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Title details for The Design of Books by Debbie Berne - Wait list

The Design of Books

An Explainer for Authors, Editors, Agents, and Other Curious Readers

by Debbie Berne
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Seasoned designer Debbie Berne presents an accessible introduction to book design for authors, editors, and other book people.

Design is central to the appeal, messaging, and usefulness of books, but to most readers, it's mysterious or even invisible. Through interiors as well as covers, designers provide structure and information that shape the meaning and experience of books. In The Design of Books, Debbie Berne shines a light on the conventions and processes of her profession, revealing both the aesthetic and market-driven decisions designers consider to make books readable and beautiful. In clear, unstuffy language, Berne reveals how books are put together, with discussions of production considerations, typography and fonts, page layouts, use of images and color, special issues for ebooks, and the very face of each book: the cover.

The Design of Books speaks to readers and directly to books' creators—authors, editors, and other publishing professionals—helping them to become more informed partners in the design of their projects. Berne lays out the practical steps at each stage of the design process, providing insight into who does what when and offering advice for authors on how to be effective advocates for their ideas while also letting go and trusting their manuscripts with teams of professionals. She includes guidance as well for self-publishing authors, including where to find a designer, what to expect from that relationship, and how to art direct your own book.

Throughout, Berne teaches how understanding the whats, hows, and whys of book design heightens our appreciation of these cherished objects and helps everyone involved in the process to create more functional, desirable, and wonderful books.

  • Creators

  • Series

    Chicago Guides to Writing, Editing, and Publishing

  • Publisher

  • Release date

    March 12, 2024

  • Formats

    • Kindle Book

    • OverDrive Read

      • ISBN: 9780226832661

    • PDF ebook

      • ISBN: 9780226832661
      • File size: 59809 KB
    Kindle restrictions

  • Languages

    • English

  • Reviews

    • Library Journal

      February 1, 2024

      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. VERDICT This title illuminates all that goes into producing and designing a book. A must for authors, editors, designers, and curious readers. Give to those who enjoyed ABC for Book Collectors by John Carter and Nicolas Barker. They'll love this book too.--Ellen Gilbert

      Copyright 2024 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

    • Booklist

      Starred review from November 1, 2023
      Think you've written a book? If it currently lives on your computer, veteran freelance book designer Berne has some bad news for you: "It's not a book unless it's designed to be a book." Luckily, she is here to demystify the design process for authors at all levels. From the printer's specifications--choices about size, binding, and other physical characteristics that dictate the look and feel of the finished product--through typography, layout, and cover design, Berne gives the reader an insider's look at how a manuscript becomes a book. Especially interesting are the chapters on the unique and often surprising considerations required in designing illustrated books (picture books, but also cookbooks and other image-heavy works) and e-books. Berne concludes with an overview of the design process for authors, with helpful flowcharts and advice for independent authors navigating the self-publishing process. A must for aspiring authors, this accessible, even entertaining guide will also appeal to book nerds who read the "About the Type" page when it appears at the end of a book.

      COPYRIGHT(2023) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Formats

  • Kindle Book
  • OverDrive Read
  • PDF ebook
Kindle restrictions

subjects

Languages

  • English

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