Contestant Number 1:
Contestant Number 2:
Right now, both covers are tied neck-and-neck here in the McCann household. Hubby is cheering for one, I am strictly a fan of the other. I'm not telling which is which, so as not to influence your opinion in any way.
Please help us decide by using the comments to let us know which cover reigns supreme, and which one belongs on the scrap heap. Thanks!
422 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 400 of 422 Newer› Newest»#2!!!! #1 looks too manual-esque. Long time fan of VLB. Keep up the great work mama-shmoo.
I vote for #1.
I like #1. Ooo this makes me so excited!
#1
contestant number two.. she has a nice smile....
hee hee
Personally, I love number 2.
But I'll ask a question - who in your household buys cookbooks? If the answer is you, then pick the cover that appeals most to you.
Oh goodness I just paid attention to the pictures. Does this mean that sushi and maple and oak leaves will be in the cookbook? If so, I'm delighted! I've always wanted to make some vegan sushi a la VLB but have no idea how and I was looking through the archives and the leaves caught my eye. Even more excited!
I'd say a combo of the two ... or #1. Like many have said, #2 seems unfinished.
number 2. the background reminds me of a lunch box kinda.
#1 And I will definitely be purchasing this book. You've totally inspired me to add more vegan meals into our diet (baby steps -- not going totally vegan right away ;)).
I like the first one, but I would say go with what your heart is telling you. I would hope it'd be something you'd want.
Thanks again for the inspiration!
1
Number 1
numero uno - hands down.
good luck!
Definitely contestant number one!
Number 2!! Number 2!! But with the purple stripe on the bottom--I don't think you need it at the top, too.
#1
number 1 stands out more. Can't wait to buy the book!
I'm all about simplicity... I like Number TWO! Either cover - I am still buying your book!
I would do the folliwng. Number one BUT with the striped background of number two. To me that is a real killer combination!
Definitely, DEFINITELY number one. without a doubt.
p.s. i love you and shmoo!
# 2
I'm buying it either way, but I think the stripes are cute cute cute!
#1. Simple not flashy and main stream looking.
Number 2. And thank you so much for your blog. It is fab. I am looking forward to the book, no matter which cover wins!
DITTO what leah said, i was thinking the same thing...
peace&blessings
mary~
I love #1!
I am going with Contestant Number 1. As others have stated, the stripes in number 2 seem to be distracting and the colors do not seem to complement one another overall
#2 - with the purple bar at the bottom from #1
I vote for the 2nd one, the purple bars are too much of a contrast for me...
I like #2
#1 with the purple bars and otherwise monocolored background makes it look like a pamphlet from the USDA. #2 looks like a cookbook and something that would catch my eye in a bookstore and make me want to purchase it. I guess maybe this could work either for or against it depending on your view, but looking over at my shelf, Sarah Kramer's La Dolce Vegan has a similar effect and it's one of the things I noticed about the book and made me pick that over a couple of other books out there (superficial, I know, but it's the truth).
I vote for #2... but if you could add the purple bars from the top and bottom of #1 to it... it would pop even more.
i like #2 as well... and agree with laurie's comment... we want your name to stand out!
the first one
totally contestant #2
(wow, go away for a few days and the comments go c-c-c-crazy :)
Number Two, because it adds a sort of funky 'diner-esque' look to the book. I think that the purple stripes on the bottom and top make the book look smaller on the first one, and the vibrant colour distracts from the pictures of your yummy food!
number two!
#1
numba one, for sure
Oh do make it #2!
#1
All the way.
#1 for sure
I love the stripes. #2
Number 1 - the stripes are nice in number two, but you need the color bars to punch out your name, it gets lost on cover number 2.
You are great! I am so excited for the book.
I vote #2. The first one looks too much like my education textbooks of past.
I like #1. Like many others, I find the stripes distracting.
I like #2.
Tough decision... they are both great. But if forced to make a decision I would choose #1.
Can't wait till your book comes out!
while i like the stripes i think the more graphic nature of #1 would be the attention grabber on the shelf.
# 1
definitely #1.
This was a toughie, but I'm gonna have to go with #2!
I like both but the color bars around the names on number one are GREAT...so, my vote is for number 1.
I think #2, but with the purple bars from #1. I like the stripes. I can't wait for this book!
Hey Jennifer! I like them both. Put a vote down from me for whichever one is your favorite!
Love ya!
Zach
Wow! I just checked out the mock-up combo that AmyT made and I have to say it really works (both purple bars and stripes). I definitely would have thought that would be too "much" but it is superb.
Also, I agree with the poster who said "10 weeks" sounds like not a lot. "Fifty meals" or "Fifty lunches" sounds more like the book is worth the $$, even though it's the same amount of lunches.
Also, when are you going to tell us which one you liked vs. which one your husband liked? 255 inquiring minds want to know...
Absolutely #1.
personally, I like #2. It is a little more whimsical and eyecatching. Let us know when it is out, and I'll definitely buy it!
I like #2 :)
#1
I like contestant number 1. The stripes of 2 distract, make it much less pleasant to look at, and more difficult to read.
#2, ROCKS!!!
#1 definately....think it will stand out on the shelves better!!!
I vote number 1. I think the stripes are distracting. Nice designs on both, though. Good Luck! I can't wait to get this book.
i THINK NUMBER 1 IS BETTER-CLEANER, MORE VIVID-
LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING IT!
I vote for NO STRIPES
Number 1 for sure.
The stripes are cute but not eye catching like #1
I like #2.
I think No 2 is classier. Good luck with the decision. (Will you sell it on Amazon so kiwis can buy it?)
Both are too wishy-washy. From a distance of more than about two feet they won't stand out enough to warrant further investigation. If you primarily will sell online, that's fine. But if you will be selling in bookstore you need something that can compete with more commercially designed books.
I'm a bookseller for what it's worth, and books that look like that just get returned. People can't really SEE them.
I like the second one with the stripes :)
#2
Number 2 but I agree with dyfferent. On the shelf there are so many competing books that cover design is really important. The colors could be bolder. VwaV's cover was brilliant because it was so eye catching and the colors really stood out. Even if I hadn't specifically gone to the store to buy it I would have picked it up off the shelf.
I vote like Leah, #2, but preferably including the purple bars. The background on number two is nice. :)
Longtime lurker and new Vegan... you;ve inspired me to make the change!
I vote for #1 for most of the reasons already listed. Stripes are a bit distracting and the color bar really does pop out at you! I can't WAIT to buy this book!!!
I like #1!
Number 2, definitely. Number 1 looks too generic to me. The stripes that many here expressly *don't* like are what make Number 2 the winner in my eyes. It's whimsical and fun. Congrats on the book! Ah, the power of the Internet!
Definitely #1! I think the purple borders make the graphics pop! I've been reading your blog for a while. I just purchased a bento box for my daughter to take to school--can't wait to try some of your recipes!!!
I like the first one as well - seems a little more exciting than the second.
can't wait for hte books - remember to out loads of photos!!!
amy
i like choice #1.
the bars help see your name more easily.
Contestant 1! very cute. good luck!
I agree, I like #2 better, but wold like the purple top and bottom from #1 on #1. The text and your name don't stand out on #2.
I vote for choice #1. It is clear and bold, the purple bars at the top and the bottom of the page draw attention to your name and the title. I think that the food in the lunchboxes gets lost in choice #2. The stripes are busy and the cover isn't framed. Seems to go on and on.
I vote for the first choice. The purple bars seem to outline the cover & give it focus. Plus the purple picks up the color of the lunchbox in the picture at the top.
#2!
numero uno all the way!
will your book only be sold locally or will i be able to pick one up at the Waldenbooks?
No. 2. The first one to me looks dull and if I came across it out of the blue, I'd think it was probably full of wholesome salads (which doesn't appeal to me!)
As an aside, I hope that your book doesn't have too many specialist ingredients. As an overseas buyer, I'm sick of vegan books that use lots of vegan cheese, sour cream etc or exotic grains or veges - things that just aren't available here.
I'm all for combining the two. I love the vertical stripes on #2, but you need the bold horizontal stripes on the top and bottom for ultimate contrast (especially as they're purple).
I like the first one better.
#1 for sure!
The stripes remind me way too much of the How it all Vegan series and amke it too busy.
