Deciding on photo layout is a critical part of your book design. Here are some suggestions to get your wheels…
Read More
My Cover Design Process
I can design great looking covers all day long but if I’m the only one who has input, they would all be a reflection of me and what I like. The reason my portfolio is so diverse is that I develop a relationship with each of my clients. I talk with them, get to know them, and they get to know me. My personality gets put on the back burner for each book cover, but my design standard gets placed forefront.
Print Layout Vs Kindle Format
Setting clear expectations with new clients (regardless of if you’re a shoe shiner or a book designer) is one of…
Read More
A Before-and-After Brochure Design
This brochure is Martin Publishing Services in a nutshell. It’s always hard to decide what gets real estate, but this…
Read More
Mistakes Authors Make: Emotional Attachment
Because I often work with authors who are sharing very personal, non-fiction writings, photos that have an emotional attachment are…
Read More
Proper Document Preparation for Working with a Book Designer
If you are working with a professional book designer (or typesetter), there is no need for you to do tons…
Read More
Interview Questions to Ask a Book Designer
All graphic design is not created equal. The level of skill is a story often told through the processes that the designer uses, not just the end result. But here’s the deal–it’s hard for you, the author, to know if the designer is doing the job correctly because design software is not your forte, nor should it be.
Trust the Professional: Working With A Book Designer
“Trust the professional” is not only something I say, it’s also something that I do when it’s my turn to hire out work. I’m not a professional photographer, editor, marketer, etc. I need to hire others to do that for me. The older I get, the wiser I get, and trusting the professional that I hire is an area that I am so glad to have grown in.
Learn to Format Your Own eBooks in Word
I know we have some die-hard DIY self-pubbers out there that really enjoy learning to do the work themselves. But I can guarantee you that most of them end up frustrated and surprised at just how much work is involved to get a good-looking ebook. I know because that is MY story, too.
Book Trim Sizes in Inches for KDP and IngramSpark
I have assembled a handy single-sheet reference to help you choose the right trim size for your book. This is doubly helpful if you want to use the same file for KDP and IngramSpark.
Elements of Interior Design and Layout Infographic
The devil is in the details, and book design is no exception. There are many, many considerations that the author and the book designer need to discuss.
6×9 Full-Cover Template for Paperback Books
Here is a template that will help you perfect your 6×9 full-cover design for your paperback book. This is a 2-part overlay: front and back with bleeds and margins, including spine margin and the default barcode size and placement.