We've narrowed it to these two attached covers for the new novel, and as always, would love your help picking the winner. So please vote and tell us which one you like best (one on the right or one on the left?).
No, you don't need to know what it's about. For once, judge a book by its cover.
Much love and thanks.
b
I prefer the one on the right... Definitely seems like the vantage point of an assassin or sniper. The one on the left is definitely too out in the open!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to read this!
Thanks!
I like the one that without the trees. The other one looks odd, as the cross-hair is centered on the flag pole.
ReplyDeleteThe one without the trees also gives the illusion of using the flag as a wind guide, since the flag is in view, but not directly in the way of the shot.
--Proctor
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ReplyDeleteI'm voting for the one on the left. The blurry effect on the US flag is very interesting.
ReplyDeleteThe one one the left is more accurate to the view of the Memorial.
ReplyDeleteBut when has that ever stopped people from taking "historical license?"
I like the one on the right better, but truthfully, they both resemble Baldacci covers.
ReplyDeleteLEFT!
ReplyDeleteRIGHT!
ReplyDeleteleft!
ReplyDeleteThe one on the right, as was said before looks more like a sniper's viewpoint.
ReplyDeleteI like the one with the snow, it's simpler and less cluttered. The only thing i would change is where the cross hairs are, I would to see something in them otherwise they don't have any meaning
ReplyDeleteThe one on the right is more vibrant ...
ReplyDeleteI like the trees at the bottom, so if the left one had trees, I would definitly go for that, as I like the blurry effect. I think the flag on the right one should be a bit off center, and it's kinda dividing up the cover right now. I guess I'm going with the one on the RIGHT!!
ReplyDeleteand also i'm excited for the new book
The one on the right. That one is way clearer, more focused and has the right balance. That one has to be your book cover. The one on the left just seems fuzzy and hard to make out. The right one is way more appealing to the eye. Good luck with the new book, hope to read it soon. :)
ReplyDeleteI like the one on the right for some reason. It seems more in focus, and the flag is clearly at half-mast.
ReplyDeleteHi Brad, I'll be giving my opinion based on the graphic design background I have. Most definitely you want the cover on the right. The sharp, clear, and clean cover has vibrant, eye catching colors. And like you said, everyone does judge a book by its cover, but a successful cover does more thank this, it keeps the eye. The cover on the right pops. Bravo to the designer.
ReplyDeleteLM Fields
Author Crows Hill
LEFT!!!!!
ReplyDelete(Although right will win. How do I know? I have voted in EVERY. SINGLE. VOTE. you have ever had. And I have lost EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. Don't worry - it's pretty much a badge of honour at this point.)
I like the right as it seems more vibrant and catches the eye better in my humble opinion.
ReplyDeleteboth. a bright ending and a dark ending?
ReplyDeleteLeft
ReplyDeleteLeft. Mostly because it's less formal and... well, centered. To me, the word "assassin" implies chaos rather than order, and the cover on the left better represents that.
ReplyDeleteAlso it looks better.
The one on the right.
ReplyDeleteRiGHT!
ReplyDeleteLove the one on the right. The composition and contrast is better, and the red text of the title pops. Looking forward to it!
ReplyDeleteRight. For sure.
ReplyDeleteOn another note, I am SO excited to see you have another novel coming out! I've never been to your blog before, or to your website for that matter, but I've been reading your work since before I was married - now - 11 years, and 4 kids later, I've been hoping for a new one!
:) You remain my favorite author all these years later!
Left.
ReplyDeleteLeft!
ReplyDeleteLeft. Generally, you don't want an image centered in any photograph. Rule of Thirds.
ReplyDeleteThe one on the right where everything lines up. Period. End of story. Beginning of cover.
ReplyDeleteRight one jumped out at me.
ReplyDeleteRight!
ReplyDeleteRight
ReplyDeleteI vote for the one on the right.
ReplyDeleteYou can't go wrong with either, but I like the one on the right - it's the trees that do it for me...
ReplyDeleteI like the one on the right, b/c your name in the left one us hard to read against the flag.
ReplyDelete-Eddy
I prefer the use of dark and light in the one on the right.
ReplyDeleteI like the one on the left. It drew my attention the moment I opened the link. Besides, the other looks likes too many other book covers - IMHO.
ReplyDeleteThe one on the right!
ReplyDeleteThe LEFT cover, the flagpole and "A" overlap.
