Book Design and Production: A Guide for Authors and Publishers
by Pete Masterson
How do I choose a book designer, editor, or a printer?
Which of the printing choices are right for me?
Which page layout program makes the most sense to use?
And how can I make sure the design and production choices for my book help it succeed in an overcrowded marketplace?
Authors and publishers face hundreds of questions like these every day, and until now, it's been hard to find the answers all in one place. Finally, there's Book Design and Production: A Guide for Authors and Publishers, a one-stop resource to help authors—whether working with a traditional publisher, a subsidy press, or their own imprint—and publishers find clear explanations of every facet of making a book a reality.
Winner 2006 BAIPA Book of the Year!
If you are a writer working with a publisher (large or small) or if you are a small or first time publisher, Book Design and Production will help you understand the book production process and the principles of good cover and interior book design. It will allow you to look at a book design and immediately see the common errors and to see that a book is following the traditions of good book design that gives credibility to your message. Whether you do the work yourself or hire it out, Book Design and Production will help you get your book done right. Use this book to guide you through the book design and production process.
Book Design and Production is detailed and clearly written, which explains (along with much more):
- Why 90 percent of all designers are wrong for your book—and the 10 crucial questions to ask as you interview designers (pp 189-196)
- Exactly why (with samples) Microsoft Word is a poor layout choice—but if you're forced to use it, how to vastly improve your results (pp. 95-108)
- Why the wrong fonts will have "gotchas" that could ruin your book—and how to pick fonts that will avoid those problems (pp 64-72)
- Over ninety pages of book production, design and printing terms defined and explained.
Finalist 2006 Independent Publisher Book of the Year Award (Writing)
