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Monday, July 02, 2012

Need your help

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



285 comments:

1 – 200 of 285   Newer›   Newest»
Dave said...

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!

Can't wait to read this!

Thanks!

Steven Proctor said...

I like the one that without the trees. The other one looks odd, as the cross-hair is centered on the flag pole.

The 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

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

I'm voting for the one on the left. The blurry effect on the US flag is very interesting.

Brave Astronaut said...

The one one the left is more accurate to the view of the Memorial.

But when has that ever stopped people from taking "historical license?"

Anonymous said...

I like the one on the right better, but truthfully, they both resemble Baldacci covers.

Jim Behrle said...

LEFT!

Anonymous said...

RIGHT!

Datra said...

left!

Anonymous said...

The one on the right, as was said before looks more like a sniper's viewpoint.

Mish said...

I 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

Paul Bishop said...

The one on the right is more vibrant ...

Lillian said...

I 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!!
and also i'm excited for the new book

Rob said...

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. :)

Eric S. Mueller said...

I like the one on the right for some reason. It seems more in focus, and the flag is clearly at half-mast.

Anonymous said...

Hi 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.

LM Fields
Author Crows Hill

Min said...

LEFT!!!!!

(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.)

Jen said...

I like the right as it seems more vibrant and catches the eye better in my humble opinion.

Anonymous said...

both. a bright ending and a dark ending?

Amy B said...

Left

Jeff said...

Left. 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.

Also it looks better.

ShellyS said...

The one on the right.

Michael May said...

RiGHT!

Anonymous said...

Love the one on the right. The composition and contrast is better, and the red text of the title pops. Looking forward to it!

Anonymous said...

Right. For sure.

On 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!

MOCK! said...

Left.

Matt Malone said...

Left!

Anonymous said...

Left. Generally, you don't want an image centered in any photograph. Rule of Thirds.

Doug said...

The one on the right where everything lines up. Period. End of story. Beginning of cover.

Unknown said...

Right one jumped out at me.

Anonymous said...

Right!

BJN said...

Right

Unknown said...

I vote for the one on the right.

Sue Fox Schwartz said...

You can't go wrong with either, but I like the one on the right - it's the trees that do it for me...

Eddy said...

I like the one on the right, b/c your name in the left one us hard to read against the flag.

-Eddy

D. Cummins said...

I prefer the use of dark and light in the one on the right.

Terrie Temkin, Ph.D. said...

I 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.

Anonymous said...

The one on the right!

Markus said...

The LEFT cover, the flagpole and "A" overlap.

The RIGHT one, the flagpole and "T" overlap.

It looks odd.

But I like the concept of the LEFT cover better.

Anonymous said...

The one on the right. From a design point of view, it is composed well.

Anonymous said...

Left. but I agree with min, i usually don't pick the winning cover/title :)

Chad B. said...

Liking the one on the left.

The CineManiac said...

Depends 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.

Anonymous said...

I like the one on the right!!

Michele Brown said...

LOVE 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!!!

Anonymous said...

The one on the right with the trees...can't wait to. Read the new novel....good luck!!!!

Susan P. said...

I like the one on the right - with the trees!

Colleen Newvine Tebeau said...

I 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.

Anonymous said...

I like the one on the right...unlrss you're going for the cold feel then left :)

Caleb said...

Right

Anonymous said...

Left. 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.

Richard Cooper said...

Brad-- 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

bl@kely said...

Brad, 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 :-)

Shannon said...

The one on the left for sure.

Anonymous said...

Right

Anonymous said...

I'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.

Stefan Blitz said...

Right

Steve F. said...

Right

Anonymous said...

I also like the one on the right. The target is more noticeable and focused. Release date???

enpro said...

Like the one on the right!

Anonymous said...

I 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

Anonymous said...

The 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

Anonymous said...

Left

enpro said...

The one on the right

Julie said...

I 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!

Anonymous said...

I like the one without the trees. I can't wait to read it.

Anonymous said...

