Design
How do I format my book for self-publishing?
You can use software like Microsoft Word or Adobe InDesign to format your book for publication. There are also online tools available, such as Reedsy and Vellum. To print your book with a printer, your files will need to be supplied as print-ready PDFs. (https://reedsy.com/ and https://vellum.pub/)
How do I create a cover design for my book?
You can use online design tools like Canva or hire a professional designer. Make sure your cover design is eye-catching and representative of your book’s genre. (https://www.canva.com/)
What is typography in book design?
Typography refers to the art and technique of arranging type to make written language legible, readable, and appealing when displayed. In book design, typography involves choosing the font, font size, line spacing, and other design elements to enhance the readability and aesthetics of the text.
What is a gutter in book design?
Bleed is an extra bit of design that extends beyond the final trim size of a printed page. This allows for the design to be printed to the edge of the page, without leaving a white border. Bleeds are usually added to the design to make sure that the design does not have any unwanted white space.
What is bleed in book design?
Bleed is an extra bit of design that extends beyond the final trim size of a printed page. This allows for the design to be printed to the edge of the page, without leaving a white border. Bleeds are usually added to the design to make sure that the design does not have any unwanted white space.
What is a margin in book design?
A margin is the blank space around the edges of a page, usually on all four sides. Margins are important in book design because they help to create a sense of balance and visual appeal. They also provide space for readers to hold the book and make notes or annotations.
What is a folio in book design?
A folio is a page number that appears on a printed page of a book. Folios are typically placed at the top or bottom of the page and can be either centred or aligned with the outer or inner margin.
What is a running header in book design?
A running header is a line of text that appears at the top of each page of a book. It usually includes the book title or chapter title and sometimes the author’s name or other information.
What is a drop cap in book design?
A drop cap is a large capital letter that is used to mark the beginning of a chapter or section in a book. It is often designed to be visually striking and is typically set in a different font or style from the surrounding text.
What is a colophon in book design?
A colophon is a brief description of a book’s production details, such as the publisher’s name, the typeface used, the paper quality, and the printing process. It can be located at the end of a book, after the main text has finished or at the front with the copyright details.
What is a spine in book design?
The spine is the narrow edge of a book that faces out when it is placed on a shelf. It is an important part of book design, as it is often the only part of the book that is visible when it is on a bookshelf. It usually includes the title, author’s name, and publisher’s logo or branding.
What are the different types of book printing?
The different types of book printing include digital printing, offset printing, and ink-jet printing.
What is a book jacket in book design?
A book jacket, also known as a dust jacket or book cover, is a paper cover that wraps around a hardcover book. It is typically designed to be visually appealing and includes information about the book, such as the title, author’s name, and a brief summary of the content.
Design Software
What software is the best for book design?
There is no one “best” software for book design as it largely depends on the designer’s personal preference and the specific needs of the project. That being said, some popular software options for book design include:
Adobe InDesign: This is one of the most widely used software for book design, and is especially useful for laying out long-form documents like books.
Scribus: This is a free, open-source alternative to InDesign and QuarkXPress that can be a good option for those on a budget.
Affinity Publisher: This is a newer software that has gained popularity as an alternative to Adobe products, and is particularly useful for book design and typesetting.
Ultimately, the best software for book design will depend on your specific needs, skill level, and budget. It’s always a good idea to try out a few different options and see which one feels most comfortable for you to use.
What free book design software program options are there?
Here are some free book design software programs that you can use:
Canva – It is an online design tool that allows you to create book covers, as well as design book interiors and layouts. (https://www.canva.com/)
Scribus – This is an open-source desktop publishing software that can be used for book design and layout. (https://www.scribus.net/)
GIMP – This is a free and open-source image editor that can be used to create book covers and illustrations. (https://www.gimp.org/)
Inkscape – This is a free and open-source vector graphics editor that can be used to create book covers and illustrations. (https://inkscape.org/)
Bookow – This is a free online book formatting tool that allows you to create and format your book in a variety of styles. (https://www.bookow.com/)
marq – This is an online design tool that offers free book design templates for creating professional-looking books.
Pressbooks – This is an open-source online book publishing platform that allows you to create, format, and publish books in various formats. (https://pressbooks.com/)
It’s worth noting that while these programs are free, they may not offer the same level of functionality or support as paid software options. Nonetheless, they can be great starting points for those looking to get started with book design.
Where can you purchase graphic designs and illustrations from to help you create a book?
Here are some websites where you can purchase graphic designs and illustrations for your book:
- Shutterstock (https://www.shutterstock.com/)
- Adobe Stock (https://stock.adobe.com/nz/)
- iStock (https://www.istockphoto.com/)
- Getty Images (https://www.gettyimages.co.nz/)
- Creative Market (https://creativemarket.com/)
- Envato Elements (https://elements.envato.com/)
- 99designs (https://99designs.com/)
- Fiverr (https://www.fiverr.com/)
- Upwork (https://www.upwork.com/)
- DesignCrowd (https://www.designcrowd.com/)
Please note that some of these sites also offer custom design services, where you can work with a designer directly to create the perfect design for your book.
Barcodes
Do I need a barcode?
Booksellers will require your book to have a barcode.
Apply for your barcode through the National Library of New Zealand website.
Once you have your 13-digit number (ISBN/ISSN), you can order your barcode from the YourBooks online store. We can place this barcode on your cover or you can order just the barcode in the size you require.
Where do I get a barcode from?
Visit the National Library of New Zealand’s website for more information.