Voting for the first one! I like the stripes, but I think the first one is more striking! Can't wait!!!!
#1, but count me among those who would vote for a combo of the two! (purple bars + stripes)
#1!!! info is more visible..
...
#2 dosn't looks like a cover book :s
Definitely #1!!!
#1 is definitely more eye catching.
Number 1! I agree with the many comments that the stripes are too distracting and the purple makes the quotes pop. It looks more professional. However, I also see how putting the two together (stripes down and the bars across) might be even better!
Can't wait for the book!
I vote for #1 because the names pop out from the purple bars, but think it would be good to add the stripes from #2 to the background of #1. Love the retro feel and colors, can't wait to $BUY$ it !
I like #2 because #1 looks like so many other cookbook designs coming out now. Cover #2 is more unique.
My vote is for cover #2
I like the one without the purple stripes. (2nd one) It looks more professional without the 2 purple bars.
Two votes for number two (there are two of us; only one has a blogger account)!! It's campy and in the spirit of the Vegan Lunch Box. Fun and unpretentious. We can't wait to see it in the stores!
Jeff and Hilary
Both are nice. #1 is definitely more formal and serious. #2 is more fun and casual.
Just from what I know about you, I like #2 better for you. But I can tell you I will buy the book whatever the cover looks like!
Number 2 for sure
more classy
I vote for #2. I love the stripes.
April
My personal choice is for #2 but ultimately I just want the book :-)
After looking again, I am going with my first impression--I like the first one because the trim makes it pop. The pictures and your name stand out.
*Will you please share where you get the cute tins you use, and in your laptop lunches, are those real or paper napkins?* :)
#2 all the way!!!!!
I like number #1 ~ Im not a fan of pastels
Numero dos, por favor!
:o)
I'm all about No. 2, Jennifer Shmoo!!
Contestant #1 please
One stands out more to me. I agree that the stripes are a bit distracting.
I definitely agree with #2, but with the purple bar thingys from #1 :)
Yes,the strips on two is pretty but the food pictures on one does stand out more because of the neutral background.
Although, people do say "Don't judge a book by its cover", most people do anyway. Pretty pictures of food is more more important than strips on a cookbook cover.
I agree with Leah, is there a way to combine the purple stripes with the background stripes? If not, I vote for #2.
Number 1 for me. It's cleaner, easier to read, and less femme.
Number 1 is very appealing. There's an interesting site called Readerville where posters analyze what makes a book cover enticing or a "coveted" cover: http://www.readerville.com/WebX?14@26.l69fayiniQX.4@.efcd2bc
i vote for number one, but they both look fabulous -- i can't wait!!!
I love the second one - I love stripes!
I like the one with the stripes, it would stand out on a shelf and draw more readers/cooks to buy it
I like #1 the best.
er ... i don't even know how you're gonna count these votes, but i think the #2 one. the stripes down the middle make it look more like a book and less like an advertisement.
very much looking forward to your book!
love from leila
I vote for number two.
Top one with the purple blocking in the letters.
The eye likes to be boxed in!
I like the 2nd one much, much better... but mostly because it reminds me of Sarah Kramer's books. I love your blog and would love to see you viewed independantly.
That being said, How much longer till I can buy this book?? :)
#2 with the added purple bars!
Can't wait!!
I am the 327th person to comment? Whoa!
I vote #2. It is more pleasing on the eye, I really like the stripes, and the first one reminds me of more of a brochure type cover. The stripes are more friendly, but I suggest bolding the purple font with your name and the quote from Erik, so it stands out more. Or, what about dark purple and light yellow vertical stripes?
Hi there,
First, congrats on your new book!
Second, I vote for number one, as the purple bars help highlight the endorsement [and other stuff needing highlighting]. The purple bars seem to frame the whole thing as well better, giving it more punch.
I personally like the stripes of cover two as well.
As far as design goes I think there need to be a better colour unity. For instance, If some colours from the images are repeated in the design it increases the unity. Sometimes though it is better to restrict the choice to something manageable, like 3 colours. Using too many colours seem to create somewhat of a mish-mash effect that is distracting. Along the same line, perhaps making sure that the purple top banner and bottom one are the exact same purple...
