Your Opinion, Let Me Share It

So...

You all have some thoughts on the new cover.  A lot of thoughts.  For those of you who like it... cool!  Thank you!  

For those who don't, I get it.  I mean, I completely get it because your arguments were my arguments six months ago.  Why a photo?  It won't match the other covers on the shelf.  And why THAT photo?  It looks so YA.  People will think it's a book for kids.  And why hardcover?  I hate hardcover!  You can't take hardcover in the bath!

However, I'm now on board with everything because I've been privy to what went on behind the scenes.  And maybe those of you who don't dig it will hate it less if I walk you through the thought processes. 

The original intent was to do a graphic cover like the other books.  The art department worked for months trying to come up with an iconic image that would represent the contents.  They tried polos and socks and skirts and a ton of other plaid stuff and none of them looked right.  Since these are the exact same people who came up with my first three covers, I trusted them when they said they were struggling to create the right graphic and that maybe we should consider photography.  

Around this time the decision was made to publish this book in hardcover, even though it sold as a trade paperback.  I fought the change.  

Hard.  

I mean, every time bad economic news came out, I forwarded this info to my "people" arguing that the economy was in the shitter and that even I wouldn't pay an extra five bucks for my book.

But honestly?  Cost wasn't really my issue.  The truth is I was worried that what I'd written wasn't good enough to be published in hardcover.  I kept fighting, yet I made no headway.  

Finally it dawned on me that my publisher wasn't going to have a change of heart about the issue, so it was up to me to provide the kind of content that was worthy of its hardcover.  That's why I've been in such a lather about this particular book and this particular deadline.  (FYI?  Having a sinking house in the middle of all of this DID NOT HELP MATTERS.)  

I had to get the book to the point where I thought it was worthy, so not only did I write the entire thing, but then I tore it apart and rewrote it.  Twice.  And finally after months of work, I got it to the point where I believe it's worthy.  (Maybe this book wasn't as physically demanding as Such a Pretty Fat, but I guarantee you it was more mentally challenging.)

At last, I had the content I wanted... but there was still the issue of the cover.  I've been reminding myself that I hated the last cover, too, and yet it's been my most successful book to date.  

I guess the bottom line is that I have an awful lot of smart people behind me and their only job it is to sell books.  They keep telling me they love the cover.  And they've yet to let me down so I'm going to continue to defer to their judgment, despite my initial reservations.

Also?  I got a package from my editor on Friday.  She sent me the first batch of the paper book jackets that go over the hardcover.  When they fell out of the envelope, I gasped - not because I hated them, but because they were so much better than what I'd seen on my computer screen.

So maybe the argyle socks aren't officially plaid... but in the context of the actual paper cover, they sure are pretty.

Comments

[Tara]

I know I'm missing something obvious, but where can I see the new cover?

[Kristy in Bangkok]

The socks are pink and green - how can that be anything but perfect? Can't wait.

[Tracee]

If only I could make unemployment look so good...

[JSP]

I love the cover - I think it's cute and congrats! I'll spend the extra $5...

[Cori]

So my only question is when are the first three going to be re-published in hardcover?

[Leslie]

Love it, Jen. For what it's worth, I'll pay the $5 extra bucks without blinking an eye. Can't wait until May!

[Alicia]

Love the cover, love the title, love the socks, love everything... Except maybe the release date, which is toying with my book-obsessed emotions - May 2009? That seems like a lifetime away!

Looking forward to putting this on my Summer '09 reading list :)

[Alicia]

Love the cover, love the title, love the socks, love everything... Except maybe the release date, which is toying with my book-obsessed emotions - May 2009? That seems like a lifetime away!

Looking forward to putting this on my Summer '09 reading list :)

[christine]

hate the new cover... just being honest!
Loved all your books, but I have to say, I'll wait till it comes out in paperback...maybe the cover will change!!!

