I didn't realise about the beaten up lion until I shared it. Was a bit concerned me sharing a pic of a beaten up animal if people didn't read what it was in aid off (working for an animal charity and all that).

posted 25th April 2016

I'd have to go with the 'no' camp on this one David. Whilst it is a cracking shot, I feel that putting it on the front may cause undue discomfort to certain people, especially if the cover is linked and then shared across facebook, twitter, etc. I know my mother would not like it if I left the book on the coffee table... ;)

posted 25th April 2016

It's pretty brutal! Lure people in with beauty, let the story unfold within the pages. Create your life and pain in pictures, I'm sure the stunning moments outweigh the ugly ones largely, celebrate that for the first seven years ..... There's always a sequel to think about ....

posted 25th April 2016

The best cover photo will be the one that sells the most books for the charity; Irrespective of how good the shot is or how fitting the message. I'm no marketeer, but I suspect the wounded lion has lower appeal to the masses than say the cub in the rib-cage... new life from old.

posted 25th April 2016

Its your book. If the lion image conveys your feelings about the book and its purpose, then stick with it.

posted 25th April 2016

I am in the no camp too - it is too brutal for the cover. I agree with Gary's mother that I wouldn't want it on my coffee table!

posted 25th April 2016

The picture is brutal, life can be brutal, and Parkinsons can be brutal. Its your book, its your story.

posted 25th April 2016

I agree with Joanne Hedger the cub in the rib cage is brilliant, the lion with the gouged eye is brutal and although very good will put people off in buying the book.

posted 25th April 2016

I'd say go with your gut feeling on it :0) .... that image can convey so many different messages of survival and strength and I can't imagine it putting people off; it would make me open the book.... x

posted 25th April 2016

As much as I like it, and understand why you'd want it to be the book cover, my gut feel is that the image is too brutal as a cover shot. I'd be looking to entice readers whilst still showing the reality of nature, and unique shots and I think the cub in the rib cage does that better.

posted 25th April 2016

Well if it was just for you then go with your heart. But if it's important to you to raise as much money as possible for Parkinson's then you might want a design that will appeal to as bigger audience as possible. Cubs - sell. Gory Mufasa - probably not! Good luck!

posted 25th April 2016

I agree with the people who are saying no. Great image but as others have said need to entice them in but doesn't have to be a cute image. However stay true to your vision of the book.

posted 25th April 2016

I also would encourage you not to use the injured lion picture, for all the reasons mentioned above. I would suggest the bellowing stag which is a strong image and gives a flavour of the strength and determination you have shown to deal with you health issues.

posted 26th April 2016

A quick thought, as the book is hard cover, would there be a possibility of a dust jacket/cover? If so then use a family friendly (sits nicely on the Waterstones bookshelves) image on the dust jacket/cover and then on the hard cover itself, use the lion image?

posted 26th April 2016

Brutal lion good, but best to draw in a wide audience and then blow their minds once they are in. Id also want to see this fascinating author in action; somewhere unexpected (like the dramatic storm facing shot you use on this blog).

posted 27th April 2016

I wouldn't want this image lying on my coffee table either, it would make me uncomfortable, although happy to see the image and its powerful message in the inside of the book. Agree with the comments so far, an image with more appeal on the front will sell more books. I've just pledged and I hope it's not on the front cover.

posted 7th May 2016

P.S. What about using the Kingfisher? You mentioned on the One Show they were your favourites? Lots of brilliant images though. I can imagine it will be hard to choose.

posted 7th May 2016