ReplyDeleteThe RIGHT one, the flagpole and "T" overlap.
It looks odd.
But I like the concept of the LEFT cover better.
The one on the right. From a design point of view, it is composed well.
ReplyDeleteLeft. but I agree with min, i usually don't pick the winning cover/title :)
ReplyDeleteLiking the one on the left.
ReplyDeleteDepends on what your going for. Your name stands out more in the one in the left. However the title grabs my attention more in the right. I prefer the right, but I'd your going for name recognition the left sells you more.
ReplyDeleteI like the one on the right!!
ReplyDeleteLOVE the one on the right... I like what the alignment to the center/middle can convey and how a scope on a riffle can fire a shot, piercing a flag AND the White House and the series of meanings that could entail.... Hmmmm.... could the left cover and the right cover signify more than positioning but political persuasion??!! Two words to sum this up? YUM-EE! Cannot wait, Brad!!!
ReplyDeleteThe one on the right with the trees...can't wait to. Read the new novel....good luck!!!!
ReplyDeleteI like the one on the right - with the trees!
ReplyDeleteI like the one on the left -- I like how cold it feels and I also like that the flag doesn't appear to be the target.
ReplyDeleteI like the one on the right...unlrss you're going for the cold feel then left :)
ReplyDeleteRight
ReplyDeleteLeft. It looks more intriguing. The one on the right is obvious with the trees for protection. But the one with the snow makes you want to see how and why there may be a sniper out in the open snow.
ReplyDeleteBrad-- I prefer the cover on the right with flag in the center, which was quicker to scan the author's name and title, and then to feel the shock of the gun sight on the flag. --RC
ReplyDeleteBrad, I say the LEFT because first of all, if it is a sniper scope, at least he or she has a pretty clear shot of the building with NO tree cover which is ballsy for a sniper. Also, correct me if I'm wrong but the flag on the right looks like it's flying all the way at the top of the pole whereas the one on the LEFT (which I'm voting for!!!) appears as if it's flying at half mast, insinuating that there has been an assassination leading the reader to buy the book & find out what happens :-)
ReplyDeleteThe one on the left for sure.
ReplyDeleteRight
ReplyDeleteI'm judging the cover as a photo and the left one is perfectly composed. The one on the right has the flag dead center and that kills the composition. I vote the left cover.
ReplyDeleteRight
ReplyDeleteRight
ReplyDeleteI also like the one on the right. The target is more noticeable and focused. Release date???
ReplyDeleteLike the one on the right!
ReplyDeleteI like the one on the left....easier to read through the white background than through the dark background, plus it's more visually appealing, at least to me
ReplyDeleteThe one on the right. It has more of a defined target for an assassin. The other is a bit more blurry and the target isn't clear enough for the title
ReplyDeleteLeft
ReplyDeleteThe one on the right
ReplyDeleteI vote the cover On the right. In addition to the above comments about the vibrancy, I think it is much easier to read the book title. Go with the bold!
ReplyDeleteI like the one without the trees. I can't wait to read it.
ReplyDeleteThe one on the right because the color and graphics are more outstanding and easier to see for people with bad eyesight like myself! Susan Fretwell
ReplyDeleteIn a perfect world, I would swap the color schemes of the text on the covers and then pick the left one.
ReplyDeleteRight side. I agree with the comments mentioning it puts the flag right in the crosshairs of the sniper. It invokes the feeling this is an attack on America.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely the cover on the right - the red lettering against the black/grey background implies menace and dread; the other, with the blue type on the white background looks like a Winter Olympics poster.
ReplyDeleteMy eye was immediately drawn to the one on the right. Most importantly, I would definitely pick it up to peruse (and possibly purchase) if I saw it at a bookstore.
ReplyDeleteThe one on the right!
ReplyDeleteI like the second - the first one feels like a snow storm but the second sees to envoke an direct desire to take out America
ReplyDeleteThe cover on the right. My girlfriend says it is a better use of negative space. I'm going with that over whatever bad elementary description I could muster. So that.
ReplyDeleteIf they were two paitings, i kind of like the more open space and blurriness of the left, but the right is definitely a stronger sharper image which i would guess might be better for selling books.
ReplyDeleteMaybe reading too deep, but the gun site being right on the flag on the right makes me think the shooter may have anti-U.S. leanings on top of whatever other angles, while the gun site on the left seems more targeted at a particular politician and maybe the national angle is less of the main point.
