When you write and publish a book, the hope is to have your story, narrative, or message resonate with readers by entertaining, informing, or inspiring them. What many authors fail to realize is that the visual and structural elements of the book are just as important as the words on the page. This includes the cover design, interior formatting, trim size, illustration quality, and more.
Readers have certain expectations about the content and structure when they purchase a book, and failing to meet these expectations can result in negative reviews. It can also deter readers from purchasing your book all together. By working with experienced book designers, formatters, and illustrators who understand industry standards and requirements, authors can ensure they are publishing a quality book. There is a right way to design and format a book and a wrong way, so don’t let avoidable errors or poor design affect your book’s marketability.
There are several elements that must be carefully considered when preparing a manuscript for publication, some more apparent than others. When these elements are ignored or done carelessly, they can greatly affect the overall quality and appeal of a book, ultimately impacting a book’s sales potential.
Exterior
Book Cover
Even though we all hear, “Don’t judge a book by its cover”, the vast majority of readers do factor a book’s cover design into their purchase decision. Just a quick glance at the front cover will often determine whether your book is for them. A professionally designed cover can entice potential readers and set the tone for the content within. Experienced cover designers understand how to balance imagery, typography, and color schemes to create an appealing and marketable cover that meets all printing and industry requirements.
Trim Size
Using the right dimensions or size for your book is just as important as the cover artwork and other elements. When you peruse the bookshelves at a bookstore or library, you will notice a range of book sizes as you move from one genre to another or as you browse paperbacks versus hardcovers. This is not random; there is a rhyme and a reason for the varying sizes and finishes. Books cost money to print and publishers are always looking for the most economical way to print books while also following some trim size and design standards that were set long ago in the industry. Hardcovers tend to range from 6”x9” to 8.5”x11”, while paperbacks range from 5” x 8” to 6” x 9.
Hardcover vs Paperback
Whether you publish your book in paperback format, hardcover, or both will depend on several factors. Paperbacks are less expensive to print, but authors can charge readers a premium for a hardcover book. Some genres such as cookbooks, academic, and children’s picture books warrant a hardcover offering because readers expect it and are willing to pay the premium price. If you wish to get your book placed in libraries, you may need a hardcover option because it is more durable. Keep in mind the cover type you choose can affect the trim size, design, and cost of production.
Interior
There are three main sections of the interior of a book:
Front Matter
The front matter is located at the beginning of the book. It can include pages such as the title page, copyright page, table of contents, foreword, and more.
Body or Text
This is the main story or narrative of the book and can include elements such as the prologue, parts, chapters, sections, and epilogue.
Back Matter
The back matter is located behind the body or main text and can include pages such as the acknowledgements, note from the author, glossary, appendix, references, and more.
The design and formatting for all three of these sections will greatly affect a book’s visual appearance and readability. The factors an interior book designer must consider are:
Typography
Typography is the style and appearance of text. It includes the typeface, size, weight, and any treatments such as bolding or italics. The spacing between letters (kerning) and lines of text (leading) must also be considered when designing the text throughout the book. All of these aspects of typography affect the look, feel, and legibility of the text. Here are some additional typography elements that must be considered:
• Chapter titles and headings: These should guide readers through the hierarchy of information by using treatments such as bolding, typeface changes, or size adjustments. • Justification: This determines whether the right end of each line is aligned or is ragged.• Widows and orphans: Widows are single lines of a paragraph that lie at the bottom or top of a page, and orphans are single words that lie on their own line of a paragraph. Designers often manipulate the text to avoid both widows and orphans.
Margins
Margins are the blank spaces around the body of text on a page. The standard margins for a published book are typically between 0.5 and 1 inch, with wider margins for larger books. The inside margins or gutters are also wider to account for where the pages attach to the spine.
Pagination
Pagination includes numbering pages and determining where the page numbers will be positioned. Typically, the first page of the book's main content is page 1, and all odd-numbered pages appear on the right-hand side of the book, while even-numbered pages appear on the left-hand side.
