I love the red letters wording and color! it’s amazing i would be very interested in the book. the authors name Tom Davis needs to be enlarged to a bigger font. the gap between red letters and name is a little too far. Red letters might go a little wider but if not it looks great as is.
Love ya man.
thanks for all your doing.
Ty Black

ok my personal comments. i think the black cover is eye griping. The way that they formatted it is awsome because Its out of sequence, its out of the ordinary. most book titles are postioned left to right. i think that “living a life that bleeds should be a little more gripping I would change the color and the size. and the blood behind the e looks like a paint splatter. i would darken it one more shade. but otherwise i think its gripping and eye catching. i still want to see the other ideas. are there other ones with different fonts. im serious now.

I really like this cover. I think you only thing i would change about it is making the titile closer to the authors name.
the faith that bleeds thing is amazing.
:]]jena

I like how the letters are across each other. I really like the red splash in the middle. It looks different… but in a great way… very unique. I think that Tom Davis shoud be a larger print and the title should be more to the right.
it looks AMAZING!!!

I really enjoy the cover. Its very clean cut and draws you to it. It makes you very intrusted in what your about to read. i like how it wasn’t crowded and had a contempurary look to it. Black and red is my favorite combo!

Hmmm. I hate to be the dissenting voice, but since you asked:
This cover does not tell me a story. And, given the subtitle, I suspect you want me, the reader, to come into a broader story you are going to tell me about faith and sacramental living. This looks like a cover for a Ted Dekker novel.

Wow.
What an amazing cover.
The black cover reminds me of a Bible cover and ties in nicely with your red letter title. The black is menacing and haunting at the same time. A Faith That Bleeds…wow.
WOw. Amazing. I’d buy lots!

great cover, very simplistic and stark. I like where the blood was spattered, centered sparse. Keep it!

Tom, I was excited to see the cover, since we all judge the book on its cover! But unfortunately, I was disapointed. I loved the cover for “Fields” and was hoping for something that would draw me to the book (but this did not). The cover simply doesn’t convey enough regarding the content and tone and it looks a bit too grim.

tom! i think this is absolutely amazing… the black cover is perfect and the subtitle literally gave me chills! i dont think anything should be added because the simplier it is…the more attention the buyer will give it…
i’m excited to read this…
love you
mackenzie

Tom,
I like the clean lines of the cover, the simplicity of it, but I’m not sure I like it for this book. The colors make me think of the city, but the book takes place around the mud huts of Africa. Without the subtitle I’d think this was a murder mystery novel. If you’re committed to this cover, what about changing the blood splatter in the middle to the shape of Africa to give more of a clue to the content? Otherwise, how about some earthly tones…

Awesome! If I saw this book in the store, I would want to buy it. Even if I didn’t know the author. Rich and I love the simplicity of the cover. The only thing we think might help, would be to make the word “red” stand out more. Especially the “R” and “D”.
We love it!
Rich and Melissa

The simplicity of the cover is good, but there’s more than one way to do “simple.” The color scheme…while I love black, white and red…seems too modern, too urban for the subject of the book. And the blood splash has got to go! It was so prevalent that my husband didn’t even notice the cross image of the title…which is a great idea. How about making it look like an old, weather-beaten leather journal that might actually have spent some time in sun-drenched Africa? Pick some warm colors to create the feel, perhaps? As it is, I wouldn’t be drawn to the book.

Hey…thanks again for this AM!…sent you an email about that.
As to the cover, I liked the starkness of it…but…it doesn’t tell me enough. I liked the idea of the blood splat being more in the shape of Africa…and some how actually bleeding down the page. I also agree that your name is lost at the top…and the subtitle seems to dangle a little too lonely at the bottom. The intent of the design I think is exceptional…but would love to see it be a bit more edgy and creative with regard to the content. Brave of you to ask…and you have good friends who have responded. I hope your publisher will rework it a bit with what all has been shared.

Hi Tom
I find it very brave that you have asked for everybodys opionions. As you are finding out, everyone has their own unique viewpoint, which is what I suppose makes the human race so interesting – it doesn’t mean that any of us are right though! Anyway, like other people I also didn’t like the blood splodge. I did like Bretts suggestion though of replacing it with an African shaped blood stain over the “E” of RED. The red lettering of RED with the black and white cover might be enough though. The text is powerful enough -”living a faith that bleeds”, it doesn’t even need the presence of blood. Sometimes adding an image which mirrors the text can make it lose its impact. If you did want blood though, you could always have a bleeding coming from the words “living a faith that bleeds”. Well done for all your hard work though Tom. I am really looking forward to reading it. As they say “you can’t judge a book by it’s cover” and the strong prophetic content of this “now” word is going to market this book and bring it’s success, and the cover will naturally take care of itself.

