine bottle by its label and pretty much anything else based on its design/looks. Sure, that may make me shallow but I prefer to say I’m aesthetically conscious.

As I thought about this, I was reminded of a quote from Laurie Cole a, or to many, “the” SoulCycle instructor.  I’ve never taken her class but I've seen photos and I’m judging (you can too above)- she’s gorgeous. To The New York Times, in a piece about eating habits, she said
Bottom line, I eat for fuel. I have to be in front of people in really skimpy outfits every single day."
For the record, she also mentioned her breakfast of 1-2 hard-boiled eggs. Although food to me is so much more than fuel, what Laurie said stayed with me. Thank god, I don’t have to go to work in skimpy outfits (and don’t think a nutritionist should ahem) but how I look for what I do matters. I joke that if I gain 10 pounds I’m out of business. While that may not be 100% true, it’s pretty true. And I get it because whether we’re talking books or bods, we all judge.

And I'm asking you to judge me. Here are two cover options with different fonts:

I will not give you any more information (don’t want to bias you) but please tell me, which option to do prefer? Foodtrainers will most likely be printed in white and print will be more clear in the actual book than on my screen but is there one you like better? If anybody knows me and my brand it’s those of you who humor me with a few minutes a week of reading time. I think of you as I’m writing and fighting for each silly detail.


46 comments:

  1. I vote for #2. I don't like the handwriting font in #1, I think #2 looks more sophisticated. SO exciting!!!

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  2. Interesting Meg, thank you. Some felt #2 too "regular"

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  3. The font in the first option is a bit florid and therefore not as easy to read. Elegant cover-this is abook I wouldn't mind reading on the subway.

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  4. Love the idea of you reading this on the subway, makes me excited. Thanks Michelle.

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  5. Well BOTH covers look amazing!! I think I'm drawn to the one one with Foodtrainers in black.

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  6. Thank you Gina, I'm so "in it" that I can't see straight. Funny enough, I liked Foodtrainers in black ("they" like it white) so it's mainly a font issue. Details, details.

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  7. I like the one on the right because the font is easier to read... *except* that I prefer the simple white font used for "Foodtrainers" on the cover on the left (and I like the consistency of having all the text in white except for "little book," "thin," and your name).

    Both covers look fabulous, though - I'll be buying it and reading it no matter which one you choose :)

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  8. Actually, as I keep looking at it... the font isn't as quite as easy to read on the one on the left, but the spacing of the subtitle at the bottom of that one looks a lot more balanced than on the cover on the right... so I think I do actually prefer the one on the left (plus the actual book will be larger than it appears on my screen, so it will actually be easier to read the font when the print is larger).


    Yeesh! I can see how you would feel like you can't see straight after staring at both of them for a while. They both really do look great! In other words - I think you can't make a bad choice here!!

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  9. oh my goodness, the notion of anyone buying the book is so strange and thrilling. Thank you for the thoughtful comment. The white is what the publisher likes, let me look at the foodtrainers font again.

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  10. Possibly the white/black of Foodtrainers is making a difference? And this is one decision, there are about 100 still up in the air. I'm usually so definitive too.

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  11. I'm going to be annoying...

    I like the foodtrainers font from the left but like it in black. I prefer the "plan-it..." Font from the right better (and obviously in white)

    The cover looks GREAT! I will definitely be picking this one up!

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  12. I prefer the one on the right. Congratulations Lauren!

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  13. thanks Claire, not done yet...

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  14. I like that font for Foodtrainers too, I liked it in black too (they like white). Thanks Einat, I'm clearly annoying too.

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  15. First- I'm always so excited when another dietitian gets a book deal, so regardless of any minor hiccups along the way: you're awesome and one day I hope to be in the same bookshelf!


    In terms of the covers: when I think of your brand I think of the cover on the right. The left cover skews a tiny bit 'fluffier younger' with that particular text. I love that the font on the right is classic. Kind of Breakfast at Tiffany's.

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  16. I can see why you had trouble picking a cover! I like the one in the left best, but it is a little hard to read - the one on the right is muh easier to read. Congrats! Can you tell us when you expect it to be available for sale?

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  17. Actually, the more I think about it, from a consumer perspective, I think the font on the left might be better for someone looking to purchase bc it looks more authoritative and scholarly, whereas the right would be great for a fun flirty novel.. Since I'm assuming you want to portray the former, I'd say the left one! :)

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  18. The covers look amazing! So proud of you!