Illustrations and Photos
Illustrations and photos can significantly enhance a book's content and the reader experience, especially in genres such as children’s, graphic novels, and educational or how-to books. An experienced illustrator knows how to complement the text effectively, enhancing the overall storytelling experience.
High-quality illustrations and photos must be produced in the correct resolution and format for printing and digital publication. For example, illustrations for a children’s book should follow a 1 to 1 image ratio, meaning the width and height are equal, creating a square. Designers creating the book cover or adding illustrations or photos to a book’s interior need to understand trim size, bleeds, margins, color saturation, high resolution scanning, file types, and more. An experienced designer or illustrator will know these requirements, ensuring the images retain their quality in various formats.
Paper Quality
The weight and color of the pages themselves can influence the look, feel, and cost of your book. The paper weights for covers are heavier than the paper weights for interior pages, and the paper weights for interior full-color pages are heavier than the paper weights for interior black and white pages. You’ll want to ensure your printer, whether offset or digital, is using weights that meet industry standards.
When it comes to paper color, white paper typically works better for books with lots of illustrations or photos, which can make the images and text appear crisper. Cream paper typically works better for books that are mostly text, such as novels and memoirs, because it is easier on reader eyes.
As you can see from the list of elements outlined above, there are numerous, important design and formatting decisions that must be made while preparing a manuscript for publication. And these are just for print books. eBooks and audiobooks have their own lists of requirements. Some of these elements can be addressed by the author, but it’s always best to consult experienced professionals to ensure all industry standards are being met, no matter the book format.
Here are four ways to find quality service providers:
1. Online Platforms
There are many online platforms designed to help clients find freelancers for all types of projects including design-related projects and illustrators, and there are platforms that are more specific to helping writers find freelance service providers. Here are some of the more popular platforms:
• Fiverr• Upwork• Reedsy• Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators
2. Networking Events and Conferences
Attending book fairs, writing workshops, or literary festivals can connect you with experienced designers. These conversations can lead to recommendations, and sometimes, you might meet someone whose work speaks to you!
3. Referrals from Other Authors
Networking is one of the most effective ways to find reliable professionals. Ask fellow authors, publishers, or industry contacts for recommendations. Online writing communities and social media platforms can also provide valuable leads.
4. Supported or Assisted Self-Publishing Service Providers
With supported or assisted self-publishing, an author works with a company that offers a comprehensive list of services and packages, along with expert guidance throughout the publishing journey. This path is a great option for authors that want to focus on the writing and let experienced professionals handle all of the other steps involved in the editing, publishing, and distribution process. These companies have experienced cover designers, interior formatters, and illustrators that can help turn your manuscript into a quality product.
Before reaching out to potential service providers, it’s important to understand your project specifications and needs. This will help you narrow your search and identify the best fit for you and your project. Once you’ve identified some providers you might like to work with, request samples of their work or review their online portfolios. If you like what you see, don’t hesitate to ask for references. Speaking with past author clients can provide valuable insights into the provider’s communication skills, experience, and ability to meet deadlines.
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, arrange a time with each provider to discuss your project, ask about their experience with similar projects, and gauge their understanding of industry standards. It’s important to discuss budget at this time as well so there are no surprises later. When it comes to cover design, interior formatting, and illustrations, remember that cheaper is not better. Be prepared to invest in a professional who understands the nuances of book publishing and can provide high-quality results.
Don’t release a book into the world that doesn’t meet industry standards or reader expectations. To see a standards checklist, you can visit The Independent Book Publishers Association website. The process of preparing a manuscript for publication can be complicated, so working with experienced professionals will ensure your book’s quality is on par with bestselling books in your genre. The right cover designers, interior formatters, and illustrators will bring your vision and words to life, enhancing the overall reader experience and setting your book up for long-term success.
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