While strong, I think it lacks a compelling tie to your story (AIDS/Africa/Orphans). Reminds me of a murder mystery.

I thought the book was about Africa and AIDS? I don’t get that from the cover.

This is simply an amazing cover Tom…compelling…A very New York Times Besting look…I would not change a thing..gripping…powerful…I would not only pick it up…I would read it! congradulations!!

I like the black cover…it would catch my attention. Maybe the bottom line “living a life that bleeds” should be a different color – something that catches your eye more. Maybe the author on the bottom…saying on the top. Well I really like the cover as a whole and I’m excited to read the book!

Go with it…all the information is there…let the one who picks it up wonder enough to open it up…quite frankly, it is a murder mystery…let them discover what it is about after they begin to read …the cover is just enough, and just not enough to capture curiosity…copy edit the contents, and run the print…lets get this one on the shelves…every moment is critical.

Tom, if you don’t do this book cover…you’re insane. It’s perfect. Don’t change a thing. Seriously. It’s dramatic and mysterious enough to draw many people in. And it’s not “christianese”. Please don’t go there. DON’T CHANGE A THING! It’s beautiful.

Tom, if you don’t do this book cover…you’re insane. It’s perfect. Don’t change a thing. Seriously. It’s dramatic and mysterious enough to draw many people in. And it’s not “christianese”. Please don’t go there. DON’T CHANGE A THING! It’s beautiful.

Matt wrote “Reminds me of a murder mystery.”
Exactly why you need to go with this cover. If it sits at Borders someone will actually pick it up…instead of blow it off because it looks like a pansy-christianese cover. Seriously.

Whats up C. Thomas Davis!!! Ah Im in Pana Hatchel Guatemala (right on Lake Atitlan…. gorgeous!!) and I really love the cover!! What happened to ‘C. Thomas’?? Let me know. Hey you are headed to Swazi soon I read from your last blog…. what about a layover in Guatemala. Wink. Miss you and Em and the coolest kiddies on the planet!! Hugs and Smooches. Hannah

this would be a great movie poster for that 1999 film “Stigmata” . . . .I am on repeat without several others here I am sure . . . . love the simplistic and stark contrasted colors on this cover. from a pure imaging perspective it is attractive. But I don’t know if I understand what this book is about from the cover and not sure I want a faith that bleeds if I can be honest. to me while I think I understand the intention, it evokes a kind of hyperbole that is unclear at one level and possibly offensive at another. Tom DAvis needs to dominate that cover more just like you fill whole countries with your charisma. boom. and finally have you considered “Under a Blood Red Sky” or is that taken?

Hi Tom.
I’m proud of you.
There is a pretty good body of research on the broad perceptions of “blood” in marketing efforts. There is a fine line you need to walk. It is better not to be “cute or coy.”
I’m glad to share the data on that with you when you call.
719-896-0065. (cell)
Warm regards,
Butch

Very nice. I agree that your name needs to be bolder.

Tom,
Overall, I think this is an awesome foundation. I admire your courage for allowing us to play creative directors. Bold move. There are, however, some things I would consider.
First, I think your color selection is fantastic. Sounds like a remedial comment, but you won’t find many black covers in the “Christian Inspiration” section of Barnes and Noble. Eye-catching indeed. Moreover, the black and red support Africa’s colors and history. Don’t change the color selection. I think this will attract more readers to your book–especially if the spine is just as sleek. It’s a great departure from what readers of that category are used to.
Being fairly new to your blog and knowing only briefly what the book is supposed to be about, I think the sub-title is misleading. While HIV is a disease that poisons the blood–I’m assuming that’s where the “a faith that bleeds” reference comes from–it connotates a missionary’s martyrdom rather than caring for the forgotten in Africa. Especially in the context of its placement at the bookstore. I think finessing the blood stain as Africa’s continent will help point your buyers in the right direction in what to expect.
Also, a more poignant, less violent sub-title seems like it may allow your book to be placed in other overlapping book categories like foreign affairs and current events. Those placements–if possible–would definitely be secondary, so it’s just a thought.
Regards,
Brian Woodward

Tom,
Love the title and cross shape, but would lose or rework the blood splatter. The way it is now, it’s a small stagnant pool, needs to be moving – bleeding denotes action. You might want to move it to the bottom of the book where the subtitle is rather than the middle of the cross. Also – need an African tie-in. It’s interesting to look at but perhaps misleading. Also I’m missing C. Thomas on this one.

