It is often said first impressions are everything. Likewise, the publishing design of a book or magazine or any published material will certainly play a crucial role in attracting a person to your publication. It can be critical to get the design of your publication just right. For this reason, there are publisher design helps available to the would-be author.
The design aspect of publishing is really only a viable concern to someone who is self-publishing. If an established publisher is going to be producing your material, they will be designing it-you will have very little say in regards to design or layout. But if you are self-publishing, you gain more input into the design of the publication.
Most self-publishing services and companies have design templates you can choose from. Most will let you submit your own graphic art design, provided you follow their specification guidelines. Unless you are an artist (or you have an artist friend), your best option is to pick from their design templates.
Some keys to choosing your design:
- Focus on choosing one that best reflects the nature and mood of your publication.
- Peruse your local bookstore. Which designs catch your attention? Which designs make you want to look further than the cover?
- Get feedback and opinions from people who would be your target market. Which designs attract their attention and make them want to read more?
There are some services out there that will help you create your own custom design:
- Books in Design. Website www.booksindesign.com. A full service cover and interior book design agency.
- Golden Pillar Publishing. Website www.goldenpillarpublishing.com. A graphic design and publishing company offering book design and publishing for independent authors.
- Wendell Center Publishing. Website www.wendellcenter.com/books. Wendell Center Publishing Graphic Communications provides author, writer, publisher and press, professionally designed WOW book covers and book interiors.
- Vision Books International. Website www.vbipublishing.com. They offer full publishing services from manuscript advice and deep editing to book design, printing and marketing for authors interested in self-publishing.
Here are some online directories that may be of use to you in the design of your material:
