The book title has been decided! And now, I'm struggling with the cover again.

I kept wondering, "Is this really the right phrasing?"

After staring at the screen over and over again, I finally made a decision.

Regarding the book title I asked for your advice on in my last post,
thank you so much for the overwhelming number of warm comments, far beyond what I had imagined.

I read every single word you shared with great care.
It was a time that truly saved me, as I touched upon your own feelings of "suffocation" and your "wishes for how you want to be."

And so, with your voices as my guide, the book title has been decided, and I am here to report it to you!

The decided title

Since all three of the initial proposals received so many votes in the comments, I tried combining them!

Trying to meet someone else's expectations while ignoring the voice in my own heart, pushing myself to the limit.
I chose these words hoping that when my past self, or anyone currently feeling that same suffocation somewhere, sees this title, they might feel a weight lift off their shoulders.
And be able to take a deep breath.
That is the kind of title I wanted it to be.

It is a precious title that I decided on together with all of you.
Thank you so much.

I've wandered into a maze again

The manuscript revision is reaching its final stages, but no sooner had I felt relieved than
now I am struggling with the "cover design."

The designer has created a few rough drafts for me.
They are all wonderful, and each has its own merits.

I want it to be the kind of cover that feels natural to pick up when you happen to stop by a bookstore.
I want a quiet, gentle cover, but I'm not sure which direction is best.

This time, I would like to ask for your opinions on the following four cover drafts.

What I'm struggling with

① Should the title be written vertically or horizontally?
The horizontal design feels modern and looks clean.
The vertical design feels a bit more literary, and I feel like the words soak into the heart more gradually.

② The atmosphere and motifs of the illustrations
The watercolor landscape (Option 1) feels calm and represents a quiet, warm moment of solitude.
The line art illustrations (Options 2, 3, and 4) are simple and have negative space, which I think makes it easier for people to project themselves into.
Also, I wonder if it's better to have people depicted, or if just showing hands or scenery allows for more imagination...

Please let me hear your thoughts again.

When I think about it all by myself in my head, my perspective inevitably becomes narrow.

“I like this atmosphere.”
“If I saw this in a bookstore, I might pick it up.”
“The words sink in more easily with the vertical text.”
“This illustration might be a bit different from how I see myself.”

Any casual, intuitive impression like that is fine.
Even just the number of the cover you like is fine.
Could you please share your thoughts in the comments section?

Even though I should be sitting alone in front of my computer, I feel a strange, warm sensation as if I am creating a book together with all of you.

Thank you in advance for your help.

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