Please help us choose the book cover for Sex, Lies & Religion. Please vote for one.
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
Sex, Lies & Religion
Enjoying The Freedom Of Unconditional Sexuality
Vote For The Book Cover
Posted on 13. Jan, 2010 by Randy Elrod
#2, the one where you can see his penis, but the photo is more transparent and in the background with the title more obvious.
I love the image of #1 (love the undies- hilarious)…but I like where the type is better on #2…..
I like #5. It seems to hint at the mysterious.
#1, because it really goes to the point of the book and gives a chuckle to the reader who might be nervous about purchasing this book…it disarms me personally
I like the bolder title as well.
#1 gets my vote. #3 is the only one I really don’t like. The title gets lost.
#1 for sure
Well, FWIW, none of them would make me want to pick the book off a shelf in a bookstore. That said, I’d probably go with #5 because of the black bar over (as Monty Python would say) the “naughty bits.” The black bar is a universally used thing that catches the eye of people because it means censorship most times.
Number 5
I like the word location in 2 and the image in 5
#1 definitely.
#1. I did a scroll and that one really caught my eye–and not just because it’s the first one. Like the undies, type, placement of type on page. Go for it.
P.S. You owe me an interview when this puppy is released.
I like #1
#5 works for me – I think that cover would make me stop and look it over, and probably buy the book!
#5 is awesome. #1 is good too.
#2
Agree with @Lori — like cover #1 graphic and placement of title/subtitle of #2
I like 1 and 4. #1 is Just funny but I’m not sure I’d pick it up of the shelf in a bookstore -I’d just point and chuckle. #4 makes me curious to see what this is about. I’d probably thumb through the pages.
I agree with Lori. #1 with #2 type set up.
Out of these options, I like #4. it’s funny that Molly Moore said penis above. I believe you could do something different way more provocative and attention-getting. It doesn’t scream over-the-top to match the content inside. People should be compelled to open the cover, and maybe even glance over their shoulder at the bookstore to see if anyone’s watching before they pick it up to look at it. These are all too safe.
can’t wait to get my copy!
Definitely #1. I think it says it all.
#1 hands down.
# 1 all the way! love it!
#5 but with the text lower like in #2. The title pops more and it is clearly evident that something is blocking the penis. It looks like censorship. Too bad they can’t do a die-cut so it truly looks like it was removed.
The briefs chosen don’t pop as much. Perhaps you could get the humorous wink you were looking for by adding white loose fitting boxers with pink hearts that match the title.
From a distance, you can’t tell those are form fitting briefs. It looks like a really strange grass skirt (to me).
#5 is top choice, for reasons stated above. #1 is second choice.
#1 is MUCH more powerful and interesting
I am torn between #1 and #5. #1 is funnier and lighter but #5 is more eye catching with the black bar.
Picture #1 word placement of #2
#5 caught my eye the most. The black bar makes it look like you are going to be reading something slightly risque…
#1 for sure.
I prefer #5, although #1 is my second choice…don’t care too much for the type of briefs in #1 though.
#1 or #4
#1. Love the shorts!
#1 definitely!
#1 gets my vote, though the placement of the text on #2 w/ #1’s cover might be better. Don’t know w/o seeing it.
Very nice! Can’t wait to read it.
#5 seems to work the best. The boxer briefs (1, 3) take it in another direction that doesn’t seem appropriate. The others (2,4) are a little to quiet and don’t generate much of a response in me.
I’m a designer and the first thing I notice with the statue image is that he’s staring off into space. I’d have him stare at the title. People’s eyes will follow his eyes right off the cover and onto the cover of the book next to yours on the shelf.
having said that, the balance with the statue on the left and the title on the right is better design.
Can I have that book placement next to you?
#4
plain and simple, that approach seems to have worked for apple!!!
#1
What a Sex & Religion book without “fig leaf” cover option-disappointed ; ) #1
#1 would make me notice the book on the shelf.
I would be drawn more to #1
#1
Kind of like the fig leaf idea?
Looking forward to the book!
#1 is a go
#1
#4 here: i just like the graphic, clean look. The photo doesn’t do much for me.
#1
1 for sure!
