I decided to recommend a cover using a photo of Paul. I picked the photo of him as a college freshman. It’s a great photo of Paul, and I think a lot of potential readers will be hooked by the image of a handsome young man who looks happy and healthy. He looks like someone you’d want as your own son or brother or partner. They will identify with him before they even know what the book is about.
At first it was hard for me to let go of the original cover especially since I’m so connected to the young woman who took the photograph. However, I liked Mike’s argument and gave him the go-ahead to make the change. He said it’s very easy to change an ebook cover, and true to his word, he put a new cover with Paul’s photo up on Amazonfor the ebook within a few days. Here it is.
As soon as it went up I shared it around my Facebook network and got some wonderful feedback:
I like it. I think it adds a new dimension to the book putting Paul on the cover. The book is a tribute to him and the cover reinforces that.
IMO, this picture of Paul as a vibrant young man brings home the depth of your loss even more. it also pays tribute to him in a more direct way.
I love this. It is such a poignant photo of your son and really sets a mood for the book.
The other cover is generic. This one is very personal. It gets my vote!
“Additionally, the B&W image poetically states the fine line that we walk when something like your story happens.”
This is a beautiful photo of Paul. I agree that this adds to the emotional impact. Bravo!
I love your new cover, Madeline – love it. xoxoxo(This says it all.)
Yes, I believe using Paul’s photo on the paperback edition will have the same effect. For all the reasons noted in your post, it increases the reader’s emotional connection to the story and to your loss.
I agree with Eleanor. The photo brings the reader into contact with your story before he or she opens the book. I love memoirs with photos on the cover, especially if they are arresting, as this one is.
I’m also interested to see if the new cover gives your sales a boost. Hope so!
Thanks so much, Eleanor and Shirley,
I appreciate your expertise, and I’ll certainly keep you posted on how the new cover affects sales.
xo Madeline
My vote for the paperback cover change is a yes too! The photo says so much about Paul and the text is a good visual of what’s inside.
A so-far unstated reason is light. The original cover is DARK. Your story focuses on staying in the light, not letting yourself be pulled under. The new cover is full of life and light. Unless you have a barn full of unsold copies, I’d make the change!
Thanks for your input, Sherrey and Sharon. I agree. The new cover is so much about Paul and life and light – the points I try to make in the book.
I very much appreciate your thoughts. xo
The original cover is a poignant one; I just went to my book shelf and felt again the pull to open the cover and read. Paul’s photo, too, pulls on my heart and mind. I can see myself at a bookstore being pulled to check out the book because of Paul’s photo. Opening the book to peruse is key – the purchase is a done deal, in my opinion. 🙂
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Thank you, Dody. I too am pulled to the hall light photo on the original cover, though most comments so far prefer the new one.
We’ll see how it goes.
xoxo, dear friend.