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ReplyDeleteThe right one.
ReplyDeleteThe one of the left - cold and snowy and a perfect shot.
ReplyDeleteRight
ReplyDeleteLeft.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I think you would be better served by combining compositions. The one on the right has the stronger framing device with the trees. It makes the image feel like it has weight. Unfortunately, the centered composition eliminates any sense of fear/dread, which is why, if it MUST be one of these 2, I say the one one the left.
I like the cover on the left winter scene.
ReplyDeleteThe left one.
ReplyDeleteThe one of the right pops.
ReplyDeleteThe one on the right pops!
ReplyDeleteRight.
ReplyDeleteLeft!
ReplyDeleteI like the one on the right, too!
ReplyDeleteI prefer the one on the right!
ReplyDeleteI have to go with the one on the right...the sight just seems more prominent and gets the point across.
ReplyDeleteI vote for the one on the right.
ReplyDeleteI vote for the one on the right.
ReplyDeleteThe one on the right- it's sharper like the sniper viewfinder.
ReplyDeleteMy husband likes the left because he says it is "bleaker and more interesting", although he might be more immediately drawn to the one on the right if it were on a bookshelf in a store.
Thanks!
Michigan Engineer
If the object is to sell books, salability may be better served by the elements of the cover on the RIGHT: well balanced, great focus, trees frame the flag/target/Lincoln Memorial very nicely, author's name and book title pop very well -- maybe all these too well, too obvious, as this one is like so many other book covers on the market. I'm not sure it leaves me wanting to know more. From an artistic presentation, I like the one on the LEFT: the flag leaning left is a nice touch, the soft focus entices, overall look-and-feel is one of breathless hesitancy, suggesting something is about to happen after it comes into focus. RIGHT probably sells, LEFT is artistic enough to be framed and hung on the wall. I would like to know more with LEFT....
ReplyDeleteWell... as a graphic designer, I think the one on the right is easier to read from a bit of a distance. But I don't LIKE it much.
ReplyDeleteAs a fan, knowing a little of what we're in for, I think the right-hand cover looks too stiff, like a book from an author who is more traditional, less playful. It doesn't look like as much fun!
I noticed someone said the cover on the right looks more like the well-hidden viewpoint of an assassin, and the one on the left is too exposed. But to me, that exposure suggests risk and audacity -- to me, it looks like a more exciting book.
I like the bright blue title, the openness, and the slightly blurry, whited-out look. I like the way the gunsite swoops down through the title. With your name, the flag, the gunsite, and the title all connecting, you've got the classic backward-S layout that David Ogilvy used to write about. It creates motion and engages the eye.
And I LOVE the angle of the flagpole! It loosens up the design and makes it more appealing (to me) than the staid, structured design of the right-hand cover.
So I vote LEFT -- and I can hardly wait!
Brad I like the darker of the 2 covers! (the white one can be a 1:100 Variant)
ReplyDeleteBrad I like the darker of the 2 covers! (the white one can be a 1:100 Variant)
ReplyDeleteThe one on the right,the scope sight is trained on the the flag AND the monument.
ReplyDeleteRight!
ReplyDeleteI like the one on the right its more appealing to the eye.. the left one I feel is a little washed out.. can't wait to read it..
ReplyDeleteThe one on the right looks the best.
ReplyDeleteThe one on the left. Definitely. (I already explained why on the facebook poll a few months ago.) :-)
ReplyDeleteI like the one on the left. It has more movement and tension; the one on the right is static and boring.
ReplyDeleteI consulted my artist that we used for our book cover. My friend Karen Frost and I both agree that the title in red is more dramatic and draws us in more. The one on the left is more like a mystery while the title in red is projecting that it may be a psychological thriller, action, adventure. Greenish, redish contrast draws you to the title immediately. Target on the flag reminds us of terrorism. All that percieved from a book cover.
ReplyDeleteI like the image on the right. The flag in the middle looks great.
ReplyDeleteI like the one on the right.
ReplyDeleteThe one on the right catches my eye quicker from the bookshelf.
ReplyDeleteI vote for the one on the right. Thanks, Brad! Glad to be of help. Watching your TV show here in the Philippines regularly while waiting for this next book to come out.
ReplyDeleteI vote for the one on the right. It just feels sharper, like a sharpshooter should be.
