5 Things You Need to Know About the Interior Design of Your Book

As you prepare for publication, you probably have a vision of what you want your book to look like as a finished product. This is especially important for certain genres such as poetry, children’s books and cookbooks. One of the most common complaints among new authors is that they are dissatisfied with the interior design of their book. Here are five things you need to know so you will love your book once it is published.

1) Know Your Vision – Before you select a publisher, spend some time thinking about how you envision your book. What aspects are important to you? Don’t assume your publisher will read your mind. You need to have a clear vision before you tell a publisher what you want.

2) Review Other Books – Go to a bookstore or library and browse other books in your genre. Make note of the different types of layouts and designs. Compare this information to your vision. You may discover that your original vision needs some tweaking. Let yourself be inspired and innovative.

3) Look at Your Options – Before you choose a publisher, look at the interior design options available. Are they able to accommodate your requests? Do they offer specific templates you must choose from?

4) Ask Questions – Talk to the publisher about the interior design process. Tell them exactly what you want your book to look. Make sure you ask about any additional costs your design might require, and find out if you will get to review the gallery proofs prior to printing. Also, ask if the gallery proofs are an exact representation of how your book will look printed.

5) Make an Informed Decision – After you have considered your goals and reviewed your options, you need to make a decision. This includes choosing a publisher and a design package. Always be clear about your needs and goals. Don’t wait until your book is printed to decide what you want your book to look like.

Happy publishing!

ABOUT CHERI BREEDING: Since 2005 Cheri Breeding has been working as the Director of Production for Outskirts Press. In that time, she has been an instrumental component of every aspect of the Production Department, performing the roles of an Author Representative, Book Designer, Customer Service Representative, Title Production Supervisor, Production Manager and, Director of Production. She brings all that experience and knowledge, along with an unparalleled customer-service focus, to help self-publishing authors reach high-quality book publication more efficiently, professionally, and affordably.