Home » Here’s another go-round about ideas for Gerard’s book cover

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Here’s another go-round about ideas for Gerard’s book cover — 35 Comments

  1. DisGuested:

    Possible copyright issues for that for both an ebook and a regular book. It’s complicated; I’m actually not sure there’s an issue, but there may be. In addition, I’m not especially keen on it. It seems very harsh. It reminds me of the TV show Dragnet. I don’t know if you’re old enough to recall it, but I certainly do:

  2. Neo: Thanks for the response. If there is not an issue I like it for its simplicity. It doesn’t seem too harsh, maybe stark – but in a good way?
    Dragnet was a bit before my time but looks cool. Even the end of that clip appeals to me. Guess I like things carved in stone 🙂

  3. I would use the monument names photo from the first picture, with the text and background (in place of the blue) of the ebook cover. The dark background would highlight the name and the text is nicer.
    Neo, I am so sorry you have to deal with this, I hope the process of dealing with it gives you a measure of peace and comfort. I didn’t say it earlier, but I have been a lurker for a long time and I am very sorry for your loss.

  4. Neo:

    I have not visited the monument, so perhaps I am not understanding all the problems surrounding the taking of a photograph. I do understand that the stone is in a bad location for getting close enough to photograph it, and is facing the wrong direction for lighting.

    Perhaps using a drone to take a photograph would take care of the first issue. Just a thought. Some of your readers are surely close enough to try a drone photo.

    Just spitballing. Know that we all wish you strength and healing as you work on this labor of love.

  5. The first one is the best. It’s not just that his family name was on the monument. His own name was. The cover that was voted tops last time (second from the end here) is also good.

  6. I still like the one you refer to in (6), and especially since you enumerate many of the problems with the others!

  7. For anyone who liked the covers with the “name” photos of the monuments – as I said, there are copyright issues with the first one that are insurmountable; it cannot be used on a cover. There are possible issues with the second, the closeup one. I included them as examples of what might be done with the right photos, but I have neither the time nor the equipment nor the skill to take any. I hope to get the book out within the next couple of weeks, before the holidays. So really, if anyone is in or near NYC and is a good photographer and wants to give it a try and send me the photo, please do!

  8. I like the ebook too. For the ones with red text, I think if you put a solid color box over the image but behind the text it would help it stand out without the dayglo red. I don’t know if that makes sense, so I’ve taken 25 minutes to draw up a couple examples of what I mean on Canva. If you want to check it out, shoot me an email.

  9. I go for #1.

    I understand that particular photo from Google Street View is not available, but if a robot camera roaming the streets can get the shot, I don’t understand why a human with a good camera and a variety of lenses can’t.

    Of course an imminent deadline changes the calculation.

  10. I like the ebook version – the color is warm, the chiseled names stand out, the names are at an angle that is different than the shadow angle which also throws a shadow on the title words. “And other essays” words are obvious since they are closer and larger size than the other options.

    I can clearly see “van der” at the top and bottom of the page. While I understand that the stone words are part of some memorial and the first essay may talk about it, I also know that there are other essays.

    This is the only version that would draw me to look further into the book. In comparison, the other covers are “colder” which makes me wonder if all the essays will be darker in nature

  11. huxley:

    I assume a human could get the shot. I am not that human. I don’t know that human. I’m looking for that human to take it in the next two weeks.

    Nobody seems to want to visit Manhattan.

    You may detect a note of weariness in me. I’ve been working so hard on the editing part, and have more work to do, but I never thought much about the cover part and when I did I assumed it would be easy to use the photos already I have. Not so!

  12. Neo: How about something very simple, minimalist like you often see with some classic works? Given that it is a collection of various essays, why not have it plain – maybe a dark navy blue background with gold lettering – leaving it up to the imagination/to be discovered as to what the title means…

  13. I’d go with the first one. Most of the people reading this book are going to know Gerard, and they’ll know the story, and it works. Yeah it’s gray and maybe it’s not “visually arresting” but for me, it’s nice.

    I’ll say again Gerard is so fortunate to have you securing his legacy!
    Cheers

  14. Things are hard for me right now so I haven’t been commenting, but I went to Gerard’s blog every day for almost 20 years so this is important.

    It needs Gerard’s whole name, and the obvious cut stone.

    Yet I like the drama and stark strength of the dark one (6).

    But I think it also needs a blurb on the front cover to elicit curiosity, saying something like:

    “Seeing one’s name carved into a stone honoring the dead can help spur one into a lifelong quest for answers to honor the living.”

    Thank you, Neo, for your devotion and courage. (I’ve also read your blog for around 20 years.)

  15. Dear Neo:

    I really like the E Book version! Lighten up the shadow just a small bit and it is perfect!

    Second thought: did Gerard specifically say that he wanted this to be the title of the book? If not, maybe a search of the other essays might provide a better idea.

    Take a walk–these are the last lovely days of fall–enjoy some time and fresh air!

  16. I think the last two images are pretty nice. Maybe use a different color text on the e-book one? It looks a bit bland to me.

    I also like the second image, but am not crazy about the red-brick text. Not sure what would be better, though.

  17. I’m with Minta: “It needs Gerard’s whole name, and the obvious cut stone.”
    I also like her blurb idea.

    Is anyone keeping track of the voting?

  18. Sorry that this has gotten so complicated for you. I’m not very creative as far as visual arts go, but a thought came to me: Gerard took so many great pictures; maybe one of those would somehow fit. I’m thinking especially of his nature photos and his essay (s?) noting how one can take an empty picture matting frame and toss it onto any natural space and the result will be lovely.

  19. Consider that most copies of this book–either electronic or physical–will be bought online.

    The cover of this book should therefore look good on a computer or tablet screen.

    A nice cover will help sell the book, but it’s the “content of its content” that will get the book read.

  20. I think literal just doesn’t work and leads to nothing but frustration. After your first post I tried to recall covers that had caught my eye, and only one of them was even a bit literal. Most had symbolic elements, but they served to rouse curiosity and were not literal, as in photographic. Photographs have too much distracting detail. Now that I think of it, what makes a photograph succeed is framing and choice of foreground subject, so that the details recede into the background.

  21. 1. I like #7.

    2. Recall that I wrote that a drone shot of the monument might solve your problem.

    3. Thumbnail of Gerard on the back is TOO SMALL.

  22. I’ve come around to the fact that – for the physical book – you are better off WITHOUT a picture on the monument.

    Think subtext. In a great movie like “Ford v. Ferrari” the dialogue isn’t “on the nose.”

    Using a picture of the monument is too much on the nose.

  23. Unless someone has already read Gerard’s essay “The Name in the Stone” and is already familiar with the story it tells, I don’t think a photo of the monument is all that arresting.

    Good point. Prospective readers come with their own ideas about what “The Name in the Stone” might mean. “Name” and “Stone” come with a lot of connotations. Maybe you don’t want to tie those down to one meaning too quickly. It depends on how much more there is in the book than the title essay. Your call.

  24. Title the book “Van der Leun” and just use the photographed image of the name without overlay.

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