#1 with the title location of #2.
#4 is my second favorite. Clean and simple.
No doubt. #1.
#5 is my first choice. Love the “censored” implication. But I wouldn’t be opposed to #1 (less censored, just “covered up”). Keep the title bold and big, though.
Can’t wait to see it on bookstore shelves!
#5 is my first choice because religion tells us not to look either.
#5
. If I had to choose I would go for #5 I am not a fan of any of them. Somehow in my 37 years I have become a prude I guess. They scare me
I, however cannot wait to read the book!
#5 is my favorite too.
I vote for #5
4 and 5 are a tie
#5 is by far the best!
Def 5.
#5
I’ll be different, I like #1 the best!
I like #5 …that statue would have been considered “nasty” in my Southern Baptist home …when I was a child!
#5
#4 – would stand out more on a table full of books all with images
#5 that’s the one for sure!
oops, i meant #4…
#5…but the cover image in general seems in contrast/i.e. does nothing to explain the weird sub-title
#5 it actually makes me want to open and read. it’s stark plainess (not sure that is a word) screams at me.
I like #1. Its a little playful, humerous & frankly it says a lot!
I love it.
#5 followed closely by #1
#1 offers some humor & playfulness that needs to be injected into the topic of sex. After all God designed sex to be fun!
Number #5. Thinking about a non-churched person in making the decision.
#5 for sure!
#1 hands down…….it brings attention to YOUR book. Not just the picture and you can easily read the title. I think if someone were to go to # 5, they would pick the book up to joke around with their friends about the censor, and #3 and #4 will be easily overpassed because of the small writing and blase’ covers. #2 might just be a distraction for the teenage crowd. So definitely #1….without a doubt.
#1 for sure! But you could make the text a little more readable before production I think…
#1 and #3 for me. I think I’d like to see #1 with #2’s type placement.
Whoever did the undies sure does know what they’re doing in Photoshop
I love #5
My 19 yr old and I choose #2!
#2 This statue shouldn’t be covered. We need to see it like it is to be seen.
I like #5
#1 or #5. I like the idea of boxers on the statue – humorous yet relatable – and #1 is the most streamlined look of all the boxer covers. But I do like #5 a lot too as I think it clearly illustrates what your book is going to say
#5 is clever. #4 would stand out more among other books.
I don’t like any of them and would probably not buy the book based on these covers!
# 5
5; darker covers sell more — and the “covering” adds to the impact of the title — and looks more like censoring than the tongue-in-check #1 covering.
number 1 keeps it light and makes the most sense with the subtitle.
I like #4, simple and clean
#5 seems to contrast with the idea of the book
Number 1. And I understand you only want to know which one I like, But, with Photoshop, I would like to also see a loose tie placed around his neck and a briefcase imposed in his right hand. I believe it might better suggest that the issues you are dealing with transcend time. Just a thought.
#1!
1.
Am I the only one who likes #3?
#1
I vote for #1 Randy
I like #1! …and I’m with Toby…I’d like to see it with the #2 typeset. Thanks for letting us play a part in your decision Randy
#4
#5!
Definitely 1 or 5…. #1 adds a bit of humor while #5 suggests more debate or controversy…depends on what the book is going for
I like #4 the best. Makes me want to look inside to see what’s there.
Big Time #5! it says it all.
#5, then #1
The whole fact that you are covering up his penis suggests a sense of shame and guilt about sex/sexuality. This is a classic piece of art that we as Americans see as “controversial,” but when you go see it in person (which I have) it is awe inspiring! It’s almost as if the cover of this book perpetuates the exact way of thinking you are trying to debunk.
Got to go with #4
#4 – Clean, Simple, no distractions
#5 seems ok, but still feels campy, unless its a funny book #2 in focus would be better. I’m thinking maybe a bunch of men and women nude statues …
agree with rhelton
#1 is my vote.
#3.
I like #2… I like that the statue remains unaltered…rock on
I don’t know if I like David in bvd’s. I like the true statue but in reality, I have kids that even though it is art, it would have to sit high on my shelf for at least a few more years. I am not sure about the plain white background. Clean, simple, no distractions-yes, but I think it is too plain. I love beautiful book covers. Art on my bookshelf. So the plain white would not be chosen for an “end” slot on my shelf and I think I know about you well enough to know you would certainly prefer to be in the 1st position, if possible, on a bookshelf or in the most prominent position available. So, that leaves me with #5. A beautiful cover, does not need to be hidden from young eyes and will not be lost in the center of the books on the shelf because it is coffee table and end slot worthy.
Hmmm. I like #4, but #2 if you must use the statue. Looks good and mysterious in obscurity.
But given that I don’t judge a book by its cover, I’m really looking forward to seeing the content no matter what cover you pick!
#5 makes me chuckle but… my vote is #1 Nice work.
I like number one best. The humor and irony value in having David in boxers is much stronger than the similar cover using the black bar. I don’t like the blank or fogged out cover, and the one with the text across David’s chest isn’t as easy to read.
Probably #1 , Print too small on # 3.
#1 for sure. We’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but this cover provides enough hints of what the book’s intentional message will be. #5 is okay, but the skivvies add a bit of humor and not just a statement about cultural norms. The others don’t provide this hint. #4 is too stark and almost suggests a basic, boring non-fiction book.
Having time to ponder & do a bit of research…
#2 ~
*Relates TO the title [& I’m certain that contents of the book. *It is a world masture piece of art which is recoginzed worldly as BIBLICAL http://www.artbible.info/art/large/338.html
*The ‘clouded’ cover is leading people into the embarkment of TRUTH.
*And if a parent ‘thinks’ it’s too adult for their childs eyes then I’m guess they more than likely would NOT read it themselves out of embarrassment.
*Those that do allow their children to see & learn about the Word of God wil be told the difference of art work also.
There’s a big difference between Nude & Naked.
It’s BIBLICAL ART of a KING… in many books, website, etc.
TRUTH of the matter ~ Jesus died on the Cross NAKED.
I like #1
Number 5 – gives the feeling of what the book is probably going to address.
Number 1, definitely.
Second vote would be #4.
#1
#1 or #4
I like #1 best.
#2, Obscurity invites interest
Well, #4 looks too much like the original Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell. So for me, I think #1 is best as the title is bold and eye-catching, and the humour of the underpants makes me smile.
I like #1 the best.
I vote for #1, I like the bigger font and I think the underwear is good then maybe you would expect the statue to be undressed at the end after you have discovered how to enjoy the freedom of unconditional sexuality
#5
Like cover #1. Think the title reads best on this one and really like the interpretation using the statue.
I’m voting for none of the above!! #4 is too plain. The 2 in “shorts” doesn’t look “natural”. And #5? Don’t like the black bar, but it would be my choice if I was being tortured. Sorry.
#4 with a larger title font.
I’m curious about “unconditional sexuality”. What does that mean? I’m not sure if there is such a thing as “unconditional sexuality”. Guess I’ll have to read the book
#4
#1 for sure babe! let’s break open a box of cigars and a case of red! Congratulations!!!
I like #1 and #5
#1 is my vote! Congratulations! God bless you.
Randy,
I vote No. 1. And I would like it better if you could reduce the font slightly so that it does not cover David at all.
Good luck with it!
I vote for #2 but add the black out box… it will pop.
#1 or 2.
Would actually like to see #2 on the black background – don’t see why not…
#5 is the most attention getting with the black bar. Makes you feel like you’re going to open a book that’s somewhat taboo.
Can’t wait to read it Randy!
#5 is my favorite. Then #4 when it gets black balled just like the Beatles “White” Album!
I vote #1! Great job Randy! That image say it all. It is familiar classic art with religious subject matter with a playful hint of something new. Sounds like the book you’ve been working on to me!
Renee and I both say #1!
I couldn’t decide, so I asked my 21yr old son. He said, Definitely #2! You don’t ruin a classical piece of art. Unless it’s a funny, quirky book, then #1 might be okay.
