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!
285 comments:
1 – 200 of 285 Newer› Newest»I vote for the first one. The stripes on the 2nd one seem distracting. I love the colors and the photo choices though! I can't wait to buy this book :-)
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 like the stripes on number 2, but I think number 1 looks more professional and eye-catching, so I'm voting #1. I'm excited to buy the book, too!
I like the striped cover. It's got that visual pizazz I look for when I'm sorting through the vegan cookbook section in a bookstore. I know you're not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but it seems like the funky covers often identify the best books. I love your blog! Good luck with the book! I know I'll buy it.
I like number one. The stripes on number two don't quite cut it for me.
Diana (in Australia)
I think a little of both. The stripes on number 2 are really good but it makes some of the text lose definition - the top and bottom bars on number one, overlaid on the stripes, would probably alleviate that.
I vote for number 1! Go 1, go!!
i vote for 2 - the stripes make the book look like a present!
I vote #2.
I'm a HUGE fan of the stripey look but you need the purple bar so your name stands out.
Have to go with Contestant Number 1.
Looking forward to that book BTW!!!
#1!
#1!
I vote for #2 with the edition of the top and bottom purple stripes of #1 to give #2 a better framing.
If I really had to choose just one, then #1 would pip #2 at the pst because I think the Purple stripes give it a bold structure that #2 is lacking.
no. 1.
I vote for #2 with the purple bars! We are not making this any easier are we!
#1 -- the other too closely resembles Garden of Vegan and How it all Vegan.
#1 for sure. #2 just doesn't do it for me.
Love the purple bands, don't like the yellow (too bland which I'm sure your food is not), not sure about the stripes. I would have loved to see a combination of the stripes with the purple bands! I tried it in a graphics program and I reckon it's the best!! That way both you and your hubby get what you want!!!!!
Stripes!
Definitely the first one. The second one looks too busy (already a danger since there is so much going on visually). Good luck with the book!! I'm sure it will be a hit.
I vote for #1
My vote is for #1. It has a more streamlined look and the rec -- "Lunches worth going to school for!" really stands out.
Both good - at forst glance I liked the top one best, seemed to stand out more but on reflection, I prefer the muter look of the stripes :)
Lucy
Vegan Family House
They're both good, but I like #2 better. To me, it looks a little bit cleaner.
stripes=fun. i vote #2.
I like the first better. The purple bars work well as a framing device, whereas as others have said, the stripes overwhelm the text. I also feel that the lunchboxes don't stand out as well in the second, which I think is a shame.
Number 2, but with the purple horizontal stripes from number 1.
Number 2....wow a book!!!!! I can't wait to buy this book (Amazon...i'm italian...)!
#1 is a much bolder statement -- it would be cool if you could do the horizontal purple stripes from #1 and the vertical stripes from #2 together.
1, absolutely.
I really like the stripes in #2, but the purple bars in #1 make your name and Erik Marcus' quote stand out. I'd like #2 with purple bars added.
The top one. The 2 bands of purple really direct your eye to the important stuff on the cover. The 2nd one looks unfinished. Perhaps the stripes could be incorporated into the top one.
i vote for the first design for reasons already mentioned... destracting stripes and the strong contrase of the purple and yellow to highlight title/author info
Both are great, but I agree with the readers that recommend a meld of the two styles.
Jennifer -- I love your site and am really looking forward to the book! I'm just now trying to sneakily convert my family to a (near) vegan lifestyle. I've already gleaned so many ideas. My husband loves these meals, and he doesn't even realize he's being "deprived!"
I like the stripes in #2, but the cover still looks like it is missing something (maybe, like others have suggested, it would look better framed in colour bars).
I like #1 best!
I vote for #1
For the people that like the features of both, here's a quick photoshop of what the bars would look like WITH the stripes:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/paprika/vlb_front_cover_3.jpg
Although I like #2 more, I think I would probably buy #1... working in the publishing industry, you often find there's a difference between which covers people like and which ones they will buy. Key if your goal is any kind of sales.
I vote for number 1. The title jumps out more on number 1.
One pops. Two is prettier. On a store shelf, I think you want pop.
I like #1 :)
#2 for sure. the contrast makes the difference!
I like #2. Seems friendlier....and less generic book coverish. Good luck with it!
Hey Jennifer!
Number 2 for sure! Absolutely, no question about it. I find it looks more modern, and strangely, of higher quality, more professional.
Tere :)
I love #2. There seem to be a bunch of people without Blogger accounts voicing their opinions on the LJ feed of this account too, here.
