About

Dear book marketing experts and book cover designers, I'm not yet looking for a design but rather for advice/consult regarding the title and cover of my book. I'm publishing a crossover philosophy book with a renowned academic publisher. The title is: Philosophy of the Outdoors: Physical Activity and the Experience of Meaning in Nature. The book is not only for an academic but also for a wider audience of outdoor enthusiasts. So it's a crossover. The publisher allows me to change the title and I will have a say in the cover design. I intend to propose a completed design to them. The problem I'm trying to solve is this: the phrase "physical activity" is somewhat general and vague. Potential readers might not know what kind of activities it refers to. The book discusses many different activities: hiking, cycling, swimming, running, rock climbing, sailing, mountain biking, surfing, and skiing, among others. But how will, for instance, an avid open-water swimmer immediately recognize that this book is also for them? I see three potential solutions: (a) Adding an extra part to the subtitle that mentions a number of the activities listed above The subtitle could then for instance be: Physical Activity and the Experience of Meaning in Nature – Why We Run, Hike, Bike, Swim, Surf, Dive, Climb, Paddle, and Ski to Explore the Natural World (b) Creating a cover design that shows several of the activities listed (c) Both (a) and (b) I will add some simple cover designs that my photoshopper has created (as yet without the longer subtitle). But I will probably hire a professional book cover designer once I know what I need (but that will be a separate job post). Book cover designers can also respond if they have a great idea for the title and cover. I look forward to your response! Best wishes, Jasper