#1 for sure! The title is too small in 3 and 4, and doesn’t “pop” enough in 2. The undies on David is more jarring than the black bar, and yet is more playful and inviting. The black bar has a seedy or salacious feel to it, which is jarring but dark. Of course seeing undies on David is atrocious, but (given the title and subtitle of the book) I would guess that the irony of substituting “respectability” for “beauty” is part of the point. I think the undies set just the right tone.
Looking forward to reading it!
#1 hula man (and, is he wearing a cup under that?!)
#2 remember the seinfeld episodes on ’shrinkage’ ?
#3 throw in by artist to lead you to the one he liked…
#4 velvet elvis rip
#5 very cool. (what if you used the red bar that lou engle’s protest team uses… says ‘LIFE’ – ?
I would send them back to the pub and say ‘no one liked any of them’ – see if you get something really innovative back… or, at the worst, you’ll know if mike’s reading your emails!
Right at the moment I like #1.
Second choice is #2.
I think it depends on the tone of the book.
#5 ~ It’s dirty… yet clean. Wrong… yet right. Right for your book that is. GP
#5…. definitely #5! Says it all!
#1
#1 then #4
The typeset seems to need to bleed more over image or less..just a thought
I would have chose boxers though
#4 Clean look!
I like #4 because it reminds me of books like Velvet Elvis,and that is a very good thing.
I like something about 4.
I don’t mind the statue but I am struggling with the contrast of it and the font.
#1 works best!
#5
I’m going with #1. my husband likes #5
#1
Cover #5
my vote is #1
#1 love it! the boxer briefs are the best. unless they were silk boxers with flaming “hot stuff” text.
I like #1 the best. Chuckled at the underwear because I didn’t see it right away.
#1
#5…but intrigued by #4
#5…it pops and is more eye-catching.
At first glance I like #4
Remembering back I think Madonna’s book was sealed in a foil package and created a bit of intrigue. IMO, the simple white cover leads to less assumption and more curiosity to what’s inside. But I dig the boxers… clever!
#5! #1 is also good, but the black bar is more “Hey, someone has sensored something good out of your life”.
Although #4 seems to have a lot of votes, it screams Rob Bell- and you are infinately better than that. (and I like Rob)
Originality is the premise of this book, so please don’t choose a cover that’s been done.
Randy, hard to comment with confidence without knowing more about content, target audience, etc., but based on the subtitle, I would say that you need to hunt around for another jacket image. Designer should be playing with 2 to 4 images, rather than just variations on a single image, which, by the way suggests a scholarly, rather classic tome. Is that your intent?
BarryinTokyo (from twitter)
#3
#5 says it best! It shows there is something that has been censored. I honestly didn’t even notice the underwear in the other options.
#1 – it cracks me up and is appropriate
I agree that #4 resembles Rob bell covers too much.
#5 gets my vote.
#5 is my favorite…
# 1
#1 for sure
#5
I defintely go with #1
#1 with word location of #2
#1
Not #3 (centered type over picture is distracting and harder to read) or #4 (boring). If you chose #2 I wouldn’t hide the book from my young children. I’d probably pick #5 for similar reasons to earlier voters.
#5
#1
#1
#1 works for me
I LOVE #5
#1 for sure. The boyshorts made me giggle and it definitely conveyed in a modern witty way how silly and ridiculous it would be to censor David.
i vote for #4! Its nice and clean… also promotes purity
#1. But the little bit of type that goes over David bothers me slightly. I’d love to see it where the type is either ON him, or not…but not kind of barely touching him.
But that’s me being a nitpicky designer
#1
I like #4 – Just plain and to the point. The word SEX gets your attention immediately.
tie: #1 and #5
#1
I vote for #1.
#1.
#5!!
#5
#4, for sure… the statue is funny, but the clear white cover has a greater impact.
#1 I think the title stands out bold. I like the “coverup” as a symbol of what the point of the book seems to be.
#5 – speaks of a cover-up
#1 is funny, but too ordinary
#4 is brilliant in many ways
it’s a tie between 4 and 5 for me
5
I like #3
i like 4… it kind of has that plain brown wrapper vibe… but 2 is good as well… the others look too much like those magnetic dress up the david things for your refrigerator.
I’m for #1!
My vote is #5. Really gets at the provocative element of sex, lies, and religion. The whole censorship. But the harshness of the black box is daunting: its a real wall. Really speaks well.
