man silhouette at sunset lake, Norway
I’ve received feedback from readers that the covers and titles of two of my books are so similar they’re causing confusion. Many people think they’re the same book:
Reflections of a Grateful Man and From the Heart of a Grateful Man.
Please take a look at the cover photos above next to each other and you’ll see what I mean. While I love both cover photos, I agree they’re too similar, especially with the titles being so similar as well.
Thanks to the encouragement and efforts of graphic designer Julie Pruitt I’ve decided to change the cover photo for Reflections of a Grateful Man to the first photo shown above. I love the new photo and it will make it much easier for readers to differentiate between the two books. Thank you for all the time and effort you devoted to this project, Julie! Gail Nelson is completing the effort and the book should have the new cover shortly. If you prefer the old cover you might wish to buy it now. Who knows, maybe it will some day be a collector’s item. Did I just type that out loud?
Gail is also checking to see whether a new cover will require new ISBN’s (that can be especially expensive considering the two or three different book formats in which it will continue to be available.) I’m also concerned as to whether the book will lose the current Amazon star review rankings when the cover changes. I’d love to be able to keep the ones it’s already earned.
What do you think of the change? Do you have any information regarding my concerns mentioned in the last paragraph?
With Love,
Russ
Russ Towne's A Grateful Man 
This is a lovely picture too. It might be more distinguishable , however i do love mine as they are. I love any tranquil picture.
Thank you for your feedback, Ute. I’m glad you like the ones you have as well.
Russ
If you self-published your books, you shouldn’t have to worry about changing your book covers. I’ve done it in the past and continued to keep all of my ratings. The only problem is that, sometimes, the old covers still surface during a search when people look for your title.
I don’t suppose you could combine the two books…Reflections from the Heart of a Grateful Man. Just an idea but I enjoy the covers as they are…like the two books belong together.
Thank you for your feedback and suggestion, Norma. I’ve seriously considered combining the two into a single book, and am delighted that you like the idea. I’m leaning in the direction of doing as you suggest.
Russ
I love the top picture Russ. ❤
Diana xo
That’s good to hear, Diana. Thank you for your feedback.
Russ
I love the new cover..but I will keep the one I have…who knows what the future will hold. 😀 😀
Thank you, Mrs. P. I’m glad you like both.
Russ
I loved the old covers and if it’s going to cause unwanted aggravation, I’d stick with them and use that beautiful new cover for your next book – because we know you have lots more books floating around in that wonderful mind, my friend! I
Thank you, Clare. A reader put to words what had been bouncing around in my head for some time, and that is that the two books belong together in a single volume. I’ve decided to combine the two softcover books into a single hardcover volume using the new image on the cover, and tilting it “Reflections from the Heart of a Grateful Man.”
Russ
I think that’s a great idea! Beautiful cover, too!
Thank you times two, Clare. I’m glad you like the idea.
Russ
i see what you’re saying when you put them next too each other and i love the new cover idea!
I’m happy to hear it Beth. Thank you for your feedback.
Russ
I would have to read the books in order for me to design the covers. I am a graphic designer also, and in my opinion, incorporating the text with the pictures so the two become a whole, portraying the most important message of the book or the most relevant message would create a more wholesome and refined appearance for your covers. Respectfully, Honeymoon Reader.
Thank you for your suggestion, Honeymoon Reader.
Russ