    I like the Foodtrainers font on the left. I think "Foodtrainers" should pop out and it blends in when in white. But I guess your editors know best about that. Just my two cents.

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  19. I prefer the second one. I think the font is a little too hard to read on the left. Looks amazing - can't wait to buy this!

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  20. Thank you Amber, can't wait to hear what you think.

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  21. hoping still for Jan 2014, ideally then. Not to worry, you'll probably want to stop hearing about it by them. I will not be too sell-y I promise.

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  22. really, I think left more flirty, no?

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  23. Very funny, we had a blue cover and it looked a lot like that. Carlene- I know your cover (and you'll have one) will be fantastic, I can tell you like things looking just right as well. Thanks for the support.

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  24. I like the first one (on the left) -- I know that the font will be easier to read in actual book form than in the picture posted. But I think that the more "twee" font on the left matches the dress graphic in "thin" much better.

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  25. Both covers look great! The lettering and graphics you chose look clean, professional and overall, the cover really speaks for itself. I can't wait to buy the book and promote to clients/friends that I know it will serve!

    If I had to choose, I'm gravitating towards the one on the right, just because the font is easier on the eyes. But in any case, congrats! I heard someone say last week that writing a book is up there with birthing a child...I don't have kids so I can't vouch for the comparison, but if it's true, I 100% understand you fighting for the details.

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  26. I'm going to be very unpopular with your publisher... will email you which client this is... I like the script font on the left for the words up top (The and of), but prefer the block font on the right for bottom text. It is easier to read, but I like the elegance of the script at the top. I get why they want Foodtrainers in white (although I like it in black better, personally). Also, shouldn't there be an apostrophe after Foodtrainers (Foodtrainers')?

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  27. I like the cover on the right more, but I prefer the Foodtrainers logo from the left. I think the left cover makes the book look a little....less authoritative. The book's title is already playful enough, I don't think it needs to be played up more with the font! Regardless of which one you go with....I'm super excited for your book!

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  28. go with the right! i don't dig the script font on the left...while it's cute and whimsical, it's a little over-used these days!

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  29. Love it!

    Great color and graphic with the dress. Cannot wait to buy it!

    I like right... (Black Foodtrainers and all) And i'm in marketing ;)

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  30. I go back and forth, part of me likes white subtitle and then brand is more pronounced with black...thanks Jackie.

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  31. ooh the marketing person, thanks Jessica- you think Black FT better?

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  32. I can say that script is out (agreed) I suggested a modern script they didn't have access to. Now choosing between black or white Foodtrainers and right font or another (even plainer) font. Thank you!

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  33. very good points Kathy and guess what? using the font for Foodtrainers on left and either right font or another. Thank you!

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  34. should technically be an apostrophe (and fewer hyphens) wondering if this was left out b/c of TM.

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  35. Oh my god, I had natural childbirth and it was so much easier than this Vanessa. Have kids first :)

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  36. interesting, way to confuse me Anusha.

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  37. Thanks Sam, you're saying Foodtrainers in black?

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  38. I do! In my humble opinion that is your brand, and it's a great one. It's clever but without any additional context consumers can "get" what it is/what you do. Let's say someone picks up your book (on a shelf, or "virtually"...) and is totally nuts and doesn't buy it. At the very least maybe they come away with "FOODTRAINERS" stuck in their brain and later go and google that term...and end up on your website or perhaps your fabulous blog... where you earn more trust and maybe convert them to a later purchase through the strength of your brand and expertise. Not a bad plan b!

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  39. It's orange! I'm in love! The one on the right definitely jumped out at me more, and I'm with you...it's all about the pretty packaging! So happy for you :-)

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  40. Thanks EA, means a lot.

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  41. Can I give you a hug? Great advice, sometimes don't like to "push" things but you really have to. And wait, who will pick up my book and not buy it...sadness.

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  42. Haha don't worry that is just plan b--everyone will buy it! And happy to help.

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  43. Andrea@WellnessNotesJune 19, 2013 at 6:47 AM

    So exciting!



    I like the one on the right better, and I like Foodtrainers in black.

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  44. theboywhocriedvaginaJune 19, 2013 at 1:22 PM

    I vote for the one on the left with the white font under the black title!

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  45. You've done a lot of work, you deserve congratulations for all you have done to date!

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  46. I like the one on the right, the text of the tagline is a little hard to read on the left. Congrats on your success!

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