Tom,
I really like the cover. It is clean and sharp. I would only suggest moving the author name down a little and the subtitle up a little.
I can’t wait to read.
Ande U.

I didn’t get a chance to read all of the comments, but I have to agree with Will and the other “haters.”
I don’t think the cover really communicates what I’m guessing the book is about. Your title makes me picture either a heartbreaking photo of children in Africa or a series of letters/words on a Bible-looking page with the words “Red Letters” in red, of course.
Admittedly, though, neither of those really flow with the subtitle. Ah well – i never claimed creativity as being one of my best qualities.
Can’t wait to read it!

looks tight.
long time not talk/see
hope your’e doing well
josh garlow

33.

33.

The colors and the subtitle are compelling. It would grab my attention.
The idea of changing the blood drop to the shape of Africa is a great one and would draw extra interest.
Also, maybe move the author name to the bottom below the subtitle in a bolder print.
I’m looking forward to reading it.

Tomilla,
I agree with Emily. The cover is enough to grab someones attention. Once they pick up the book He’ll do the rest. The “Living a faith that bleeds” is fine as is. The cover is compelling enough that if someone picks it up they’ll read the whole thing.

Tommie D…
I am a believer that a good cover is everything. Unless somebody recommended the book, I decide based on the cover and the title whether or not to open it up. This cover is really good…simple but intriguing . I think that it needs something else that pops to complete the look. I am not sure what but I want something intense…it’s an intense idea/subject. Maybe the sub-title text should be more piercing, more intense.
Thatr should so it! Otherwise, good stuff!

The cover the way it is will work wonderfully, but I agree that there is something missing with the blood stain. I like the idea of adding movement and possibly the African continent shape (if it can be done with out looking cheesy).

Tom,
I love the cover! Simple, sharp, to the point, without any unnecessary “fluffiness”, yet intriguing and symbolic! It really strikes something deep down inside with the red blood drop and a “Living A Faith that Bleeds” line underneath! Very powerful!

This is the ultimate ‘love-hate’ exercise for the publisher. Good for you for allowing us to comment on this. I just wish there were other potential covers to choose and vote from. The colors are bold, rich, dramatic, masculine – love the title ‘Red Letters’, but the subtitle with the graphic of the cross and blood feels over-the-top cliche and unoriginal. The simplicity and boldness would catch my eye, but you would lose me with the graphic and sub because it communicates that I’m about to get an extreme ‘spiritual beatdown to the nth degree’. Simple is great, but if it’s that dramatic have a serious discussion about cover treatments (UV, emboss, etc.) because if it’s a typical softcover this could come across really flat, boring and unprofessional. Can’t wait to read a copy of the book – from what I hear it sounds like it will be great.

I like it! It is eye catching and a little shocking… very interesting looking!!! IT makes me stop and think I want to read it!

Tom -
This cover is absolutely perfect, AS IS! Keep in mind that you have marketers and designers with years of experience getting books into people’s hands! If you ask a million people for their opinion you will get a million different responses. What do YOU like??

Hi Tom.
What was the best book that Jesus ever tried to sell?
Your friend,
Butch

Tom, you are brave to ask the question, I just read ALL the comments, seems everyone has an opinion, and it is always based out of their own personality…
I like it, I would defiantely pick it up in any book store…it stands out of a sea of “mush” and pastel colors….its strong, like the content….
Fear not!

This cover grabs anyone’s eye. It looks great and makes me want to crack the book open.

I really like the idea of the central blood spatter being in the shape of Africa. Otherwise, I think it is fine as is. Looks like a great read, and I can’t wait to get a copy!

Tom,
The cover is phenomenal. As another commenter mentioned, forego the ‘pansy christianese’ in favor of the radical. This is a radical topic requiring radical compassion and action.
I have to admit that I like the idea, though, of shaping the principal blood spot to resemble Africa. Powerful.
If people really want another tie in with the topic/setting, perhaps you can have a faint image of an African child subtly in the black background (a vellum-style shadow effect, if that makes sense). This could also be produced by a combo gloss/matt application.
Blessings,
Paul Myhill