Essays, process notes, editorial behind-the-scenes and reflections on literature, design, creation and culture.
43 articlesUnderstand how bleed, margins and endpapers affect the final quality of a printed book — and the correct values for each element in professional projects.
What is book layout? Understand the concept, all the elements involved — grid, typography, margins, pagination — and why it is essential for any publication.
What does a cover designer need to know about the publishing market before creating a project? Understand genre, audience, sales channels, competition and the brief.
What sets a commercial literary cover apart from an independent author's cover? Understand process, budget, resources and how to close that gap.
What is a book design system and how does it guarantee visual consistency across a collection or series? Understand the components, the creation process and the…
What are serif and sans-serif fonts? Discover the differences, examples of each type and when to use each in printed books and ebooks.
Discover the complete checklist of what the designer needs to receive from the author or publisher to start a book layout project without rework.
Discover when it is the right moment to rework the cover of a book with stalled sales — the signs, the process and what to expect…
When should you hire the designer in the editorial process — before or after proofreading? Understand the ideal moment and the risks of hiring at the…