ReplyDeleteThanks for giving us the honor of giving you input, Brad! We love you!
The one on the right looks better. I think the color will make it pop out better.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely the one on the right!!
ReplyDeleteThe one on the right pops more, better details, perspective, colors, the lot.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely the one on the right. It caught my attention. The one on the left I'd skim past in the store.
ReplyDeleteThe one on the left. It's more inviting. It pulls me towards the book/wanting to read or get to know more about it.
ReplyDeleteThe one on the right looks boring to me and constructed. It feels as if things are in my way, sort of blocking me.
Also to me the one on the left does not look unrealistic from a sniper's point of view. Both are.
The one on the right. It's dead center.
ReplyDeleteThe lighter color one..brighter , don't like the trees in the other one.
ReplyDeleteHi Brad,
ReplyDeleteI like the one on the right.
Cheers
Dot
Left, for sure!
ReplyDeleteLeft
ReplyDeleteAs is normal for me, I lean to the left.
ReplyDeleteThe one on the right. It gives me a more mysterious feeling, because it is from the point of view behind the trees. I also like the colours more.
ReplyDeleteLeft for sure. It stands our to me and more visually appealing
ReplyDeletethe right.
ReplyDeleteLEFT, I like snow scenes
ReplyDeleteI vote for neither :) I think there are design elements of each that need to be blended into the final cover. The one on the right has more eye catching contrast, however the flag pole in the center of the crosshairs seems odd. Now if the symbolism of america under attack of an assassin is desired then the flag itself in the crosshairs but not the pole would make sense. As stated before the right has more of a sniper's "vantage" view.
ReplyDeleteThe left has a cleaner picture that looks more realistic.
If I have to pick then I pick left.
I`m with you. I just doubt he could had a blended cover made. These being his two choices and all.
DeleteThe right. It catches the eye more.
ReplyDeleteright..
ReplyDeleteI`d like the one on the right better, you feel like a sniper.. but the crosshairs aligned with the flag just ruins it =/ I`ll have to say left.
ReplyDeleteMuch prefer the one on the Right. It i more appealing to the eye and reminds me of what an assassin might view as a vantage point
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to reading the new book!
--Rick
The left one looks like Assassin's Creed 3. Which could be a good or a bad thing. I'd go with the right one.
ReplyDeletethe one on the right
ReplyDeleteLeft please. that's the national serivce international opinion
ReplyDeleteThe one on the right.
ReplyDeleteThom Cady: I chose the one on the right as more dramatic for marketing. Best wishes to your family and you, tzzc
ReplyDeleteTo the illustrator excellent choices but the one on the left has my vote.
ReplyDeleteLeft.
ReplyDeleteLove the right cover!
ReplyDeleteThe one on the right for sure! Obvious choice for a sniper (the heart of the flag) not the little right corner of it! Can't wait to read it!!!!
ReplyDeleteThe right, definitely. The flag in the cross-hairs is more emotional for me.
ReplyDeletePrefer the one on the right... the left is too cloudy looking, not crisp and clear like the one on the right...
ReplyDeleteLeft...
ReplyDeleteThe one on the right -
ReplyDeleteI really like the one on the left.
ReplyDeleteLeft
ReplyDeleteI like the one on the left. The composition is much more eye appealing.
ReplyDeleteLeft. I agree that the one on the right looks like too many other book covers.
ReplyDeleteCombine the two. The one on the left has a better image, but the title on the right stands out. The title on the left image is obscured due to the color chosen (The "The" fades into the trees) while the first 'A' in Assassin is obscured too much with the flag pole (red might be better here).
ReplyDeleteI will go with the one on the left. I like the contrast of the right one more, but like the flag being to the left of the White House better than on top of it.
ReplyDeletethe one on the Right!
ReplyDeleteWhy would you put out a cover that looks sunfaded? I agree with others who say combine the covers. I want the sharpness of the Right but like the placement of flag in the Left.
The one on the left, except your name should be a brighter red. Compositions that aren't directly center tend to feel more balanced and enticing. Can't wait to read it!
ReplyDeleteThe type with your name and the title in the left should be darker so that they stand out more against the background. I prefer the composition of the one on the left, but the one on the right actually catches the eye more quickly.
ReplyDeleteThe cover should just be a photo of you with a word balloon saying "Hi, it's me, Brad. C'mon, you know this'll be good. Just buy it already."
The one on the left.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteLeft.
