Finding the Perfect Book Cover Photo
Finding the perfect book cover photo isn't always easy. This behind-the-scenes story follows the search through stock agencies, licensing restrictions, and custom photography—revealing why choosing the right image is an important part of the book design process.
How Professional Book Design Improved This Children’s Book
Publishing a children's book involves more than beautiful illustrations. In this case study, discover six common design mistakes that can occur when a book designer isn't involved early—and how thoughtful planning creates a book that's both beautiful and easy for children to read.
Designing an Art Book: A Dream Project for a Book Designer
Designing The Light in the Kiva was a dream project. Learn how careful planning, page sequencing, image selection, and thoughtful book design transformed an artist's vision into a beautifully printed art book.
The Extra Steps That Help First-Time Authors Publish a Better Book
First-time authors often don’t realize how many decisions are involved in publishing a book. From choosing the right trim size and BISAC category to researching competition and writing effective sales copy, a book designer can provide guidance beyond design. These extra steps help authors move confidently from manuscript to finished book.
A Simple Email Mistake with Big Privacy Consequences
A single email exposed more than 300 recipients because the sender forgot one simple step: using BCC. Here's why I reported it, what I learned, and why every author, designer, and small business owner should take online privacy seriously.
Why Great Book Reviews Matter
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.
Be a Prepared Author: What to Do Before You Meet with a Book Designer
Many first-time authors are eager to design and publish their books, but they're often missing the foundation for success. Before meeting with a book designer, take time to define your audience, create a marketing plan, and understand your publishing options. A little preparation can save time, money, and frustration.
I am not a writer.
Good graphic design can't rescue confusing writing. As a book designer, I often spot sentences that are incomplete or unclear. While I don't claim to be a writer, I know when copy isn't communicating. Great design and great writing work together to create a clear, professional message.
From Concept to Cover: Designing a Poetry Book About Icarus
A poetry book cover must capture the imagination of readers while reflecting the mood of the writing. See how an author’s initial concept evolved into a professional cover design for Icarus Flees the Garden of Earthly Delights.
Four Red Flags I Found in a “Finished” Book Layout
A former corporate client reached out with an unfinished community-involvement book that was “90 percent complete.” A closer look revealed several book-design problems that could have affected printing, readability, and the final quality. Here’s why professional book design matters.
Viral Vengeance book cover
The original cover for HPV looked good—but the title wasn't attracting thriller readers. Learn how a strategic redesign, a stronger title, and subtle visual changes transformed the book into Viral Vengeance: A Medical Thriller.
Your Book Cover Is Your Most Important Marketing Piece
Your book cover is more than a design—it is the foundation of your author brand. Learn how to use your cover consistently across business cards, websites, social media, bookmarks, sell sheets, and other marketing materials to create a professional presence that connects with readers.
Three Book Marketing Book Reviews
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.
Case Study: A Commemorative Jazz Concert Poster
A forgotten box of photo negatives led me back to a favorite design project—a commemorative jazz concert poster created for musicians Flora Purim and Airto Moreira. From concept development to printing choices, this vintage poster project remains one of my favorite design memories.
St. Louis Cardinals Uniforms and Logos
Discover the fascinating design history behind the St. Louis Cardinals’ iconic birds-on-the-bat logo. Illustrator Gary Kodner researched and recreated more than 130 years of Cardinals uniforms and logos for the official book St. Louis Cardinals Uniforms and Logos.
How to Find the Original Source of an Image
Have you ever found the perfect image online but couldn’t locate the original source? A reverse image search can help track down where an image came from, identify possible copyright issues, and help you find a high-resolution version you can legally use.
Sending Large Files for Book Design
Low-resolution images can ruin an otherwise beautiful book project. Learn why 72 dpi files are not suitable for print, what file formats designers need, and the best ways to send large artwork files.
Tools, Resources, and Services for Authors and Self-Publishers
Discover helpful tools, resources, and services for authors and self-publishers. From book promotion and ebook formatting to publishing platforms and author marketing tools, these resources can help you navigate today’s publishing landscape.
25 Invaluable Tips for Authors
Before you publish, learn what every author should know about working with editors, designers, and publishing professionals to create a successful book.
Designing Around Trademark Restrictions
Creative design often means working within limitations. This case study shows how we developed an original visual identity for the Society of the Sacred Heart after trademark restrictions prevented the use of Olympic branding—proving that thoughtful design can be just as powerful as the original idea.