The 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

Ryan G said...

In a perfect world, I would swap the color schemes of the text on the covers and then pick the left one.

Odd Man Out said...

Right 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.

Jay said...

Definitely 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.

Funkarella said...

My 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.

HP said...

The one on the right!

Anonymous said...

I like the second - the first one feels like a snow storm but the second sees to envoke an direct desire to take out America

Ospinionated said...

The 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.

Anonymous said...

If 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.
Maybe 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.

Jason Willey said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jason Willey said...

The right one.

Sara C. said...

The one of the left - cold and snowy and a perfect shot.

Jenny said...

Right

Unknown said...

Left.

However, 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.

Amy said...

I like the cover on the left winter scene.

Anonymous said...

The left one.

Unknown said...

The one of the right pops.

Unknown said...

The one on the right pops!

Ren said...

Right.

Anonymous said...

Left!

Anonymous said...

I like the one on the right, too!

phxchristina said...

I prefer the one on the right!

Joe Proctor said...

I have to go with the one on the right...the sight just seems more prominent and gets the point across.

woodstockdad said...

I vote for the one on the right.

woodstockdad said...

I vote for the one on the right.

Anonymous said...

The one on the right- it's sharper like the sniper viewfinder.

My 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

Alynn said...

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....

Carol said...

Well... 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.

As 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!

Mr. Sidhom said...

Brad I like the darker of the 2 covers! (the white one can be a 1:100 Variant)

Mr. Sidhom said...

Brad I like the darker of the 2 covers! (the white one can be a 1:100 Variant)

judith youngblood said...

The one on the right,the scope sight is trained on the the flag AND the monument.

Anonymous said...

Right!

Anonymous said...

I 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..

Bubbles said...

The one on the right looks the best.

bubbasteve said...

The one on the left. Definitely. (I already explained why on the facebook poll a few months ago.) :-)

Joanne Petersen (rats) said...

I like the one on the left. It has more movement and tension; the one on the right is static and boring.

Phillip V. Guerra , Webmaster said...

I 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.

Lee Lampinski Jr said...

I like the image on the right. The flag in the middle looks great.

Anonymous said...

I like the one on the right.

Unknown said...

The one on the right catches my eye quicker from the bookshelf.

MarkyMarker said...

I 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.

MarkyMarker said...

I vote for the one on the right. It just feels sharper, like a sharpshooter should be.

Thanks for giving us the honor of giving you input, Brad! We love you!

perryplatypus said...

The one on the right looks better. I think the color will make it pop out better.

Anonymous said...

Definitely the one on the right!!

Anonymous said...

The one on the right pops more, better details, perspective, colors, the lot.

Anonymous said...

Definitely the one on the right. It caught my attention. The one on the left I'd skim past in the store.

André said...

The one on the left. It's more inviting. It pulls me towards the book/wanting to read or get to know more about it.
The 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.

Steve Franco said...

The one on the right. It's dead center.

Anonymous said...

The lighter color one..brighter , don't like the trees in the other one.

Dot said...

Hi Brad,
I like the one on the right.
Cheers
Dot

RDL said...

Left, for sure!

Anonymous said...

Left

Brian said...

As is normal for me, I lean to the left.

Anonymous said...

The 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.

Paulo said...

Left for sure. It stands our to me and more visually appealing

Anonymous said...

the right.

Jackie Sue Wright said...

LEFT, I like snow scenes

uvahokie said...

I 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.

The left has a cleaner picture that looks more realistic.

If I have to pick then I pick left.

malkii1104 said...

The right. It catches the eye more.

Unknown said...

right..

seangreat6@ymail.com said...

I`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.

seangreat6@ymail.com said...

I`m with you. I just doubt he could had a blended cover made. These being his two choices and all.

RSmetana said...

Much 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

Looking forward to reading the new book!

--Rick

Michael Heide said...

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.

Anonymous said...

the one on the right

Anonymous said...

Left please. that's the national serivce international opinion

Anonymous said...

