Remember a couple weeks ago, when I told you I was writing a new book? That announcement just got one step closer to reality with a final cover design:

For this design, I worked with Ben Huber, the brains behind my Gunpla 101 logo. I told him I wanted to carry over the color scheme from Kevin Bolk’s design for my first book, gave him my title, and then set him loose. The result is a bright, bold, and minimal cover inspired by manga panels and Japanese woodblock prints.

Both times I have published a book the traditional way, I have had zero control over the cover design. Following that, both times I have worked with an artist for a self-published book, I’ve been comfortable taking a hands-off approach, requesting only one revision each time. I hired Kevin and Ben because I like the work they do and was hoping for them to bring their own sensibilities to the table. Imagine if I had asked Kevin to go minimalist, or Ben to try to imitate Kevin’s cutesy style!

Your survey answers from my book announcement have heavily shaped its progress. I have chosen 12 bloggers to interview based on the people you requested most often. Out of 41 respondents, nearly everyone wanted to know “how to get a bigger audience” for your blog, so I made that a bigger section than it was previously.

Right now, I’m looking at a May 1 release date for the book. I will update you as more news becomes available to share.