Might be worth buying a couple of high quality fonts. Since it's quite a short paragraph, I would remove the indent before the "more than 10 weeks...' it makes the paragraph looks lopsided. Also the hyphens look like 'en' dashes right now [they are a bit too long].
Also, the photo on the bottom left is excellent. It's important that extra attention be paid to the food photography in general as this is what usually sells.
I think the 'value' statement [more than 10 weeks...] should be highlighted either on the top or bottom banner.
Hope this helps.
and cheers!
I like number one with the purple stripes. Helps emphasize the endorsement from Erik Markus and highlights your name.
Oh yeah, and I definitely plan on buying your book, whichever cover you choose!
I prefer the first cover. The bold purple stripes are very appealing and draw attention to specific parts of the cover. The second cover looks more like a scrapbook page and it seems like everything is running together.
Can't wait for the book, regardless of the cover!
#2
I vote for #1. I like that it is simple design. #2 looks a bit too busy with the stripes.
My vote is for #2
My vote is for #1. I agree with many others that the stripes are too distracting. Looks like a fun book! Can't wait to get it. Collecting vegan cookbooks is one of my hobbies! (I don't just collect them, though, I do actually use them :o)
First one! :-) Though if you want to add the stripes to the first one - that might work but the Purple agreeing with the purple inside the lunchboxes is what helps it be eye-catching. Former Interior Design's student's opinion but it works elsewhere as well... :-D Let me know when you are done because I WANT ONE! I am SOOOOO tired of trying to figure out what to send with my toddler rather than letting him eat at school. Newbie at Veganing
I like them both but I think #1 will work the best
#2 - I like the stripes, but you might try to work a little more contrast in somehow. And does it matter if it is a little girlie? I am betting 99% of the people who buy it will be women. (Sorry to the hip vegan dad-sters.)
I vote the First one, but it would be neat if you added the stripes to it as well...
I can't wait until it comes out...
I'm currently pregnant and my Morning Sickness is so bad that the only comfort I get is when I eat strictly Vegan, so when I found your blog a few months ago, I just had to rejoice...
Number one!!!!!
i vote number 1!
congrats!
Number 2, all the way. Can't wait!
I vote for #2, but of course they're both cute.
i heart the 2nd one. stipeys make me happy!
wonder if you cant come to a happy middle ground with them though, stripeys and the purple barrs across the top and bottom?
The second one looks more polished, in my opinion.
I love the first design!
I think both are cute, but I vote for number one since it's much more readable and clear. The purple bar is nice too. Can't wait for the lovely book, no matter what form it takes! :)
I like the top one. Can't wait to buy it!
#1
On the second cover your eyes are drawn to the stripes, while on the first one your eyes are drawn to the food pics...which is the whole emphasis of the book in the first place.
I like #2 but I think you need the purple boarder on it to make you name stand out more. I will be getting this book no matter what the cover looks like. Can't wait. Hope you are having a great Summer.
I choose version 2, but let's face it, I'm buying whatever version hits the shelves so go with what your gut tells you.
I have no idea whether this is too late to chime in, but... since you asked! :)
From just looking at the smaller pictures, I had a feeling that version 1 was best because the purple in the top and bottom highlighted your name and the stripes seemed a bit distracting.
When I clicked and enlarged, though I loved both of them! But maybe #1 is better, I don't know. Either one will be great, I'm sure!
I vote for adding the purple bars from #1 to the #2 design.
I like the stripey one best, but yes, it might be improved by adding in those purple bars.
I vote for cover #1.
I love your blog. It's one of my very favorites.
My vote is for #1.
Good luck tallying all these votes!
The second one looks similar to another Vegan Cookbook in print, (I have it somewhere, I think it's called "How It All Vegan") and at first I thought you were the writer of that cookbook as a result (it's the stripes I think). So my vote is for the first one to avoid any confusion for anyone else.
Same as Leah:
"I vote for number two, but the ideal would be number two WITH the purple bar from one on number two highlighting the quote and your name, it adds an extra pop."
I agree with Leah and bread..bread..bread... Stripes AND purple highlighting would be best, but if you can't do that, then go with #1, with the purple bars. What does the little Schmoo think? Does he agree with you or with Hubby?
Stripes! #2 It jumped out at me more. I like it!
