A friend and reader pointed out that the cover of my latest book project appears to indicate the man/husband is accusing her of doing something silly. In the story though I’m the one uttering the sentence, I’m also the one who’s done something silly. The cover as is could turn off a lot of potential readers, so I need to change it fast as wheels are in motion with the existing one.
What do you think of, “Honest Honey That’s How It Happened!” as a replacement title or something similar? Below is the current one for reference…
I’d really appreciate your feedback.
With Love,
Russ
Russ Towne's A Grateful Man 
LOVE the picture… so, if you feel you need to change anything, that new title gives a good vibe
Thank you, Annette.That’s good to know.
Russ
Hello Russ, honestly- to me it looks like the husband is explaining to the wife about something HE did, not her. But I agree that the title may be alittle confusing. “Honest Honey That’s How It Happened!” is a better choice. It reflects to body language of the artwork. Hope this helps. Best, Joan
Thank you for the detailed feedback. I appreciate it.
Russ
Hello Russ~ Honestly, the artwork to me, portrays a man explaining to a woman who looks skeptical. “Honest Honey That’s How It Happened!” does reflect the artwork to me. Hope that helps.Best, Joan
Thank you, Joan. I appreciate your feedback and insights!
Russ
The artwork to me, portrays a man explaining something to a woman who seems to be considering it. “Honest Honey That’s How It Happened!” sounds perfect to accompany the scenario you are describing. Hope this helps, Joan
It does indeed, my friend. Thank you.
Russ
I like the new comment better!
Thank you for your feedback, Quiall.
Russ
Or you could just leave it as a title not as a speech bubble. The faces look like they both could be saying it. Just leave the little flick at the bottom of the speech bubble…. The other title is fine too but you could always argue who said what really….
Thank you for your ideas and feedback, Ute. Something to ponder.
Russ
I think like that it is up to the reader to interpret who says what. just an idea.
I do too, but am concerned it may turn away potential buyers before they learn the actual context of the comment.
Russ
yes, i think that fits what you are trying to say even better – don’t change the artwork though )
Thank you for your feedback, Beth. The artwork stays. Everyone seems to like it.
Russ
The Honest Honey title does seem to work better, though I hadn’t noticed anything odd until you posted the update.
Thank you for your feedback, Mrs. P. I’d had reservations about it but it wasn’t until a reader brought the primary issue to my attention did I realize the title had to go.
Russ
I do like the Honest Honey title a bit better, though I hadn’t thought of it until you pointed it out. I’m sure whatever you choose will be successful!
Thank you, for your feedback and kind comment!
Russ
Like it!
Thank you for your feedback, David. I appreciate it.
Russ
WHen I read the original I thought the art work captured that the man was trying to explain himself and the wife was eye rolling her exasperation. Never occurred to me to read more into it. But if someone pointed it out, someone else will probably do the same. THe change looks good for that reason. 🙂
Thank you, Colleen. Based on the feedback I’ve received it appears that less that half of those who commented on it took it as the man making fun of the woman, but I believe the new title removes all doubt, and is more likely to attract many of the people who would have been turned off by the earlier one.
Russ
True, but sad the world looks at things this way. Oh well, never hurts to always try and be more positive. 🙂
Thank you, Colleen.
Russ
I like the new title better! Best of luck!
Thank you, Colleen. Based on the feedback I’ve received it appears that less that half of those who commented on it took it as the man making fun of the woman, but I believe the new title removes all doubt, and is more likely to attract many of the people who would have been turned off by the earlier one.
Russ
I am glad you have made the decision that works for you!
Thank you, misifusa. That’s good to hear. I’ve decided to go with the new one.
Russ
I agree, it does look like he is accusing her, maybe just change the comment bubble to reflect that she is the one saying it, and you could keep the title….
I think that would solve a few things….you would not have to change the title.
Heatherlee
Thank you for the suggestions, Heatherlee. That would work. As it turns out, I decided last night based on the feedback to that point to change the title to the new one.
Russ