Defnitely #1. The horizontal bars with the pull-out quote and your name definitely add some marketability.
Number 2
#1 -- stripes are distracting on #2
#1
#2 - it's spunky and more creative - like how I imagine you to be in real life :-)
Can't wait to buy it!
I prefer # 2. I like the stripes, and I think the purple color bars are distracting.
Definitely #2. When you look at them full-sized, not the small version, they're both very clear, but #2 just has that certain something that makes you want to pick it up.
Can you tell us... did you design them yourself? And if you're self-publishing, which company you're going with. (I'm working on a book too and would welcome any suggestions!)
I'm with Josh. In fact that's what I came here to say... it looks like a copycat or knockoff of the Sarah Kramer and Tanya Barnard series, and while their books are great & all, I don't think you want to be perceived as copycatting. Yeah, #2 is a cool cover... EXCEPT that whole knockoff thing. So I totally vote for the top one ("our" #1). Can't wait to buy your book... keep us posted!
#2 hands down! #1 looks a little too empty and plain. The stripes on #2 keep the eye entertained without distracting from the text.
Can't wait for this to come out!!!!1
My vote's for #2!!
I like the stripes, its so VOGUE!!
I think number 2, but also like the purple strips.
Good luck deciding!
Love the stripes! I can't wait for the book!
Number 1. I absolutely LOVE that shade of purple, its my favourite colour! It makes the book stand out more and catch the eye. I can see why people like the subtlety of number 2, but its a crowded market out there, and you need to grab people's attention!!
Go 1!!
Number 1's the best. Clean and simple. The purple header and footer is excellent. They make the cover look crisp.
pink stripes!!!!
but try adding a third option, with the purple bars with the stripes!!! :)
#1.
It's way more attention-grabbing and eye-catching (I'll think of more hyphenated phrases, gimme a minute) and it will compel people to pull it off the shelf and flip though, which will compel them to buy it.
Number 1 totally
My vote goes with No. 1. The stripes on No. 2 are a little distracting, although it's also nice.
I like number one.
This is my first post here, and I spent the better part of two or three hours reading ALL your archives. I just loved everything, and my husband, who is disabled, stays at home and has a me-fixed lunch box midday, is eating MUCH better now.
Thanks!
Abby
I like #2, but I agree with those that say you should include the purple bars from #1.
#1 definitely. The purple bars add more pop.
I agree with Hoshi way up at the top :)
I like the stripes on #2.
The second choice is more aesthetically pleasing to me, but the first choice (because of the bold purple parts) is more likely to catch my eye. So, in that sense, I think #1 is more effective.
I like the first one
GO TO MY BLOG Jennifer it would be too cool (damm i am a dork :O)
jivamuktirn.blogspot.com/
I prefer #2! Stripes are cool.
I like the first one.
There are a bunch of votes at your syndication on LJ, too: http://syndicated.livejournal.com/veganlunchbox/48652.html
#1 really pops! I think it would grab your attention more on the bookstore shelf. And furthermore, I can't wait to pour through a copy!
woo woo for number two!
I vote for the stripes; they convey kid fun.
I'm with leah (second commentator). I think the stripes on #2 add depth, but the purple bars on #1 are critical for helping your name pop, and for keeping everything from seeming like it's running off the page. But if I had to choose, I'd go with #1.
Truthfully, I like a combo of both. I think the stripes look cool and add somethign to the cover. But I also really like the purple stripe at the bottom of the first cover that contain your name. I think that if you could combine those two elements, then it'd reign supreme to me!
I like number 2 - it's happy and playful.
I love the second one, but the first one seems more professional and less "girly" haha.
I like them both, but would have to say that Contestant #1 seems more appealing to the masses than Contestant #2 (which is pretty girly.) Love the look of both, though! Great job!
#1
Or a comb of the two.
neither belong in the scrap heap! lol! i like #2 - the stripes are playful. and in my opinion, the purple blocks of the other distract from the food pictures. mainly, i'm just excited that soon your vegan lunch recipes will be available. congrats on being at this stage!
Contestant #1 looks cleaner and more professional. My eyes are drawn to the lunchboxes in #1 as opposed to #2 where my eyes are drawn to the vertical stripes.
#1 FO SHO
I love number 2! I really dig the stripes and colors.
I like Number 1 much better. The stripes on Number 2 are distracting. Good luck!
I like the first one.
#2. the purple bars on #1 are a little too strong, i think. they box-in the overall design and make it seem crowded. the vertical stripes in #2 open it up in such a way as to invite further investigation (as in, "look inside!")...and i don't see them as being especially "girly" either...