#1 is good but don’t like the type layout and the bvd’s are a bit humorous and/or trite.
#5: speaks to our culture. We’re covering it up but we really want to know all about it …
I like the idea of sexing up the boxers for #1, but distant from #5. I also agree with the comment about the typeface overlap.
Would you want the gaze of David’s eyes looking at the title? Just a thought…
(I’m a librarian and see a lot of books if it adds any cred)
Out of those choices, I would definitely go with #5.
Most definitely #1 !
I would say #1 or #4.
#1. Cool cover.
#5.
#5
#1 with the text placement on #2
I like #1 the best. I like #3 and #4 the least.
#1 – the undies help break the ice I think. Rock It Bro!
#1
#5- Plain, simple, nothing to take away from the title
#1, although I do agree with one reader that you should be offered more than just one image to choose from. But David in shorts? Hilarious! No matter the content, I would pick it up.
I like #4…excellent visibility cover. Easier for women to carry to checkout line
And it has a come hither look. (Remind me if I’m wrong but I’ve never seen a Rob Bell book that’s white with pink lettering.)
For me 1 and 3 suggest this is a humorous book rather than the serious heart-felt approach you’ve taken.
So #4 is my first pick and number 5 is my second choice since it supports your censorship stance without being comical.
Numero Uno Senor!
#1 – love the undies.
First choice #1 second #5
absolutely #1 – playful but makes the point.
I think it would be clever to use #1 or #5 on the cover and #2 as the cover page (inside). But make the placement of the image and text consistent.
My comments are too long – I have sent you an email
. None of these are clear winners to me, but #5 comes the closest.
Fran,
I LOVE that idea!!!!!!!!! Awesome.
Thanks so much!
#1 seems strongest to me.
#1…
or #5.
#1 gets my vote
#1 and #2 have the best title and author’s name layout I think.
between those I like #2 for it’s almost “fading” David statue. but #1 gets my vote because it is the most eye catching, as well as marketable.
Can’t wait to read it!!
@christopher84
#1 (with #2 type placement change) then #5.
2
Number 4 has a subtle understatement that lets the title speak for itself. That’s my vote.
either #1 or #5
#1 seems clearest
I like #2, but I think I’m in the minority
i like # 5 it has some humor and since the book’s subtitle is re: unconditional sexuality, i think the underwear are too stodgey.
Number 1 please…a bit of humor, good contrast, and a nice placement of a very good font.
first choice #1
second choice #5
goo luck with this
#1 for sure
I like #5… I’ve seen the David in Firenza I think the strips are a bit too far of field… the black block gets the point across with class.
I’m thinking 4. But 1 is cool as well.
#5. The black bar communicates so much. Censorship, humor, mystery, taboos…
#1. The only thing better would have been to add the Venus de Milo in some sexy Victoria’s Secret underware since I assume the book covers men and women. Maybe for the back cover.
5
Joseph…..yo creo que entre el 1 y el 5 esta bien…….y si fuera bilingue estaria padrisimo!!!!!!!!!!!!
1st pick: #5
2nd pick: #4 (maybe a black cover though, I like the hot pink on the black)
Gotta be #5. Humor disarms folks, and this will cause someone to pick it up and give it a look…candidly, with noone watching!
#1 or #3
#1, followed by #5. It’s a tough decision.
5
1 or 5
#1 has my vote. Can’t wait to read it!!!
#3 is my favorite but a close second is #1
2.
I love the image on #1 but would use the text setting on #2. I think if you go with an image like #2, you could create controversy about nudity on the cover and the importance of the content gets lost or becomes secondary. #1 softens the aggressive nature of the title…besides, for me, it speaks more to the message of the book,” Catholicly” speaking.
#1 grabs my attention, because it is different.
tough to choose between #1 and #5. But, I think #1!
I like # 1. You may as well go for it!
Andrea
http://andrealschultz.blogspot.com
I look forward to reading and reviewing it on my blog!
Thanks! Andrea. Your blog looks great!!!
Randy
Let me just end this for you…
IT”S NUMBER 1. ONE. Uno…