25 Invaluable Tips for Authors

Updated August 2026

A successful book is the result of collaboration. Authors, editors, and designers each bring important skills to the process. These 25 tips will help authors better understand publishing, communicate effectively with their creative team, and create a more polished final book.

1. Build the Right Publishing Team

   1. Understand what editors and designers do.
   If you don’t know, ask them. Understanding each person’s role will make the process smoother.

   2. Read a good book on what it takes to write, publish, and promote a nonfiction book.

   3. Become an educated client.
   Learn about ebooks, formatting, and print-on-demand (POD) printing.

   4. Join professional publishing organizations.
   Join groups such as the St. Louis Publishers Association. Find qualified professionals, learn from others, and get referrals. If you are using a local printer, ask for recommendations.

   5. Use a literary attorney if your book is controversial.

   Understand the Publishing Process

   6. Learn publishing terminology.
   Ask your editor and designer about the terms they use. Clear communication makes the process easier.

   7. Self-publishing? Understand your printing options.
   Use a print-on-demand platform such as IngramSpark and/or KDP Print.

   8. Don’t print hundreds of books before you know there is demand.
   Large print runs can leave you with boxes of books sitting in storage.

   9. Have a system and stay organized.

   10. If your editor has a system, use it.
   Make sure everyone is on the same page so nothing gets lost.

   Work Effectively with Your Editor

   11. Give your editor the cleanest possible copy.

   12. If your book is nonfiction, consider a glossary and/or index.

   13. Don’t assume readers understand acronyms or industry jargon.
   Write in clear, active English.

   14. When an editor suggests something doesn’t belong in your book, consider the advice carefully.
   Editors see the big picture and can identify issues authors may overlook.

   15. Remember that editors do more than correct punctuation.
   A good editor helps strengthen your content, structure, and overall message.

   Collaborate with Your Book Designer

   16. Listen to your designer with an open mind.
   The final decisions are yours, but designers bring expertise in typography, layout, and visual communication.

   17. Share your ideas with your designer.
   Even simple comments such as “I’d like a photo on the cover” or “I love bright colors” can provide valuable direction.

   18. Review stock imagery ideas with your editor and designer.
   Make sure images represent the book’s focus, audience, and genre.

   19. Research other books in your genre.
   Look at competing titles to understand what works—and what doesn’t.

   20. Make sure your cover fits your genre.
   A memoir, romance novel, business book, and children’s book each have different visual expectations.

   Prepare and Review Your Files Carefully

   21. Do not embed JPEGs in a Word document.
   Provide your designer with individual image files.

   22. Use one space after sentences.
   (You may want to phrase this as “Do not use two spaces after sentences.”)

   23. Read every PDF your designer sends.
   Return a marked-up PDF with your corrections and questions.

   24. Be consistent with photo captions.

   25. Learn to use Word’s Styles feature.
   Apply styles consistently to chapter numbers, chapter titles, and subheads. This saves time and makes the design process smoother.

   Bonus Tip

   Learn the difference between writing a manuscript and creating a book.
   A professionally published book requires more than words on a page. Editing, design, typography, production, and careful review all contribute to the final result.

Publishing a book is a collaborative process. The strongest books happen when authors, editors, designers, and other publishing professionals work together and respect each person’s expertise.

Whether you are publishing your first book or your tenth, taking the time to understand the process will help you make better decisions and create a more polished final product.

Need help navigating the book design process? At N-K Creative, we work with authors throughout the publishing journey—from cover design and interior layout to preparing files for print and ebooks. Learn more about our book design services or schedule a free consultation to discuss your project.