Author Photos
#1
#2
#3
#4
Well, here they are. The author photos. I know they're not particularly well placed on the page, but it takes too long to keep uploading them.
Without actually identifying the specific photos, let me just say they've caused some strife in our family. DH (I mean HB) did not choose the photo I like best. Child #4 did not choose the same photo as child #2 and child #3. Child #1 wouldn't choose. Sister #2 remarked on the unattractiveness of my favorite photo. She is off the Christmas list. Although she can get back on by sending me a big gift. The psychic niece refuses to come clean about which photo I'll choose, thus saving you all time.
So, if you have a moment and feel so inclined, please let me know (by posting the number of the photo in comments or emailing me) which picture I should send to Random House for the backflap of the book. I'll probably go with majority wins. Unless that turns out to be the photo I really don't like.
If you don't like any of the photos, you can politely suggest I use a picture of a rhino. But then, you will never get on my Christmas list. Also, you should keep in mind what the photographer had to work with. Off the top, you can see what a marvelous job she did airbrushing out the third eye. And she's given me a full set of teeth.
And, for the record, this feels really, really weird.
Posts
(Popping over from teenlitauthors list)--
ReplyDeleteI like the first one best. The other ones are actually really nice, too, but if you are writing humorous mysteries, it's nice to see a picture where it looks like you might be thinking about something humorous.
They are all great, Barrie, but I think I like #1 the best!
ReplyDeleteI'm for number one too. You look the most accessible in that one, for one thing, which is good for a photo for a kids book. I think in #2 you don't look as relaxed. #3 would be great but I don't like that cupid over your shoulder. And #4 is great, but I'm categorically opposed to author-hand shots. It's just such an artificial pose, IMHO.
ReplyDeleteYou wanted my honest opinion?
(BTW--validating word: dishfrlz)
I bet it does feel strange. I think #1.
ReplyDeleteTeri
I like #1 best because of the friendliness aspect of the look, which, as Gina pointed out, is good for the intended age group, I would think. I also like #3 as a general author shot--it looks great. #4 would be okay, but I don't like the author-hand thing either.
ReplyDeleteGreat cover!!!
Definitely number four. You look engaged, sitting forward, ready to listen. Your body language is the best and despite the cliche of hands under face, this is a winning pic.
ReplyDeleteMy choice would be #3. I think all of the pictures are nice, but your smile in #3 looks very natural.It does not look like you are posing for a picture in #3...instead it looks to me like you are smiling at a friend, or something like that. I also asked my husband without telling him which one I had picked and he instantly picked #3 too. And for the same reason. So two votes from my household are for #3!
ReplyDeleteLinda RWASD
I'm going with number 1. Best for a book flap. The others are great too and will have their place somewhere else in the grand scheme of things.
ReplyDelete#4 gets my vote...you look great in each photo, but this one you're surrounded by the greenery and it just enhances the total impact. And, there are no palm tree trunks coming out of, or near your head!
ReplyDelete#1 is my next choice. Hey, go with your favorite.
I like #1 and #3. Number three mainly because it is nice and casual - suited for your market, I believe. It's nice to know what you finally look like!
ReplyDeleteBTW, major congrats on your cover - I LOVE it!
My vote is for #3 because you look so natural and casual. Next would be #1 (clearly the overwhelming fave) because it's very sleuthy. =) But they are all lovely.
ReplyDeleteI like #1 and #3 the best.
ReplyDeleteI like number one best!
ReplyDeleteNumber one!
ReplyDeleteI like #1 the best, and #3 is my second choice.
ReplyDeleteI love the first one, you look most natural.- Stephanie Kuehnert
ReplyDelete#1 best,
ReplyDelete#3 2nd best
Janet
They're all great, Barrie. BUT if I had to choose... I like either #1 or #3. :)
ReplyDeleteI vote for #3. Looks very natural. :)
ReplyDelete#3 is my fave, followed very closely by #1. Great pics!
ReplyDelete~Brooke Taylor
I like #1 best. It's casual and friendly, and you have a nice smile in it. But you really can't go wrong with any of these.
ReplyDeleteI like #4 the best, followed by #1.
ReplyDeletewow, not to be contrary, but i like #2. #1 is my second favorite!
ReplyDeletei just think in #2 you look relaxed, friendly, and semi-impish, in the best possible way.
You look great in all the photos. My oldest daughter and I imagined a book cover and thought number one is the best! Maybe you could use the others for Christmas cards. Hey, will you do a signing in Houston?
