Comments

It seems like I own several books with covers 1, 4, and 5 already.

By Jen on July 06, 2009

I like 2 & 4

By Kat on July 07, 2009

If you have not already, in addition to the discussion, be sure to use the voting above so we can tabulate the votes, thanks.

By Tim Underwood on July 07, 2009

I like 5 the best - but it looks almost familiar like I’ve seen a book with that cover before - However, I like the feel it gives - not “academicy”, gives the feeling that something has been hidden and is being revealed.
I have mixed feelings on #2 I kind of like it in its simplicity, but maybe it’s too simple?
I enjoyed the content in any case!

By John on July 07, 2009

I like # 2 because it’s so unique, but I think the fonts/colours for the subtitle and author title could be better.

By shauna on July 07, 2009

I like #2.

By Becky on July 07, 2009

I think #1 is the most eye catching, draws you in and may be a visual description of the content.  When you look closely, it is comical yet though-provoking.

By Laura on July 08, 2009

A shout out to Upstream for their initial work on the book covers: http://www.upstreammarketing.ca/

By Tim Underwood on July 08, 2009

When I saw 4 & 5 in particular (but also 2 to some extent) I wondered if they were deliberate copies of “The Secret”  Because they look very similar to that book…

By L on July 08, 2009

Felix likes cover 5 best. He can see a hidden mystery.  There is a contrast betweeb the dark part and the light old writing.  He believes that the darkness represents the good that was stolen and destroyed by evil..maybe even by the church itself. In the light part he feels hope to save the kingdom of God. The seal is reassuring, security that we were given by Him, that He will be with us till the end. The graphic part looks great and calls u to be a part of this journey

By felix aquilina on July 09, 2009

I like book cover nbr 2, it is simple and mysterious,  it hit me immediately!

By Miriam Aquilina on July 10, 2009

Wow, Felix said EXACTLY what I was thinking!

By John Melissen on July 10, 2009

I think #2 is most unique
4,5 reminiscent of Da Vinci Code cover

SUGG nix white font, very hard to read, says my award-winning advertising student daughter Sarah
I really like the burgundy color and mod font of #4

SUGG: What about having a partially opened vertically oriented perforation on right hand side of cover, i.e. on flap of envelope, which reveals some of the latin script? combining modern and ancient elements
The red seal would have to be broken…

By Suzanne Holmes Rutherford on July 10, 2009

followup to my previous note re #2
re the ‘vertical perforation’
I’m thinking of the modern perforated pull strip [a la Fedex] vertically oriented on envelope flap partially revealing medieval latin script underneath.

By Suzanne Holmes Rutherford on July 10, 2009

In terms of what grabs the eye, I voted for 2.
But I’d agree with others about the contrast between text and background. I like the white title though, so maybe a slightly darker envelope?
Looks great! Can’t wait to see what’s inside =)

By Paul Jones on July 12, 2009

What do any of these designs have to do with a Manifesto? A manifesto is a public declaration meant to garner support behind an ideal or create a like-minded movement, usually very political in nature? Did anyone research what a manifesto was, or was stopping by Indigo and looking at the display for The Secret enough research? Might as well stick with the picture of Bernard Clairvaux as that is at least a name in the title.

By mark on July 12, 2009

there’s no contest, the best cover for Kirk’s book is #1.

#2, 4 & 5 are simple knock-offs of “The Secret” and/or “The Da Vinci Code”.  Kirk’s book, however, is not gnostic; it has nothing to do with hidden knowledge.

the only cover that actually represents the content of the book (that is, Bernard, Clairvaux, circles of quiet, etc.) is cover #1.

it’s: “Bernard, for the 21st century”.

By ryan on July 12, 2009

I really appreciate all these comments. Thanks to everyone for speaking into the cover of this manifesto.

By Kirk Bartha on July 12, 2009

I love 2,4&5.  I probably would not pick up #1 or 3.  I agree with other comments that although #4&5 are great, they look like other “Christian” books.  #2 is very intriguing!

By Bonita Eby on July 13, 2009

#3 but perhaps with darker colours,different font- gives feeling of old world calling in newtime. There is a hunger to rediscover the life of the saints w/there deep spirituality- the others seem more official manuscript-heavy headed feeling (like you’d have to skim alot 2get2 the meat) less personal. I like the expression on his face- content in the mystery while dicovering the secret message of Jesus- just not crazy with the primary colours. peace

By Siobhan on July 13, 2009

seems like #2 is getting lots of fan-mail here and on facebook.

By Kirk Bartha on July 14, 2009

I take back my vote for #2 and my comment about it being unique. I went to Barnes and Noble website and saw that the cover for The Secret is almost identical to #2. arrgh

grafmartin designers what about a rear view photo of a bald guy wearing hoodie plus ear buds with latin script scrolling across monitor of his mp3 player?

By Suzanne Holmes Rutherford on July 14, 2009

My sense is that cover 2 will stand out in any bookstore… the key is that it’s about noticing the book on the shelf, picking it up out of curiosity, and then SOLD!

i do not think that the secret cover has anything on #2. The seal itself is not the focus beyond supporting the ‘S’...a red generic seal. The background is busy.

The simple crispness of the envelope demands attention… it’s like you have the opportunity to get your own personal copy of this guy’s writings.

By paulomonk on July 16, 2009

thanks for the feedback.. we’re tracking and adjusting our sails to the winds.

By kb on July 20, 2009

#3 says, “Here is a book that won’t sell”. Yes, the colors relate to a recent Presidential campaign, but this book is for a different market. #1 says, “Here is a biography of Bernard of Clairvaux, a guy who lived a long long time ago”. I don’t think this is a biography—is it? The simplicity of #2 makes it stand out. #4 and #5 are both good, though cover scratches will be more obvious on #5.

By Tom R on September 12, 2009

Thanks Tom, we’ve gone with #2… great observations.

By kb on September 12, 2009

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