[Nicole]

When I first saw the cover I immediately noticed the difference. But what stuck out to me the most as a Jen Lancaster fan, was that your book covers are progressing just as your writing is. Each one keeps getting better and better =)

[mamaru]

True confession. I sometimes judge books by their covers. I overlooked your books at first because they looked a little to "chick lit" for my taste. When (one day in the airport) I was dying for something to read, I picked one up, flipped through it, and decided to give it a try. I am so glad I did. You are funny and insightful - I think your books are far from fluff and recommend them to all of my friends. I love paperbacks for the convenience and weight since I travel a lot and it's the weight, not the size, of the book that matters to me. Having said that, I think the move to hardback will signal you as the serious writer that you are. I think you have developed a genre and should be recognized as someone who has taken the blog to the next step. And, by the way, I always thought argyle was a type of plaid, not just a stop on the Red Line where you can get Thai sandwiches (to die for) but not being Scottish am not an expert. Anyway, if I pay a little extra for the hardback maybe you can afford an electrician.

[Alli]

Very simply put: Love you, love your covers, love your books - can't wait for the next one!

Oh and Maggie - I am in the western burbs of Chicago - I really hope you are right about the temps on Thanksgiving!! Can I request mid-50s??

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!

[Alison Driscoll]

Also, Macs can be a pain, but if you hold down the CTRL key and click the mouse, it's the same as right clicking. Then you can open a new tab or a new window. Some of their functionality is not so intuitive, but they do have some cool programs!

[Becky]

I love the cover, but hardcover is just too...FORMAL for me. Plus, the jacket is the first thing to go - they totally get in the way. I'm bummed that I'll have to wait for your book to be released to paperback to get it... :( Oh, and comment to your post forever ago about using tension-based rods to hang the curtains - THANK YOU...never would've thought of that...will be attempting this on my 'look at me, I'm naked!' window in my house...

[Alison Driscoll]

I like the cover; the others were cute but they were bound to run out at some point. And while I hate hardcovers for their less-than-portable nature, you're worth the extra dough. What upsets me is that I have to wait til May to get it! If I promise to buy a second copy in May can I get one early? Pretty please with sugary cupcake icing on top??

[Renee]

Actually, argyle IS a plaid pattern. Maybe it's not what people immediately think of when they hear the word "plaid" but it still qualifies. AND, even though it might not be the most iconic plaid for some people, it certainly SCREAMS "preppy" for pretty much anyone on earth and isn't that the reference you're trying to make anyway? So don't let anyone tell you argyle isn't plaid or appropriate. (Also, I'm a professional costume designer/stylist, so my opinion should count for something! LOL)

[Jessica]

I love the cover!!!!!!!!

I can hardly wait to read the book.....

[Ash]

I love the cover! It matches the other ones well enough that you can see the connection. At first glance, I couldn't figure out that it was a photo. Anyway, it looks great, I'm sure the content will be fabulous, and hardcover just means it'll be harder for me to damage it beyond recognition (like I end up doing to all of my other books!).
I can't wait!

[Tawnya]

What I don't understand is why in the world people feel the need to post comments complaining about your work (or the presentation of your work). Get over it people. I am very excited to read the new book! Can you get it out sooner? Lol.

[Jerri]

Personally, I don't care if it's hardcover, paperback, or covered in christmas wrapping paper...it's still gonna be amazing! And as far as the inside goes...as long as you're doing your thing in it, on those pages, I'll be amusingly impressed of course! I'm so excited about it.

[Nina]

I am sad that the new book cover won't match the others, but I think "your people" did a great job. Love it!!

[kimberly]

Could you be more fabulous? Probably not, sinking foundation, 8,000 windows, lack of power and all. i really appreciate you taking the time (and really caring enough) to explain all of this and seriously, i cannot wait to get the book!

[Maggie]

I love love love the cover. It took me a second to realize what it was, but once I did I loved it. And you are so hard cover worthy! Have a Happy Thanksgiving. I also live in Chicago and Thanksgiving is supposed to be the warmest day this week! Gobble gobble.

[Baltimore Hon]

I love it. It takes a minute to realize what it is. Very bright and catchy.

[Melly]

I LOVED the cover! Not only did I heart the sockses, I really liked the kind of shy way the legs are posed. I'm excited! Can't wait!

