The Design of Books: An Explainer for Authors, Editors, Agents, and Other Curious Readers

Professional book designer Berne debuts with her first self-authored (and designed) title that seemingly anticipates every question people curious about book production might ask, as well as many they probably hadn’t thought about. Typefaces, print runs, paper quality, spacing, and the visual impact of illustrations and covers all receive her attention and careful consideration. She explains genre differences and provides fulsome definitions, background details, and helpful diagrams, including pictorials. She also enhances the content with contextually rich historical details. Environmental issues such as paper shortages, along with innovations made possible by new technology such as self-publishing and ebooks, are addressed. Berne also examines why certain marketing decisions might be made about a book.