My Gutsy Story® Anthology Archives - Sonia Marsh

How do you choose a book cover that appeals to your readers?

After much thought, a poll, and discussions with 1106 design company, here’s why I decided the above “My Gutsy Story®” Anthology is the right cover for the first and subsequent series.

The #1 reason to have a great book cover is to grab people’s attention.

A book cover has to cause an immediate reaction within a potential reader; either interest, intrigue or familiarity with the author, and in order to do this, certain “rules” apply.

I’m not a book cover designer which is why I believe in learning as much as I can about this topic, before leaving the task in the hands of those who do it for a living. From what I’ve read on Joel Friedlander’s informative blog: The Book Designer, authors need to think about the following aspects when determining the best covers for their books.

Initial Emotional Response
Genre
Title-Font
Sub-Title
Color-Scheme
Layout
Brand(ing)
Series

Name recognition is important to authors with a large fan base. They are a “brand” and often have a series of books with a similar design or font. Readers subconsciously tune into the author’s brand. I’m sure you’ve noticed how a particular font, color scheme or logo is associated with a specific author or series. Take for example, Nicholas Sparks. All of his books have the same concept with his name in the exact same bold font, with the title underneath. This is enclosed within a box.

Nicholas Sparks — Notice the box with name and title on all his books.

Another example of a series is the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” series. The font used for the title is the same on all their books. You instantly recognize their brand.

Chicken soup for the Soul cover — Same Title Font on each book. (Brand)

So I decided to take a poll to the public, listen to the pros and cons, and then make a sound decision. I polled other authors on our Facebook Group: Gutsy Indie Publishers, which any indie author is welcome to join. I also polled readers on my Facebook Page: Gutsy Living, as well as other groups I belong to.

I showed two cover concepts based on my first book: Freeways to Flip-Flops: A Family’s Year of Gutsy Living on a Tropical Island, which I owe to 1106 Design, and which won the TheBookDesigner.com’s April e-Book Cover Design Award for Nonfiction.
I received in total around 80 comments on the covers

Here are some of the responses which I listened to and thought made sense. I went with my gut and with what the majority thought was the best. Of course not everyone agrees, but I’m happy that my friend Maggie Dodson from the UK, made the suggestions of reversing the yellow and white colors in the title, to make the “My Gutsy Story®” stand out, and anthology in white, and smaller.

Linda Austin Not fond of the harsh font on the #2, though it’s easier to read. Don’t think it fits the relaxed island look, or the heartfelt stories. For #1 cover, use a tad more space between the 2 lines to give more clarity for reading, and yes, make Anthology smaller. Then delete a butterfly because odd numbers are better.

Carol Bodensteiner I’m not a fan of having a lot of different type faces on one page. It feels scattered I like the feel of the My Gutsy Story type on #1, but the My Gutsy Story type on #2 is easier to read at a glance. I support making Anthology a lot smaller and letting My Gutsy Story carry the book. That’s the interesting part.

Lois Joy Hofmann I would limit it to fewer type faces. I like odd numbers of graphics, e.g. 5 butterflies are better than 4.

We are starting a new series of “My Gutsy Story®” in June, so if you’re interested in submitting, please click on the link.

What do you like to see in a book cover?

The “My Gutsy Story®” trademark became officially registered with the United States Trademark office on Tuesday, March 19, 2013.

I wish to thank all the wonderful authors who have submitted their “My Gutsy Story®” since I started this contest in October 2011, and the 65 authors who signed contracts and wish to be included in the anthology.

Our very first author to submit was Rhonda Hayes. I shall never forget her heartbreaking story with its unexpected twist, and amazing ending. It received 50 comments and from then on, these inspiring stories have continued to help all of us realize we all belong to one global community.

I am working with two wonderful ladies, Michele DeFilippo and Ronda Rawlins from 1106 Design-yes the same company that did my Freeways to Flip-Flops, book cover and interior formatting-to design the cover of the:

My Gutsy Story® Anthology: True Stories of Love, Courage and Adventure From Around the World.

The book will be launched in September 2013, and I shall keep all of you updated as we move along.

Sonia’s News: (GOLD MEDAL AWARD-see below)

During the month of May, I shall be in Copenhagen, Paris and a brief stop in London. Posts and photos will be from Europe. Please let me know what would interest you.
Now is the time to submit your “My Gutsy Story®.” New stories will start in June. (See information below)
My memoir Freeways to Flip-Flops: A Family’s Year of Gutsy Living on a Tropical Island, received 1st Place, and a Gold Medal in the “Autobiography/Memoir” category of the 2012 E-lit Awards. It also received a Silver Medal, in the “Travel Essay” category of the E-lit Awards.

“The fourth annual eLit Awards are a global awards program committed to illuminating and honoring the very best of English language digital publishing entertainment.”