October 26, 2009

New Title and Book Cover Revealed . . .

How many authors have both a singing hamster and a photo of a toilet on their book's cover?* Even J.K. Rowling doesn't have that claim to fame.

I was delighted when my editor sent my new book's cover design.

Here it is: (The photo of the toilet is on an inside flap, but trust me, it's there).




Recently, my editor told me the powers that be wanted a shorter title for the book. We ended up with HOW TO SURVIVE MIDDLE SCHOOL.

That change, of course, required a new cover. Here it is:




Which cover/title do you prefer?


* No hamsters were harmed in the making of either cover. (No toilet seats, apparently, were harmed either.)

5 comments:

Paul R. May said...

While I love the original title (and that whole Gephartian long-title trademark...) I think the condensed version is awesome. And you're right, I can't think of another author in the history of the written word who has a singing hamster and a toilet on the cover. Way to break new ground there, Donna. I also love the "Play" arrow and the video status bar... what a cool idea... It's like the book's just waiting there, ready for the reader to click play by opening the cover. Can't wait to see it on the shelves!

Dan R. said...

Donna, you still managed to use most of the original title, just in a different format that supports the standout title. And when you think about it, surviving middle school is really what kids and their parents want. The book will arrive just in time for my granddaughter's 12th birthday. Though she's home-schooled, she's a reader. CONGRATULATIONS AGAIN AND AGAIN, DONNA.

Wild About Words said...

Thanks, Paul and Dan. You guys rock. Me, paper. And the rest of our writing groupies scissors. Yeah, it's definitely time for a break for me from working. :)

Anonymous said...

I know it was tough, but I love the new cover. It's going to fly off the shelves. Hampsters and toilets and youtube...hmmm. Somebody should make a video about that.

Wild About Words said...

Hmm. Somebody SHOULD make a video about that. I feel an evil plan hatching.