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I’d love your input: Which picture for the back cover of the book?

by Jenny • August 8th, 2010

Exciting times, my friends! I just got back from L.A. where I took author portraits at my alma mater (Go Bruins!) with my mom’s childhood friend – photographer Mark Hanauer. I am also working on cutting the draft of my book down to 300 pages (from 450), per my editor’s request. Next steps are copy-editing and cover design…eeee! Want to know more? Follow more detailed book updates by joining my monthly-ish “Inside Scoop” book newsletter.

Back Cover Photo – Share Your Two Cents!

I tend to be indecisive, so I put my two favorite pictures up for a Facebook vote on Friday…but the results were pretty split (thanks to everyone who already chimed in!). I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments — which picture do you think is a better fit for the back of the book? Both pictures can be cropped in closer. I want to come across as relatable…and telepathically inspire people to actually buy a copy

And just for fun, I’ll use Random.org to pick a winner from the comments and you’ll get a signed copy when it comes out next March (that is the first time I’ve mentioned giving away a copy of MY OWN book…what a trip!). Just make sure you weigh in by Friday, August 13.

Option 1 (Royce Hall, UCLA)

Option 2

“Behind the Scenes” Videos from Picture Day

Guest appearances (in no particular order) by my brother Tom, his girlfriend Gil, the photographer Mark, and Chantal Moore, the fabulous makeup artist. Note: The videos are awkwardly tall (and unedited) – taken on my brother’s iPhone 4.

Video 1 – Makeup and an intro to Shaq the dog
Video 2 – “Feels like a little slice of heaven”
Video 3 – Introductions (how you know you’ve made it into the inner circle)
Video 4 – Walking down Royce Hall for that windblown look

***

P.S. I’m also excited to share the launch of DoesNot.com from another family friend, Bob Gordon, a lawyer and fellow Bay Area resident. Bob has been part of a team working on this website for over 15 years. It’s super interactive and the purpose is to “enhance creativity, self worth and empowerment among youth” through 8 interactive environments. Artists can upload their own videos to share with friends, and users can download and remix songs they like. Check it out if you get a chance!

Are you new to Life After College? Welcome, and thanks for visiting! Looking for a portable life coach? Be sure to check out my new book, Life After College: The Complete Guide to Getting What You Want for tips, quotes and inspirational coaching exercises. If you liked this post, consider subscribing to my blog via email. Want access to the Organized Like a Ninja Toolkit with 15+ kick-ass templates, and hundreds of tips and tools to get your life in order? Sign-up for the monthly “inside scoop” (email updates with personal stories, tips and resources). I look forward to keeping in touch!

79 comments

Categories: Life After College - The Book!, Video

Jac

I'm a big fan of option 2. I like that your body position faces the camera.
Chavon Ann

I really like number 1, but I'm not exactly sure why because they almost look identical. But for some reason number 1 looks really natural and relaxed.
http://www.lifeschocolates.com sameve

At first I was going to say #2…but now I'm leaning towards #1. You look beautiful in both, and I love the dress! #1 just looks a little more like friendly, fabulous you
Julianne Kelley

I like number one better, but both are beautiful so whichever one you pick will be great for the book!
http://beginideas.com Usman Uddin

Hi Jenny,
You are gorgeous in both pics, but I prefer option 2!

Best,
Usman
Samantha Foodedu

Hmmm….difficult choice, but my pick is #2.
http://emilyinchile.blogspot.com emilyinchile

I say #2. I think it looks more author-y and more like you're kind of standing up facing me saying “hi, I'm Jenny.” But I would crop it so that you can't see your hands in your pockets because I don't really like how the bump of your left (right in the picture) hand looks. I think cropping it closer in like that would also just look better for the jacket of a book since I'm more interested in an author's face/expression than body.
http://twitter.com/ChaChanna ChaChanna Simpson

You are beautiful in both. I'm picking option #2!
Rachel R.

I'm not sure exactly what it is about photo #1, but I like it the most! Both are very nice, though.
Catherine

Difficult decision because both are really great! Love your clothing color choice (nice alliteration lol?), brings out your eyes and that's what people look at when connecting with a person. My vote is #2, something about it seems more like hello, here I am, pay attention to me (in a good way), the other seems like you're more shy and hanging back a little, and less demanding of attention. My two cents… =)
http://twitter.com/carlsoja Alex Carlson

They're both beautiful, but option 2 is definitely the winner.
http://twitter.com/mmbizon mmbizon

I don't think you'd go wrong with either, but I like the first one the best. I think you look more at ease. I'd just crop out a little of the extra head space, though.

I love the behind-the-scenes videos, by the way! So fun!
Metrostudent Sanchez497

Definitely #2. Face is more relaxed looking.
http://twitter.com/Jeeka2 Jessica Smith

Jenny-I really love them both, so you couldn't go wrong picking either one. I personally like option #2. Since you want to come across relatable, I feel your body language in option # 2 comes across more warm, welcoming, approachable and relatable!

Good luck in your picking!

Jess Smith
http://www.careersoutthere.com/ MarcLuber

Nice pics Jenny. I say #2 for sure. You look more relaxed and less posed in #2. Plus I think #2 draws the viewer more to your face…whereas #1 draws a viewer to your left arm and elbow.
http://www.kristenbyers.net/ Kristen

Option 2 for sure! It looks much more natural.
http://www.CailenAscher.blogspot.com CailenAscher

I vote for option 2. Something about that image is more powerful.

Best of luck with your book!!! So exciting.
Cailen
writer, blogger, author
Quarterlifelady

I like option #1. A lot.

But could there be an option #3 where you just hang out with me in Pittsburgh and we go dancing? Or better yet, I get to come to you??
http://twitter.com/_happygolucky_ Elizabeth

I think I like option #2 better
http://writtenonawhim.wordpress.com Gloria

I vote for option 1. Posture and confidence. I like it!
Sweta

Option 1 because your dress looks kind of wrinkled in option 2.
http://www.missiondrivenbrand.com rpene

Option 2 looks cool to me
Adriana Casas

I know the voting is over, but I'll chime in anyway. #2 is my fave. Upper body points in more toward your audience, giving the appearance of openness and the “I'm listening” look. I'm excited for you!
http://JunLoayza.com JunLoayza

I like Option 1

Yay Jenny!!!
http://fiwk.blogspot.com Royce

I vote for option #1 cause you seem a little more casual but still in control. Then again DShan just voted the opposite of me and I think he counts for like 48 normal opinions.

PS – a GREAT choice to take these at Royce Hall! Heck yeah go Bruins!
http://www.effieboo.wordpress.com effieboo

#2, definitely!
http://www.lifeaftercollege.org jennyblake

Congrats Sneha! You won the copy of my book It's not ready to ship yet (just sent to the copy-editor today), but as soon as it comes out in March you'll get a signed copy! Will you send me your mailing address when you get a chance? Or if you think you'll move between now and then, we can just get in touch once March 2011 rolls around…

Thanks again for commenting and for being such a loyal reader!
Sneha

Thanks again Jenny, I'll let you know my address when March 2011 comes closer, since I'm not sure what life will bring by then =) . Definitely have it on my calendar for then.
Sharon

Absolutely, Option #2!