Design

TYPESETTING

According to the Cambridge University dictionary, typesetting is ‘the activity of arranging printed text and images on the page when preparing a book, newspaper, etc. for printing’.

Typesetting is about creating the best reading experience and makes reading effortless. Getting this wrong and it’s a clunky experience for the reader. Typesetting includes:

  • margin size

  • font type and size

  • style for chapter starts

  • trim size (book size)

  • placement of illustrations

  • then there are things like kerning, leading, tracking, justification, etc

The font choice, for example, will impact the readability of your book. A serif font is designed to help the eye keep words together with the addition of the small line on the edge of the letter. This leads the eye from one word to the next, helping the eye move across a line. A Sans Serif font, or one without Serif lines is tiring for the readers eye.

You can either hire a professional typesetter or do it yourself, but it requires specialist software - this is not a task for Microsoft Word.

If you can afford it, get the pros involved. If it’s not an option, then tools you can use include LaTex (free), Adobe InDesign or Vellum. Invest time learning the basics of professional design.

If you are hiring a professional, make sure you check out examples of their work and that they have worked in your genre. It’s going to be a big investment, so do your research.

Cover Design

We all know what a book cover is, and will have our own preferences. A book cover is that first impression a potential reader has and should create a ‘feel’ for your book that draws the reader in and creates an initial connection with them. It’s a critical element in the marketing of your book and requires a professional designer to ensure you have something that will catch the buyer’s attention and begin communicating what’s inside. It should capture what the book is about, without giving everything away.

You will need to create a brief for your designer. Look at books in your genre and identify what you like and don't like. What message do you want to convey.

It’s not just about the front cover - it’s the spine of the book and back cover. The spine is a continuation of the cover design, remembering, when it’s on the bookshelf, it is all the reader can see.

Ideally you want to have a glowing endorsement for your book.