Well, um, you really want to know? I'm torn between saying and not saying.

Because, it makes me think of sex of the bondage variety. And porn.

*wincing*
Sorry. Maybe I'll be the only one with that association, though. Consequently, if I saw this ad, I wouldn't look any more closely at a novel with those connotations.

However, since 'sex sells', it might work very well for the majority of the population.

Don't wince. Really, it's okay, and I do want to hear. That's why I asked... now I'll be interested to see if other people have the same first reaction.

I do see 'sex' but not 'porn', not even 'sexy'. I just assume the protagonists will be physically involved at some point during the story and that involve will reflect part of their (internal) struggle(?). The post card, and the soldier kissing his girl good-bye says 'international' and 'intrigue'. The retro soldier image could also mean some sort of flashback/parallel story (and the parallel story in the past would dovetail with the 'train tracks'. hmmm, maybe being tied to the past is a theme explored?) The 'video' tag & image reinforces the idea that sex is an important part of this tale. The 'sweet potatoe pie' is interesting. I guess it ties into the sweet/innoncence of the retro image. It seems to imply 'comfort'. I dunno, think much? heh.

The tag line is intriguing, none of the elements seem to go together. This ad would stick in my mind, and I would investigate further.

Well, I like it and it doesn't say anything about bondage to me. I'm not terribly fond of the image up top with the title. It's confusing (she's looking up? is she laying or standing, what's that angle? is that her hair spread out? is she tied anywhere? where?) and then doesn't seem to fit with the rest of the imagery. It catches my eye and makes me look a little closer, though, so that's a good thing.

And it's probably just me, but I don't like the rhythm of "Sex, Sweet Potato Pie, and Digital Videotape." Somehow, "sweet potato pie" should come last. And sex shouldn't come first. But then it feels weird to start with digital videotape, so I dunno. I like "Movies, sex, and sweet potato pie" - but movies and digital videotape aren't exactly interchangeable, so I dunno.

The picture of the black-n-white kissing couple is great, though. I just love it.

everybody -- thanks, this is just the kind of thing I need to hear.

Beth - The tag line isn't right. I'm hoping somebody at Putnam will have a brilliant one, and in the meantime I keep playing with this riff on sex, lies & videotape.

Jaq -- I'm glad that for you the idea of a parallel story in the past came to mind. Because there is one.

The biggest problem is indeed that the images are very disaparate, and there's nothing to indicate how they are relevant to each other.

All along I've expected this to be humourous - thinking it somehow alluded to "The Perils of Pauline." Thus I expect a horizontal female tied to railroad tracks with a caped, learing villain leaning over her. Too busy: The topmost picture seems to be a postage stamp, the pie picture a sticker, your name a cancellation stamp, but the Igrid Bergman picture doesn't fit the other 3. I think the intent of a book cover is a quick lure to buy, but in this case, if I hadn't seen your name on it, I would pass it over. Sorry, but that's the truth!

asdfg -- I appreciate the honest feedback, really. But this isn't supposed to be the bookcover, I don't have any part in that design. It's just an ad for the website. Does that make any difference?

The tag line had me picturing a naked couple slinging sweet potato slop while making a home porno. Which, you know, sounds interesting. I like that the film resembles train tracks (but it also made me think 'THAT'S not digital videotape') and I like the mail/postal feel you've got going on. The upside-down girl, however, is just disturbing. And such a contrast to the kissing couple, which may be the point. It definitely piqued my interest, but if I were thinking about buying this book based on this ad, I would like some clue as to how it all ties together.

Sarandipity -- good points. See? This is why I asked.

Hmmm... How do I comment on a comment? Oh well. Finally I saw "right hand column," but I still pretty much hold with my comments. It's still supposed to be a lure, right - first to read your blog, then to read your books? (Yeah, I know you have multiple purposes, but I think that should be the most important one, i.e. I see your ad, I read your blog, I buy your book, the publisher passes on $ so you can buy yourself a baloney sandwich.) Lures by definition (mine!) must be very simple, eye-catching, curious to the beholder - no more than about 5 seconds to capture the beholder's attention.

asdfg (what does that stand for, anyway?) -- sure you can comment on a comment. Comment away.

Yes, a lure. I'll take another stab at it.

See, I never would have gotten the "sex, lies & videotape" thing. Maybe the connection would be made more easily with "sex, pies & digital videotape." You could also imitate it visually with the white letters inside the black bars, but that might be making too strong of an association.

I quite like it Sara. From a purely visual point of view the three pics do look so unconnected, but that is what would make me want to find out more.
I know it's not, but if I saw that as a book cover, I would pick up the book and turn it over to read the blurb or even read the first page.
I have to agree with the tag line not flowing - seems a bit awkward but still makes you pause and ponder.
I would also have guessed there was a double time-line with either flashbacks (or forwards?)

asdfg - nothing more than the left hand home keys for typing, trying to maintain anonymity to protect against evil computer eavesdroppers that might want to send me Viagra or steal my money. Androgynous, ageless, no clues name.

Um. If you did go with this tag, I'd suggest you consider "digital video" rather than "digital videotape"; and drop the word "pie" for rhythm's sake. Or the words "sweet potato."

Then you would have: sex, pie, and digital video.

I think Putnam might be nervous about infringement. I also think this particular tag might not pique the interest of The Most Likely Readers.

But hey, in a world in which People can be named Magazine of the Year, anything goes.

Cheryll -- Titles can't be copyrighted, so I'm not sure how riffing on Sex, Lies & Videotape could be seen as infringment.

And almost certainly (99.99% certainly) Putnam will come up with something different anyway, and hopefully much better.