ReplyDeleteMy order of preference is: 1, 3, 2, 4!! It was a close decision between the first 3.
ReplyDeleteBarrie,
ReplyDeleteI've already voted, but once you decide I'm sure we'd all like to know which one you liked the best, your husband, kids, and which one is the one your friend had you add back in. Regardless of which one you pick, the picture will look great on your book!
Linda
Great photos. I like them all, if I had to choose it would be number 4!
ReplyDeletex
Not to be contrary, but #1 is definitely out. It looks too posed... not at all Barrie. I could understand other people who haven't met you thinking that it's the best picture, but it's not you. The Barrie that I know does not shine through in picture #1. There's just something flat about it (not your face, but the expression).
ReplyDelete#4 looks posed too, but it has just the right subtle difference from #1 to make it YOU. There's more depth that makes me think there's something interesting going through your brain at that exact moment.
#2 is a bit timid, and #3 s too casual for my tastes.
I'm rather brutal and honest on my opinions here, but I figure that's what you want.
It takes courage to put these pictures up for people to judge!
OK, I already voted, but I have to back up my choice again. #1 and 2 have that chair-barrier thing going on. #3 looks too relaxed. They're all good, don't get me wrong, but I like #4, especially for the YA audience. IMO kids are looking for someone who really cares, who pays attention. That someone comes across in #4.
ReplyDeleteThe first one is my fave, Barrie. You look open, friendly, engaged and relaxed. The third is my second favorite -- it shows off your adorable figure. The fourth is my least favorite. The third seems too posed.
ReplyDeleteThere it is. Brutal honesty. Take it or leave it. Ha!
PS Your cover is fantastic and it's fun to finally see your attractive face. You look a lot like I pictured. Except I didn't think of you with glasses.
ReplyDeleteYou've asked to see photos I've taken. A book whose cover I shot is coming out soon. It's posted at our RWA chapter blog at: www.mwvrwa.blogspot.com/
It's under the heading on the left: Coming soon. The title is "Songs of the Heart" by Genene Valleau. Not as exciting as seeing the cover to a book you've written, such as yours, but still exciting!
Barrie, I like 1 and 3 the best, though they're all great and look very author-like!!!!!
ReplyDeletealso popping in from teenlitauthors list--
ReplyDeleteI think you look most natural and welcoming in #3, though #1 is a close second for a favorite. I'm not a fan of the hands by the face shot either.
Wow! This is tough (I feel like my wife just asked me if her butt looks big) but here goes...you look great in all the shots, however, I like # 4 the best.
ReplyDeleteMy two fav's are #1 and #3. The only one I wasn't crazy about was #4. Not sure why.
ReplyDeleteJust seen your email in teenlit so hopped across to look at your pics - and definitely think #1 and then #3. Good luck with choosing!
ReplyDeleteI like 3
ReplyDeleteAnd the winner is #3... I like #1 also but 3 is the best. You smile looks the best and I like the pose. It is just a good pic. Remember when taking all this info into consideration that I am the one that told you that you would be famous. :) Tell Jamie your hair looks great in all of them.
ReplyDelete-your psychic niece
(also popping over from teen lit list...)
ReplyDeleteHa Ha Ha! I think picking your author photo (and getting it taken) are some of the wierdest things we authors have to do. For most of us it's just not in our nature to exhibit ourselves! That agreed upon though, I really like number one the best.You look friendly and interesting, and I like the chair element.
All the best with it Barrie!
Elle.
Hi, Barrie. You look fabulous in all of them, but my fave is #3.
ReplyDelete:) Vanessa
Ok honesty right? There has to be a 5th pic! Plz tell us there is a 5th picture. Something better than what is here. And who did your hair? Ok ok just kidding for all of you getting angry. I am just joking! I will have to say I was hoping you would be dressed in a belly dancing costume to introduce your 2nd book, "I So Do Not Do Belly Dancing." But I guess this pic is going to be on every book from here out. Seriously, I like #1. It is the most natural with being the most inviting. I agree with someone who said that it isn't the Barrie we know. I think #3 is the best one that describes you as we know you, but you want the pic to invite others to like you. You have already captured our hearts and friendships, it is the general public that has to fall in love with you know. #1 I think accomplishes this without looking like you were posing. Sorry for the length everyone. And honestly, your hair looks great!
ReplyDeleteHi Barrie! How exciting! I like #3.
ReplyDeleteI guess I side with the majority--I like #1 best too. But they're all good...
ReplyDelete