I do agree with the other poster - a revised cover and proofreading (m ore) would make a big difference to the perceived authority of your book. As a designer I

I do agree with the other poster - a revised cover and proofreading (m ore) would make a big difference to the perceived authority of your book. As a designer I can't resist giving you some unsolicited advice here (apologies in advance, feel free to ignore): The central image is perfect - a good photo, and says everything you need it to say. You should cut the other images (and in particular the awkward 80s perspective grid layout), and just use that one image big on the front, with the titling superimposed or on blocks of colour above and below. The result would be an instant increase in credibility. Now perhaps the WTF chicken reflects the folksy style of the writing inside, so there is an argument for keeping that poking in from an edge (I see why you have included this), but the rest of the images and their styling absolutely do not and fight against your premise, and the green grid communicates 1980s business title. You may also want to consider a strapline that tells people what is in the book, and why a rubber chicken features on the cover of a management book, perhaps pair the chicken with that.