About a week or so ago, my
publisher, Mike O’Mary of Dream of Things,
suggested we change the cover of the ebook edition of my memoir, Leaving
the Hall Light On. I suspect the main reason was that sales were falling
off, and the book needed a little boost. However, in his explanation to me he
said:
“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.
I think
all of that will be enough to get more people to read the description of the
book -- and once they read the description, I believe they will want to read
the book because they will be stunned that such a thing could happen to a
person who could have been their own son or brother or partner.”
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 Amazon
for the ebook within a few days. Here it is.
“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 like this
cover. The text makes it very clear as to what the
reader will find in content
and may relate to. The beautiful photo
touches the heart and makes this memoir
very real at first glance
at the cover. May the book continue to find its home
with many.”
“I
love your new cover, Madeline - love it. xoxoxo”
(This says it all.)
Since it looks like book sales have climbed a bit in the few days the new cover has been out, the question now is, should
we change the cover on the paperback edition as well? Please let
Mike and me know what you think.