[Louise]

Books...in the bath.........oh boy, I'm starting to twitch.

Do you break the spine too? Gah!

[Amy O.]

Who cares what the cover looks like? It's the writing that counts. I already prepaid for it and am anxiously counting down the days until May 5, 2009 - which is two days before my birthday so I already bought my next birthday present. With Amazon's low prices and free shipping, it's about the same as what you'd pay wholesale for the trade paperback anyway.

Love, love, love the books and so does my 21-year old daughter. She took all of them with her on her summer trip to Japan and read them all twice.

[julie]

Hi---Dont care what it looks like or how its printed ---I will buy it. I would like to add: it is very impressive that you ask your fans what they think. Good PR on your part.

[Veronica]

Look at it this way, the people who adore you and read your books are going to continue reading them no matter what the cover looks like because they're hooked. The new cover can only promise to bring in brand new readers because this cover appeals to them, right? It's going to be fantastic. :)

[janelle]

ok, i think you should give away a copy of your new book to a lucky reader of your blog :) just saying....

congrats on the new book, you work hard and i wish you great selling success!!! i have LOVE LOVE LOVED the other three and am sure that i'll love this one too! thanks.

[Heather]

OK. I actually saw the book cover on Amazon before you posted this. I have to admit that my first thought was "WTF??? A photo?" I don't see why they couldn't have just drawn the same argyle-clad legs. I did NOT notice that it was being released in hardcover. But I have to admit, that for books that I really love and plan to keep forever, I prefer hardcover (have all the Harry Potters in hardcover, Black Beauty, and a few handfuls of other books), so I'll definitely be getting PIP as soon as it comes out. With the Amazon discount, it's pretty much what you'd pay for a softcover in the bookstore anyway.

YAY Jen! Can't wait!!! Love you girl!

[Leslie]

I love the cover, having gone through high school at the height of the preppy craze, although plaid ain't exactly argyle. Same idea. Really nice shape, the way the legs are shot. And good for you for graduating to hardcover! Don't worry. People like me won't mind forking out a few extra bucks. Everyone else can go to the library. What's an extra $5? A venti latte? It sounds like you've worked really hard under trying non-writing-related times. Looking forward to book #4.

[Sara]

I don't love or hate the cover of Plaid. However, I do like where it says, "New York Times Bestselling Author." Congratulations!

I am a little disappointed you've gone the hardcover route. I never purchase hardcover books - because I think it's a waste of money. Essentially you are buying a glossy cover and extra binding. The content remains the same whether it be paperback or hardcover, so why should I pay more for that?

Don't get me wrong - I love love love your books. I just feel a hardcover book is so....impersonal. You can't bend it, you can't dogear the pages as easily cause they're so crisp and new, you can't throw it in your purse and it's not accessible - it will just end up on the shelf looking pretty, left alone. Wouldn't you rather have it on the floor by your bed or on your nightstand covered in dog hair, pages bent and ripped from your reader reading and rereading your work? Because it's comfortable, it's what I've come to know and appreciate - there's a connection with the book. A hardcover is so cold and just...like I said, impersonal. Does anyone get what I'm saying???

[Boo]

I had the exact same pattern in a vest in 1983, so I love the cover! That was way back in high school, when I wore argyle on my chest on purpose to make my chest look bigger...nowadays, it's just doesn't work as well...to me the colors are lighthearted, the title draws me in, and I have already pre-ordered a copy for me and my sisters (one for each of us cuz I don't share well). We have been conference calling lately and your books are the perfect topic to have us rolling with laughter and feeling like we're together when we are on opposite coasts.

[sonya]

some of you guys have issues with the hardcover cuz it won't fit in your purse? ok, seriously? you need a bigger purse! i just came back from a business trip with TWO harcovers in my purse! ...ok, so maybe i need a smaller purse :) no matter, i will always have purse space for a jen book!

and jen? so hoping you plan a book tour stop in northern virginia! and did you know it's wine country here?!? :)

[Kelsey]

I feel like I'm the only person who LOVED the argyle right off the bat and was able to recognize the picture of legs in tights just as soon.

