365 Days In: The Human Relief Project Is Getting A New Look
Plus what this rebrand says about where my writing’s headed.
Hi everyone!
It’s time for my promised HRP anniversary surprise.
Exactly one year ago, I launched my first novel, The Human Relief Project, into the world. Back then, it felt like the pinnacle of a long journey, not just as a writer, but as someone finally learning to listen to his inner passions and callings.
But little did I know on October 19th last year that it was really just the beginning — for both The Human Relief Project and for me as a novelist.
Since the launch, the book has found its way into over 250 hands (and screens). Not a breakout hit — the one every author secretly dreams of 😉 — but a wonderful beginning that has led to many deep conversations about AI, work, and purpose. Every week, I get messages or see headlines about how AI is reshaping the world, automating jobs, even making people joke that The Human Relief Project is becoming reality — which I love. It’s surreal to see my book pop up in those conversations and spark those kinds of thoughts.
Over the past year, I’ve shared many lessons learned, but the biggest one has been clarity. I now understand much better who I want to be as a novelist — a journey that will continue for as long as I write — who my books are for, and how I can bring that essence alive across everything I create: from my Substack to my website, and, most importantly, my book design.
You might’ve already noticed the rebrand of this Substack into The What-If Lab, and a few subtle changes on my website. But today, for you my loyal Substack readers, I have a special treat.
You’re the first to see the new cover for The Human Relief Project.
It’ll roll out publicly over the next few weeks, but I couldn’t resist sharing it with you first.
So here we go.
Now, a bit about the thinking behind it. The Human Relief Project isn’t hardcore science fiction — and it’s not purely literary either. It’s a crossover: for readers who love to explore the big what-ifs, morally complex futures, and systemic impact of technology through intimate stories and deeply human eyes. Think Klara and the Sun, Station Eleven, or The Mountain in the Sea.
With my original cover, I tried to signal that it was “not typical sci-fi,” something more subtle and grounded. But the feedback was clear — readers struggled to connect the cover to my desired crossover genre, some even confusing it for a children’s book. So I knew I had to rethink it.
I ran a design contest late last year, but nothing quite fit. So I parked the project. Then, this summer, as I refined my author essence, new ideas started flowing. Dozens of iterations later, the result is this new design — black and white image for realism and plausibility, a slightly futuristic building to hint at the near future, and a bright accent color that keeps it alive, human, and optimistic.
The look captures what I write for: realistic “what-if” futures with emotional depth. Stories that marry heart and mind. Fiction that invites us to step into an almost-tomorrow and confront timeless questions about meaning, identity, and human agency.
It also looks stunning on the new hardcover version that’s coming out alongside the rebrand. And it’s a look I might carry forward into future books, Substack visuals, and whatever else comes next.
I’m beyond excited to finally share it — and I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Oh, and before I let you go: Birthright and Book #3 are both moving forward beautifully. I’ll share a full update in my next newsletter.
Until then, keep reading. Always keep reading.
Thanks for being here.
Max
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I like it! Good looking cover that has you wondering.