No matter how you envision the inside of your book, unless you are knowledgeable in the typesetting and graphic design arena, I highly recommend seeking the advice and help of a professional book producer. Besides choosing the right font and layout for your text and graphics, you should follow some basic rules that make books more reader-friendly and marketable. Here are some questions to consider:
1. What font style is best—serif or sans serif?
Serif is a font where the characters have little "curly tails." Sans serif fonts have no tails on them, such as in my posting font here. One hundred years worth of studies to determine which style of font works best for legibility and readability still have no definite conclusions, especially for today with everything mobile and electronic. Depending on your type of book, e.g., a cookbook or a novel, font styles will make somewhat of a difference to your readers. Personally, for lots of text, I prefer serif fonts. It is easier on my eyes. For a cookbook, sans serif, I believe, enables the recipe ingredients to stand out more from one another and from the instructions or description of the menu.
2. An extra line of space should be between paragraphs, right? At what size should my indents be set?
Well, that depends, again, on the type of book. For a novel or heavy text, I say no to "double returns" and that extra line of space between paragraphs. I especially cringe at extra line spacing and indents! The usual individual paragraph distinction is a small indent. And the indent spacing is based on the type font size. It is called an "em" space and equates to the point size of the typeface. Typesetters know the difference. Again, for a cookbook, it is good to have that bit of extra space between instructions and ingredients.
3. What size margins will work?
One needs to consider the communication goals of the text and how much white space will enhance the reading experience. A certain amount of white space also plays a big part in communicating effectively. Also, most important, you should consider the final print size of the pages and take into consideration trims and what might be left. E-PUB rules are different in this case. You wouldn't want your text crammed and jammed into the gutter, lying there, bleeding for help.
4. What size type is best?
Once you begin learning about and using a variety of type fonts, you will find that the same size does not actually mean the same size. Huh? Yes, one particular font at 12 pt. might be a bit higher and wider than another particular font also at 12 pt. For fiction or non-fiction books, again one must determine who the target audience is, their age group, reader-friendliness, and production size and costs. Publishers know this stuff best.5. How do I number my pages correctly?
If your book cover will be on a different paper stock and heavier, then it's just the cover. Your pages start with your title page and include all front matter, body of book, and back matter. There are guidelines to follow when numbering the inside pages of a book. Most front matter pages (and some back matter pages) use roman numerals, but the title page and copyright page do not show the roman numerals. Say what? Lots of rules, folks. Also, blank pages should be completely blank. The most major rule to always remember is that odd numbers go on the right-hand pages (recto pages) and even numbers always go on the left-hand side (verso pages).
6. Color or black and white photos scanned on my home scanner will work, right?
No. Remember, again, quality is key. For professionally printing your book, your images must be at least 300 dpi. Today's nifty digital cameras do quite a good job, but size, background scenery, props, and color, if not set up correctly, can cause some serious issues. Old photos oftentimes need "clean-up" work by a professional so they do not show cloudiness or cracks, etc. A professional also considers the size of the image and the color scheme and makes necessary adjustments. 72 dpi is out. Remember that. Tiny is out. Remember that. Don't be afraid to ask for help.
7. Do I start a new chapter on a new page, and which side, left or right?
Today, I see chapters begin anywhere, and it drives me crazy. As for me and my publishing house, we will begin all chapters on a right-hand page and with no previous chapter text above the new chapter title and text.
8. Where do I list my references, and how do I cite them?
Again, it depends on the type of book. I prefer all references either at the end of each chapter or in the back matter. Rules exist for how references are cited, e.g., what type of titles are set in italics, what type of titles are set in quotes, how to set the authors' names, how to set the dates, etc. You can find resources for help with this task such as the University of Chicago Manual of Style. Lots of help is on the Internet as well.
9. I can share information or photos from other sources as long as I show where I got them, right?
NO. Most times you must obtain written permission, and sometimes you have to pay for it. This procedure applies to art work, photos, music, and written and printed text. One good resource is: http://www.permissionsgroup.com/copyrightresources Years ago, I worked with the lady who started this business. They are very helpful. Check out their website and give them a call if you need help.
10. How important is the table of contents?
Very. A lot of, if not most, potential book buyers skim through the ToC for eye-catching titles. Your chapter titles should help sell your book. Not only should they support chapter content but they should draw the reader in, topically, to consider reading or purchasing the book.
Many more guidelines exist that are important to the design and layout of your book. I have not covered all of them in this post. For now, I'm going to get back to the layout of another new Aimazing Publishing produced book.
NO. Most times you must obtain written permission, and sometimes you have to pay for it. This procedure applies to art work, photos, music, and written and printed text. One good resource is: http://www.permissionsgroup.com/copyrightresources Years ago, I worked with the lady who started this business. They are very helpful. Check out their website and give them a call if you need help.
10. How important is the table of contents?
Very. A lot of, if not most, potential book buyers skim through the ToC for eye-catching titles. Your chapter titles should help sell your book. Not only should they support chapter content but they should draw the reader in, topically, to consider reading or purchasing the book.
Many more guidelines exist that are important to the design and layout of your book. I have not covered all of them in this post. For now, I'm going to get back to the layout of another new Aimazing Publishing produced book.
Some very important information there, thanks for sharing. I have retweeted this for you.
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Thank you very much. I appreciate it.
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