The Importance of Book Designing

When I was preparing to write and publish my first book, Help Me Be Me, I had no idea I would need a book designer.

What Does a Book Designer Do?

 

A picture book designer collaborates with the author and illustrator to bring the final design of a picture book to life. They’re responsible for everything from laying out the text and illustrations to designing the cover and spine. A good designer also takes the time to understand the theme, tone, and pacing of your story to ensure it all flows together beautifully.

My book designer helped me choose the right fonts, decide where the text would appear on each page, and arrange the illustrations in a way that kept the story engaging and easy to follow. The result was a seamless reading experience that invited readers to keep turning the page.

They also provided me with the correctly formatted files needed to upload the book to my chosen platform. If you plan to sell printed copies in person, they can also prepare files for that purpose.

What’s Included in Book Design?

 

When designing a book, certain elements are essential—like an ISBN, a CIP block, and proper front and back matter. (More on these in a future post!) A professional designer will make sure nothing gets overlooked and will help keep you on track.

Do You Need a Book Designer?

 

Not necessarily. If you’re tech-savvy and have the time to learn programs like Adobe InDesign or Illustrator, you might be able to do it yourself. But for me, someone who isn’t technically inclined, hiring a book designer was essential.

Where to Find a Book Designer:

• Fiverr

• Recommendations from fellow writers

• Self-publishing companies (if you're going that route)

• A good old-fashioned internet search

Main Takeaways:

• Choose a designer within your budget who communicates well

• The process moves as quickly as you provide what’s needed

• Trust your instincts—a strong working relationship is key

Until next time,Sam