A review of Before the Launch by David Wogahn and Manon Wogahn. Discover why this workbook is an essential resource for aspiring and self-publishing authors.

The Netherlands is famous for their art museums. We had a guided tour of the Rijksmuseum (the national museum). After the tour, we wandered through the rooms and enjoyed viewing Dutch artists such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, van Gogh and many more paintings.

If you love typography, vintage lettering, and elegant script fonts, Scripts: Elegant Lettering from Design’s Golden Age is visual inspiration at its finest. This beautiful collection by Steven Heller and Louise Fili showcases hundreds of examples of hand-drawn typography, ornamental flourishes, and vintage trademark designs from around the world.

Some self-publishing advice stands the test of time. After revisiting Peter Bowerman’s The Well-Fed Self-Publisher, I realized that many of the core principles of book marketing and publishing are just as relevant today as they were in 2007. Here are eight timeless lessons every author should remember.

A review of Elegantissima: The Design & Typography of Louise Fili, a beautiful collection of branding, packaging, typography, and identity design work from one of the most influential designers in book and lettering design.

A visit to the library and a chance discovery of Cat Dog by Mem Fox and Mark Teague sparked memories of reading children’s books aloud and inspired reflections on children’s book design.

Should an art book cover be appealing? Yes. The cover image is a big selling point. As a book designer, I know that covers are the first thing the target audience sees. A great cover attracts customers. It sets expectations for the content. 

Getting reviews is one of the biggest challenges authors face after publishing a book. In this review of The Book Review Companion by David Wogahn, I share why this practical guide belongs on every self-published author's bookshelf—and why my own copy is filled with highlights and dog-eared pages.

Successful authors need more than a great manuscript—they need to understand marketing, publishing, and how to reach readers. Here are three book marketing resources I recommend for authors who want to build their platform, understand publishing basics, and create stronger book descriptions.