I like #1.
I vote for number 1.
It looks more polished.
The stripes are kind of distracting.
The first one is fresher.
I like number one. I just discovered your site and love it. We have a 1 year old and want him to eat well/enjoy food and your website will be a great resource. Thanks! We will get your book when it comes out too.
The second one looks better to me. The first one seems a little elementary, like "I made this myself in Microsoft Publisher!!" (Which, whether it be true or not, is not the statement book covers should make, in my own opinion.)
I vote for the first one and here is why:
The purple bars set frame the cover and the plain background makes the text stand out. The vertical strips are pretty and all, but it makes the whole cover (of #2) way too busy
The one without the stripes! When does your book come out???
#1.... but I agree with some above that the stripes with the bold borders may be nice as well!
Well, the stripes on #2 look more professional, but the purple bars win out, they make it pop. I guess I like #1.
i vote for contestant #1. the background stripes on #2 are too busy and detract from the lovely lunch pics!
How exciting :)
#1!
I vote for number one!
asI like #1. Yup, those purple bars do it for me and I don't feel the pink stripes are necessary.
Can't wait to buy the book!!!
#1 - the pink stripes look a little too girlie for me. Congrats on the book, by the way!
#2! The stripes are neccesary for the kitschiness of the font and lunchbox shapes to be realized!
i like #2 :) can't wait for the book to come out!
I like #2, but with the purple stripes on top and bottom like #1. Then it has a pretty background and the stripes that makes it "pop" out.
Definitely #2!
I like #1!
I like contestant number 1 the best. They are both great but I feel that number 1 is easier to read without the stripes in the background. It just looks crisper and the purple borders really POP! How exciting!!!
i vote for the first one, the stripes make the other one look to busy
#1.
It is much cleaner looking. The stripes are too cluttered.
Like many others, I love the stripes, but prefer #1 because the writing is highlighted by the purple.
OOOH now i like the combo of the stripes with the purple bars the best too! Sorry Jennifer- we aren't helping are we? Nice work AmyT!
I like the stripes. Looks upbeat and fun. It's kid-friendly without putting off those of us that don't have kids.
#2
I like the first one. Text is easier to read without a background image, like stripes. They're really distracting on the second one, though they give that nifty retro feel. Also, sooooo many comments!
Number 2!
And I know it is not one of the options you gave us but I agree that it would look good and standout with the purple bands top and bottom :)
Jodie
Number two.
Number 2 fo'sho! (I also happen to find it funny that 180 people are determining if they like number 1 or number 2 better... heheheh...)
I love number 2!! the stripes are awesome.
Stripes all the way.
I like Number 1 better because it's sharper and bold - grabs the passing eye quicker. The purple bar helps accent and frame the entire cover while also preventing the light blue lunchbox borders from fading out. Number 2's stripes are cool, but stripes on Number 1 would make it way too busy.
Number 1!
I like number 1 best. The stripes on 2 are a little busy. Can't wait for the book!
#1!
I am looking forward to your book!
One.
i like the one without the stripes.
Definitely number 1. My training in book cover design from general-trade publishing in Australia taught me that statistically, bolder cover designs sell more books.
While I LIKE the stripes on #2, that's not going to make the book stand out in the bookshop as well. Not as easily read from a distance.
I like #2 better, it looks more professional and says pick me more than the first.
#2, definitely!
#1. I think that the stripes look too "busy" and are a bit distracting.
Congrats on the book!
I vote for #2, fun and kitchy. I can't wait for this to come out- congrats! #1 is too plain.
Number one, for sure. The design is much cleaner and the photographs pop. The white copy over the purple header and footer are crisp and bold.
Congratulations and celebrations on the progression of your book!
One love,
Mikaela
I vote for #1.
I like #1. Ooo this makes me so excited!
contestant number two.. she has a nice smile....
hee hee
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.
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!
Number 1
numero uno - hands down.
good luck!
Definitely contestant number one!
#1
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!
# 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~
#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 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!
numba one, for sure
#1
All the way.
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.
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...
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!
#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!!!
i THINK NUMBER 1 IS BETTER-CLEANER, MORE VIVID-
LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING IT!
I vote for NO STRIPES
I think No 2 is classier. Good luck with the decision. (Will you sell it on Amazon so kiwis can buy it?)
I like the second one with the stripes :)
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!!!
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.
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.
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.
#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!!!
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 the one without the purple stripes. (2nd one) It looks more professional without the 2 purple bars.
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