ReplyDeleteIs this the follow-up to Inner Circle?
Left
ReplyDeleteI vote the one on the right!
ReplyDeleteThe one on the left.
ReplyDeleteRight. It looks more ominous. Like the whole country is under attack as opposed to just a single person.
ReplyDeleteThe one on the left follows Fibonacci image placement (ie, "golden mean"), and will be more visually reqarding to the eye on a quick glance. As in, if it's sitting on a book shelf--and they and don't have both on display--someone will more likely be drawn to the one on the left. It'll compete better with other books on the bookshelf
ReplyDeleteI say go with the left cover and you will be 'right'[sic].
ReplyDeleteRight!!!
ReplyDeleteA hug from Spain, Brad!!
I prefer the one on the right.
ReplyDeleteI like the left one. Love the winter look
ReplyDeleteThe one on the right, it gives the impression of a sniper locked on its target.
ReplyDeleteLeft
ReplyDeleteI like the cover on the right.
ReplyDeleteLeft. Blurry flag looks great. Sets the season very well.
ReplyDeleteThe one on the left. More balanced composition with each of the elements easier to see-crosshairs, flag, etc.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely the one on the left, much stronger cover design.
ReplyDeleteThe left looks intriguing.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I like them both. The one on the left looks more wintery to me and the one on the right is more like summer, so perhaps if the book is set during a certain season one cover would be more appropriate. When does the book come out?
ReplyDeleteLeft. I was going with right to begin with but decided it looked too "usual" and hum-drum. The left is much more intriguing.
ReplyDeleteHi Brad,
ReplyDeleteI vote for the cover on the right. It is more bold and I like the placement of the bulls eye better.
Tanja
I like the one on the left, with the crosshairs right on the building.
ReplyDeleteEither way I'll buy it! I Love Your Stories.
The first one without the trees is the cover of a book I'd read. The one with the trees is too sharp and too in focus. The first one gives it the dream-like feeling everyone feels in a national tragedy; the feeling of "This isn't happening! This can't be happening!"
ReplyDeleteI love the one on the right :)
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThe one on the right. I like the use of the flag as part of the target.
ReplyDeleteNo contest-Left with the white! Why? The right is like every other book cover out there and WILL NOT JUMP out at you. The only change I would make to the white cover is change your name to the dark color like on the right and your title to like the red color on the right side. Then PERFECT!! That's my opinion! Good luck!
ReplyDeletethe one on the right. Using the flag as part of the target is intriguing.
ReplyDeleteI vote for the one on the left. Definitely the LEFT.
ReplyDeleteThe one on the left ... it looks very chilling!
ReplyDeletethe first cover is very intriguing
ReplyDeleteLeft please
ReplyDeleteThe one on the RIGHT drew my attention immediately.
ReplyDeleteGrace Elting Castle
I like the cover on the left.
ReplyDeleteI like the one on the left. The lighter cover is going to give the book some contrast sitting on the shelves in book stores so it will be easier to spot. It also makes your name stand out which will also help in the marketing process!
ReplyDeleteI go right in all things!
ReplyDeleteRight
ReplyDeleteI like the one on the right!
ReplyDeleteThe one on the LEFT seems more reasonable. Taking aim at the White House yet being obscured by the American flag bears thought that the people of the US (the flag) will do what it can to defend the White House. So, the LEFT one.
ReplyDeleteNeither.
ReplyDeleteLeft is too white.
Right is too dark.
They remind me of Vince Flynn covers.
The one on the right looks better IF the flag was off center... Looks odd that the flag is directly centered in the shot
ReplyDeleteThe one on the right. Targeting the White House seems too political (unless the story leans that way). Targeting the flag seems to be more of a threat to America itself and our democratic way of life.
ReplyDeleteSent as anonymous, but a long time fan! :)
The one on the right.
ReplyDeleteCoadys vote 3-1 for the one on the right (little girls don't vote -- they suggested adding Dora to the graphic)
ReplyDeleteThe right one would catch your eye on the shelf, where as the left would easily be looked over.
ReplyDeleteRight!
ReplyDeleteThe one on the right is more eye catching -- and seems more likely to contribute to sales in the years to come simply because it will draw the buyer's eyes to it on the shelf :)
I like the one on the right.
ReplyDeleteDarlis
Brad, I like the one on the right. It is sharper and stronger.
ReplyDeleteJason Small