As another reader with marketing not to mention book publishing and designing experience, I vote #1 hands-down. The contrast makes it pop and the plain background makes it easier to read the text quickly at first glance. I don't have to *want* to read the cover to read it.
A trick - Print them out life size and tape them to the wall a few feet apart where you'll see them often. After a day, see what you think. Does one draw your eye more?
I like #1 the best too, I do like the stripes, but like the contrast overall from #1
caxtYI do enjoy the stripes, but I would have to vote for number one. The purple divides the cover well, yet keep it simple. I think it looks better from a distance as well, which is a good thing to thing of to catch peoples eye if it ends up in the stores.
I would say add the stripes to the bars, but that would be to busy and get confusing to the eye.
I vote for the first one.
Both are nice, but I think the first version helps break up the quote and author info from the title and pics. Have you tried a fusion of the two covers? Too much perhaps...
#1 top one
I like the first one also. It brings attention to the author and makes it easier to see!
I really like number one. I think the cover needs the banding of color at the top and at the bottom. Vegan Lunch Box is great. I'm so glad I found it from Nava Atlas' newsletter recommendation. You have so much energy to put together such fantastic lunches every day for your son! I am glad that my five kids never noticed that they pretty much got the same lunches over and over week after week! My fourth child is going off to college in August, but I still have a ten year old at home. You have inspired me to go beyond my standard fare and I am looking forward to making his lunches more interesting this year.....Will definitely look for the book at my local Borders!
Two votes for number 1 (from me and my boyfriend). I promise I didn't tell him which one I had already picked!
I like number 2. The stripes make it so much more eye-catching for me. The bars in number 1 are nice, but I could do without them--all around, 2 just looks more fun. And with lunches as fun as those you've invented, it seems like the fun and peppy cover is the best way to go. Congratulations! Can't wait to see it available to buy!
I vote for number 1!
I'd pick #1. The stripes on the second one are visually distracting to me. Hubby and I have both worked as graphic designers in the advertising field and agree that the cleaner lines of the first cover are more visually appealing. Good luck!
i like the first one! congrats on coming this far! can't wait for the release!
Number one appeals to me the most - but number two's stripes do offer a more "kid friendly" feeling.
I vote for #1!! :)
I vote for the 1st one ... more eye-catching! Can't wait to get it!
number one!
I vote for #1
LOVE number 2!
Number one. :-)
Count mine as another vote for combining! Pink stripes AND the purple bars. If that's not an option, I prefer the purple bars (#1).
I'll buy it either way, though, and genuiniely like both covers!
Number 1.
And 379 comments!!!!
That's got to be a record of some kind.
number one is the one I like.
Barbara
Between the two I'll have to vote for #1, but I think a combination might work even better.
Can't wait till it comes out!
#2 all the way!
Number 2!!
I really like the stripes. I don't know what everyone else thinks because I just commented without reading the 384 other responses! Good grief--did you even read them all? Maybe you won't read mine either. ;-)
I am another for the stripes AND the purple bars!
I like #2 a lot more. #1 doesn't look "finished".
#1
I really like the stripes, but I also like the purple bands on the top one. Makes it look...clean.
number 1.
stripes are def. distracting.
#1 all the way
I don't like the stroke on the title and asterisk. It's distracting and out of place.
I vote #1 with a solid colored title. (probably go with the blue.)
Otherwise, the drawn lunch boxes are adorable with their baby shadows.
Another vote for the combo here - both the stripes and the purple bands.
Keep up the great work; you are an inspiration - just hope your book is going to be available world wide, I shall be buying copies for my whole family! (I will have to get my cousin to send over some American sized measuring cups and spoons in preparation!)
I love the second one. I love the whimisical look of it and would be apt to purchase it due to the "kid friendly" look of it. :+)
I like #1 with the purple bands.
Not that the third option--stripey book with color bands--was offered, but I like it!
But if it came right down to it, I like the second one better than the first.
I think the stripey one is prettier, but harder to read.
I vote #1.
I vote for #2. Much more distinctive.
I like number 2! However, I agree with those who said that having something to highlight the title and author would be good.
Thanks for letting us say something about them. I'll be looking forward to it's appearance!
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