The one on the right.

Anonymous said...

Thom Cady: I chose the one on the right as more dramatic for marketing. Best wishes to your family and you, tzzc

Elizabeth M. Sullivan said...

To the illustrator excellent choices but the one on the left has my vote.

Anonymous said...

Left.

Chrissie Gubancsik said...

Love the right cover!

Anonymous said...

The 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!!!!

Unknown said...

The right, definitely. The flag in the cross-hairs is more emotional for me.

Journey said...

Prefer the one on the right... the left is too cloudy looking, not crisp and clear like the one on the right...

Eve said...

Left...

Anonymous said...

The one on the right -

Anonymous said...

I really like the one on the left.

Anonymous said...

Left

Claude said...

I like the one on the left. The composition is much more eye appealing.

Anonymous said...

Left. I agree that the one on the right looks like too many other book covers.

George G said...

Combine 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).

Evan said...

I 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.

bettycd said...

the one on the Right!
Why 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.

Matthew said...

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!

Charles H. Bryan said...

The 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.

The 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."

Anonymous said...

The one on the left.

Matthew said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

Left.

Is this the follow-up to Inner Circle?

Anonymous said...

Left

Christy said...

I vote the one on the right!

Anonymous said...

The one on the left.

Richie Rump said...

Right. It looks more ominous. Like the whole country is under attack as opposed to just a single person.

Walter said...

The 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

Beach said...

I say go with the left cover and you will be 'right'[sic].

Ester said...

Right!!!

A hug from Spain, Brad!!

Little John said...

I prefer the one on the right.

Unknown said...

I like the left one. Love the winter look

Jen said...

The one on the right, it gives the impression of a sniper locked on its target.

Anonymous said...

Left

Anonymous said...

I like the cover on the right.

Lucas G said...

Left. Blurry flag looks great. Sets the season very well.

Shar22 said...

The one on the left. More balanced composition with each of the elements easier to see-crosshairs, flag, etc.

murrakmr said...

Definitely the one on the left, much stronger cover design.

Anonymous said...

The left looks intriguing.

Janet M. said...

Honestly, 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?

Anonymous said...

Left. I was going with right to begin with but decided it looked too "usual" and hum-drum. The left is much more intriguing.

Tanja said...

Hi Brad,

I vote for the cover on the right. It is more bold and I like the placement of the bulls eye better.

Tanja

Unknown said...

I like the one on the left, with the crosshairs right on the building.

Either way I'll buy it! I Love Your Stories.

Anna! said...

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!"

Unknown said...

I love the one on the right :)

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

The one on the right. I like the use of the flag as part of the target.

Mark Re said...

No 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!

Anonymous said...

the one on the right. Using the flag as part of the target is intriguing.

PETIZO said...

I vote for the one on the left. Definitely the LEFT.

Unknown said...

The one on the left ... it looks very chilling!

josue said...

the first cover is very intriguing

Anonymous said...

Left please

Grace said...

The one on the RIGHT drew my attention immediately.

Grace Elting Castle

JackieW said...

I like the cover on the left.

Rex Flottman said...

I 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!

Kkr said...

I go right in all things!

Anonymous said...

Right

Carol M said...

I like the one on the right!

elitufo said...

The 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.

C E said...

Neither.
Left is too white.
Right is too dark.

They remind me of Vince Flynn covers.

Anonymous said...

The one on the right looks better IF the flag was off center... Looks odd that the flag is directly centered in the shot

Anonymous said...

The 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.

Sent as anonymous, but a long time fan! :)

Patricia Reed said...

The one on the right.

Anonymous said...

Coadys vote 3-1 for the one on the right (little girls don't vote -- they suggested adding Dora to the graphic)

Anonymous said...

The right one would catch your eye on the shelf, where as the left would easily be looked over.

Unknown said...

Right!
The 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 :)

Anonymous said...

I like the one on the right.

Darlis

Unknown said...

Brad, I like the one on the right. It is sharper and stronger.

Jason Small

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