Booklist Reviews
*Starred Review* 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 Reviews.
Library Journal Reviews
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.