Anywho, the point is the cover rocks my socks off. And if it doesn't fit in your purse, buy a bigger one! But I would imagine it'll be the same size as the other 3...just a little bit sturdier.

[Jess]

It has the same feeling as the first 3. Ok - so it's an actual picture. Whatever. It is obvious that the same folks who were involved with the first 3 put their heads together and came up with this one. If we are not changing - we are stuck. What better way to do it than with socks that I would easily wear as a sweater? (of course, there would have to be some more material there... just saying.)

[Manic Mommy]

OK, yes, I'm going to Amazon now and to not further hijack your comments, I will live-comment my immediate reaction to viewing your cover ... hold please ...

First thought was a pleasant Ooh!

Secong thought was preppy.

Third thought was, "What are those?"

Fourth "Oh, they are socks! And feet!

I think it's cute, and it totally matches with the other books because of the typeface. And it's OK that it's a real photo because it's hardcover this time! Thumbs up from Manic Mommy, after ALL THAT! Sorry Jen!

And BTW, we want to do a virtual book tour on BettyConfidential and I suggested your book as our first one! What do you think! ; ) Call me, we'll do Floor Truffles! LOL

[Michelle]

The cover is adorable, Jen! I still need to read SAPF, but am asking for PIP for Christmas so that I can dive into it post SAPF! Also, congrats on your new house!

XO,
Michelle in Cincinnati

[Manic Mommy]

Oops, I'm also grammatically challenged:

It should be, "Who hasn't seen the book" not "That hasn't seen the book"

Maybe it's over on Amazon?

[Manic Mommy]

Hello! McFly? Am I the only one late to the party that HASN'T SEEN THE COVER?!!?

WHERE.IS.THE.FRICKING.COVER?!?!?!?

Stick a big fat "L" symbol on my forehead please. I can't see it.

McFly!?!??! Buehler? Is anybody out there!?!?!

Someone. Send help. Or a donut. Or a bookcover.

WHERE IS IT?!?!?

I'm challenged today.

[Molly]

I have a standing order at my downtown News Agency for "anything Jenn Lancaster". They deal with paperbacks. I order hardcover cookbooks so it will be interesting to see if this gets put into my "pile".

[Sabrina]

I don't mind what kind of cover you use because I'll get the book from the library as I always do. I'm a bit of a tree hugger and truly beleive in sharing resources rather than keeping collections of books. But, because of your immense popularity, I'll probably be on a VERY. LONG. waiting list before I can get my hands on the book. But, as we all know, your books are worth the wait!

[Laurie B.]

1) You've got a GREAT team behind you - so I agree that you should trust them completely. They are obviously doing something right...

2) You have an AMAZING following of loyal fans who plan to buy your book whether it is hard-cover, paperback or written in Sanskrit on a tablet.

3) Personally? I can hardly wait - and I'd buy your next book if it were wrapped in plain brown paper with NO IMAGE at all on the front.

4) Just my thoughts...

~ Laurie

[Sara]

I would fly to the Bermuda Triangle, feed carrots to a Donkey and say the alphabet backwards underwater to get your book if I had to.

Be proud of your accomplishments and know that there are tons of me (like ME) who adore you and your books.

And who doesn't love Argile socks???

[Vanessa]

I was slightly miffed by the hardcover decision as well, but firmly agree with the above comments that people love you and your books and will buy it no matter what format is chosen. The fact that it won't fit in my purse just means I get to take a day off work and read the whole thing in one sitting. And you know, that would be just ummmm....terrible. Ahem.

[Katie]

disregard former post- I googled and read the posts above- lap taken.

[Karen]

OMG! This post was so "Sex in the City!" You go girl... Approve the cover YOU want..and don't apologize.

[Liz]

I for one am thrilled that you have a book coming out and I don't give a care what is on the cover as long as the inside makes me laugh. That said, I think the cover is FANTASTIC ~ DOOCE CAPS FANTASTIC.

[Katie]

Where are the pictures of the new book? I am SO out of the loop!