Wild Cover Design Story - The Invitation Beyond

Thanks to a dear friend, there was an inspired and meaningful last minute change to the cover design of my book.

Here is what she said to me, “I feel the cover you’re considering might not represent the magnitude, seriousness and impact of the information you are sharing in this book. I don’t know if the photoshopped background with the other people will resonate with the audience - I COULD be wrong, but if we are talking REAL talk and relatability here, I want to see a POWERFUL, real cover that embodies masculinity. Obviously I am not your main audience, but I probably would not pick up either of these current options.

I threw this together — it is probably way off, but I love the intensity and power within it — and just felt compelled to share. I hope you don’t mind - I send with no expectations and only love and possibility!! Just want the very best for you!!!

Thank you for receiving my feedback!! So much appreciation and gratitude to you!!”

How awesome is that?! I am grateful and blessed to have friends like her. And I have so many. Truly a gift.

And I believe part of healthy, powerful masculinity is being able and willing to accept feedback (can you feel how hesitant my friend was to share what she did? She said it’s because it’s not been safe for her to bring this level of love and care to other men. They’ve not responded well). That I was so receptive, actually way, way beyond receptive is exactly the kind of openness and humility, and strength of self, that I talk about in The Invitation Beyond. What a special part of the book creation that I embodied it in the creation of the cover!