I put this in "Write Way". But I realized that this more of a business question. Background: My book on the "Solving the Climate Crisis" is being published by Praeger press. With Praeger's permission I'm self publishing a graphic version.
I've come up with a few phrases that might help convey how this differs from either a "comic book/graphic novel" version and from a "coffee table" version. I'd like some reactions:
"A picture book for grownups" "A picture book for adults".
Do either of those convey a book where the layout and "look and feel" is like children's books, as is the ratio of text to graphics, but with the content a more substantive and higher reading level than most children's books. Also some worries on these phrases: does the use of word "grownup" connote a high level of preciousness? Does the use of the word "adult" imply sexual content.
Another phrase I'm thinking of using is "A snarky survey of a serious subject". Only about a third of the content is snarky, so is this misleading? Or does the use of the words "serious" and "survey" convey a mixture of snarky and serious sufficiently?
I'm interested in any reaction, but I especially want to make sure I'm not miscommunicating or setting false expectations.
I think that grownups is better than adults.
Definitely grownups over adults. I think snarky survey of a serious subject is not misleading, but I don't love the word snarky; I don't know that I have a reason I can state, though.
I think you may be right. How do I convey that it is lively, and does not have a stick up its ass?
I agree about grownups vs. adults...Adult does, for better or worse, connote something you want to avoid.
Instead of snarky, how about irreverent, or pointed, or challenging, or confronting?
You want to express 'outside the box' without saying outside the box. I like, pulling the cover off and looking behind the curtain.
This lively and information-packed picture book for grownups is serious but not solemn, irreverent but never indifferent.
Another version I'd love feedback on:
"Cooling a Fevered Planet" is a lively and information-packed picture book for grownups. It is serious but not solemn, irreverent but never indifferent. At fewer than 80 pages this graphical survey of the economics, policy and politics of solving the climate crisis leaves the reader energized and informed.
This lively and information-packed picture book for grownups is serious but not solemn, irreverent but never indifferent.
I like this a lot.
I'd cut the number of pages in favor of "This graphical survey economically communicates the essentials of solving the climate crisis, leaving you informed, energized and ready for action."
I'm assuming the book includes a call to action.
Stating the pages a) suggests that I, as a reader, don't have the patience and/or interest (which I might, you don't know) and b) makes it seem like a pamphlet. I see the interest in advertising a short read, but I think it leaves an impression you might not want.
Final version?
"Cooling a Fevered Planet" is a lively and information-packed picture book for grownups. It is serious but not solemn, irreverent but never indifferent. This succinct graphical survey of the economics, policy and politics of solving the climate crisis leaves the reader informed and energized.
short instead of concise? Or succinct. I think succinct is better, and changed it. And changed to informed and energize.
