Professional Book Cover for Refugee Was My Name

Some things are better left to the professionals. Designing a book cover is one of them. You may have seen my almost best shot at crafting an attractive book cover for Refugee Was My Name. Well, though I might have felt good about how much time and creativity I dumped into the effort, Miss Harriet, my wife kept saying, "Can't you find a different photo?"

Robert Saydee, my boyhood friend, didn't sound upbeat about the cover photo either. But the publisher entertained my gesture at a good try. So I was willing to live with it, though at the back of my mind I desired a better cover page for the book.

Long story short, here it is ... the professional cover page for the book. Take a look and tell me what you think.

Two Versions of the Cover Design

Upon recommendation of the editor I have been tweaking the image for the front cover of the book, but I'm not sure I've nailed it just right yet. Take a look at these two versions...

the rectangular picture:

and the oval picture:

Which one is better looking? Please share your feedback in the comment box of this blog post. Thanks.

Book Cover Design Discussion Continues

When I contacted the publisher about using the refugees-on-the-run photo, I got the following reply:


"I appreciate your getting others' views, which is good, to get other ideas. However, this photo to me reinforces the image of refugee already prevalent and without hope. Yes, it shows fleeing and is very sad."


Here is the photo the editor is commenting on:

The editor continues, "Yet people, in my view, need to see refugees beyond that. To me, your first photo showed simple and below normal life, i.e., in a camp. Yet, it also shows people desiring to move forward, given the expressions on your faces. You are beyond that road of the other photo, and are seeking a better life. At least, that is what it says to me."

Here is that original photo being referenced:

Based on this, it looks like we'll stick with the original cover photo for now, though there will be revisions until we get a look that the publisher and I can agree on.


What do you think? How can I make the picture better? I wish the photo were brighter or crispier, but this is probably the best-looking I can get it. No, wait, maybe I should take it to Wal-Mart photo center and see if they can make me a crispier copy...