Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Chat Forum > The HUBB PUB
Help Me With My Iceland Book Cover Choice Please! Help Me With My Iceland Book Cover Choice Please!
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
The HUBB PUB Chat forum - no useful content required!

BUT the basic rules of polite and civil conduct which everyone agreed to when signing up for the HUBB, will still apply, though moderation will be a LITTLE looser than elsewhere on the HUBB.
Photo by George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



Reply
Page 2 of 3 1 2 3
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 13 Nov 2011
zandesiro's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Polygyros GR
Posts: 558
I vote the3rd...!
__________________
3mountainsadventure
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 13 Nov 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Denmark
Posts: 166
Hi Sherrie,

I have voted and chosen number 1 as both 2 and 3 remind me of other photos on other covers.

Number 1 has the ruggedness of Iceland and is an unusual shot.

What book programme are you using?

Steve
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 13 Nov 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Germany
Posts: 52
Mark the book is written with riders in mind, but I hoped that it was well rounded enough that anyone who wanted to read about a trip through Iceland would like it. But it is written from the viewpoint that the best way to see the country is by motorcycle. :-P

Steve the cover was created with Inkscape, but not by me. I would throw the laptop out the window before I was able to create anything. My patience and skills do not extend to visual creativity. :-P

I think I will end up going with number one in the end. I think it will mean that riders are more likely to find it and want to read it, and anyone who is not a rider will buy it knowing what to expect. A book is judged by its cover!
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 13 Nov 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Bassett, Nebraska
Posts: 276
Photo 1 is probably a good choice for your target audience which would include a higher proportion of men than women I imagine. Y chromosome would be drawn to a tale of danger and challenging adventure more than a tale of romance and adventure that is depicted in photo 2.

Not that there's anything wrong with romance and adventure.

Kindest regards,
John Downs
__________________
South America and back on a 250 Super Sherpa Minimalist Adventure http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=831076
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 13 Nov 2011
jkrijt's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 638
When will the book be in the shops (or amazon) ?
__________________
Jan Krijtenburg

My bikes are a Honda GoldWing GL1200 and a BMW R1200GS

My personal homepage with trip reports: https://www.krijtenburg.nl/
YouTube channel (that I do together with one of my sons): motormobilist.nl
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 14 Nov 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 266
Are you planning to sell the book in print or as an e-book?

While No 1 is a great picture, on the shelf it might look dull. Too grey.
No 2 or even 3 catches the eye a bit more.
But then again that might not matter if your target market is already converted adventure riders.
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 14 Nov 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Germany (near Hamburg)
Posts: 67
I think cover #1 is too rugged and while it may appeal to the more hardcore, will not attract the more casual reader.

Cover #3 is too 'Long Way Round', or as someone said 'too generic', though it does have the scenery.

That leaves cover #2, but though I feel it is the best, I don't think it is a very strong picture and would look for something else if possible. Maybe mask out the bikes at the right hand side of the tent as these are a distraction to the picture and if playing in Photoshop would take the bike in the left hand side and bring it into the foreground nearer the tents. After all it is about biking.

Grey Beard
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 14 Nov 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Germany
Posts: 52
Thanks Everyone
I am now going to bed (its almost 12 am in Thailand) and I am going to sleep on it, but it looks like number one will be my cover! Voting on the unleash blog put it at number one at 42%, and it seems to be the one that brings the biggest reaction. I may (MAY) do 2 covers, the 1st one for the e book version and the second one for the print. I really like the 2nd one myself, but at the same time I do want the book to be read! My editor likes the 1st one as well (and she has read the book in its entirety and does not ride) so that is weighing heavy with me. But I am with Grey Beard, I am a little afraid the 1st one will scare away those who are not hardcore. And the book is not a hardcore tale, even if some of the riding was.

Lets see how it goes! I plan on doing the e book first, releasing it by the end of this month, if I get angry letters about how the cover left readers disappointed with the contents I will publish the print with the other cover and pull the 1st version and replace it with cover number 2. The joys of self publishing an e book! There is some flexibility even after publication!
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 14 Nov 2011
chris's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: GOC
Posts: 3,326
Quote:
Originally Posted by realmc26 View Post
Are you planning to sell the book in print or as an e-book?

While No 1 is a great picture, on the shelf it might look dull. Too grey.
No 2 or even 3 catches the eye a bit more.
But then again that might not matter if your target market is already converted adventure riders.
Do you have any action/bike shots available that have colour? That are punchy?

I agree with realmc26. I think the picture #1 is too dull and grey. Have a look at front covers of books in similar genres (on Amazon for example): How many have a colourful cover, how many various shades of grey? I believe close to 100% will have a colourful cover.

People buy a book because they want to read the words, but they will only take it off the shelf if it catches their eye. If nobody takes it off the shelf...

Good luck with whatever you choose.

Chris
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 14 Nov 2011
silver G's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: south Cumbria
Posts: 364
Don't want to confuse the issue more but I really like the photo at the top of your blog.
__________________
Chris
-----------------
"Never have a stupid argument with an idiot - he gets a lot more practice than you"
there I go again
not too hard really
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 15 Nov 2011
Lifetime Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Dublin, IRELAND
Posts: 88
The rocky road is the one that promises the most excitement and adventure. If you had this picture with some association with stormy weather, or torrent of water, then it would match the title better.

The other two give me the impression of a nice bike trip with perhaps some inclement weather. The third one is a good picture but has been done many times before.
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 16 Nov 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 266
Just saw lonely planet named Iceland as the top destination for 2012. Good timing for you!

IMHO only, if you are committed to number 1 I think you need to reformat it if you hope to appeal to a wider market other than those already interested in adventure motorcycling.

If I am buying a book for myself and especially for somebody else, perhaps as a gift, how the cover looks is a huge factor.
The way it is formatted now its not an eye catcher. It is a great photo but as is the cover is drab.
Surely you could frame it somehow with some sort of colour which catches the eye and draws attention towards the picture.
As is, for the browser in a book shop it may be easy to miss it in a grey blur as they scan the shelves.

Whatever you decide I hope it goes well. (i'll probably get the e-book anyhow)
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 16 Nov 2011
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: RTW, From Vancouver BC 2012
Posts: 3,491
#1 is the only one that would make me pick the book up off the shelf.

Good luck Sara
__________________
Sara

Those who say something is impossible should not hinder those who are achieving it!





www.worldwideride.ca

HU RR Finding Freedom...World Wide Ride
Reply With Quote
  #29  
Old 18 Nov 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Germany
Posts: 52
Thanks everyone! I am going to go with number 1 and have it worked on a little more. But before the time was invested I wanted an idea on which one should be worked on!
Chris: The blog header is from Argentina! I love it too, but it was before I was a rider, that bike is Patrick's old one.

And realmMC (as well as everyone else) you dont need to buy the book as I plan to send a pm to all of you with a free download of the e book version as a thank you. But you need to wait 2 weeks. :-P
Reply With Quote
  #30  
Old 18 Nov 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 266
Awesome! Thanks.
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 2 of 3 1 2 3

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
insurance cover ben south Australia / New Zealand 3 28 Oct 2011 02:49

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 12:17.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top