It's All In The Frame

I like the Procrastination Equation cover better. The idea of a single image on white background is no longer new, but it worked very well for this cover. In the long run Work Arounds that Work will likely sell more based on the cover. Why?
The other book has the word Equation in its title, this sends a message that is will be a more difficult book to read.
The Author has Ph D next to his name, a good thing, it supports the first point, however I am not sure this is necessarily a the way to go with mass marketing.
The second book has David Allen pasted on the front page, not a big deal for me but this will draw in some casual browser.
The title of the second book sounds ‘how to-ish” this could trick the buyer to see the instant value in making that purchase.
My two cents.

Osize/Rob,

You are both hitting on important points.

Procrastination Equation has a more elegant cover. An interesting question is whether a stopwatch in a clamp graphically represents the reader delaying action. The word equation implies research, but could turn off some expecting an overly complicated solution.

Workarounds That Work plays to a concept that everyone already know and the promise of the book is even better shortcuts. The cover art matches what McGraw-Hill commonly does with just using text for their covers. Workaround that Work plays to the “you-can-fix-it-now” approach, the familiar tact of making the best out of what you have. I am normally skeptical of endorsements, but David Allen (who name is in a larger font size than the authors) might improve the pick up rate.

Rob hit on the head what I was trying to get it: selling a book on procrastination is a tough sell. No one wants to admit that they have that problem. Harper is positioning the book for smart people, individuals who are willing to admit they have a problem and want the best research on the topic. Procrastination Equation will likely get some good coverage in the media, because journalists will be interested in talk about it, but the disconnect will come with the reader’s willingness to pick the book up and buy it.

In the end, books are product and readers need to identify with the problem presented. The problem and how it is presented (framed) is incredibly important in the success of a book.