Advice for a first-time author
Ready to publish your first book? There are more options than you might think—from printing copies just for family to getting listed on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Here's what every first-time author needs to know about print-on-demand publishing, ISBNs, and the steps most people don't see coming.
Book Design Case Study: Project Management
What begins as a first-time publishing project quickly becomes a collaborative journey in editing, design, technology, and problem-solving. In this case study, discover how a team of educators transformed an unedited manuscript into a polished curriculum book for middle-school teachers—complete with a stronger title, engaging cover design, and fixed-layout ePub solution for Amazon.
First-time Author and Lessons Learned
A first-time author hired me to design his suspense novel in ebook, paperback, and hardcover formats. Along the way, we discussed ISBNs, book sizes, print-on-demand platforms, proofreading, and the realities of self-publishing. This project became a reminder that new authors often need guidance through every step of the publishing process—and that education is just as important as design.
The Little Brown Book
A simple pocket-sized prayer book became one of the most memorable projects of my career. From paper selections and gold-foil stamping to spot-raised UV and soft-touch laminate, every detail was carefully considered to create a keepsake worthy of its purpose. This case study shares the design journey behind The Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order and the collaborative effort that made it a conference success.
It Takes a Team to Create a Children’s Book
Creating a children’s book is a team effort. In this case study, author Jon Ferry, illustrator Caroline Zina, and book designer Peggy Nehmen worked together to bring Across the Battlefield: A Pawn’s Journey to life. From choosing the book size and coordinating illustrations to designing the cover and preparing files for print-on-demand publishing, every decision required collaboration, communication, and attention to detail.
Feedback from a First-time Author
First-time author Charles J. Pearson shares what he learned about the book design process—from evaluating cover concepts to testing designs with readers. This collaborative project demonstrates how research, feedback, and partnership can lead to a stronger book cover and a better reader experience.
Follow the Leader
Successful authors rarely work in isolation. Discover some of the podcasts, newsletters, webinars, and publishing experts I follow to stay informed about self-publishing, book marketing, and industry trends.
Curious about book covers
Curious about how book covers are created? After a friend asked a series of thoughtful questions about the cover design process, I shared insights into how professional book designers work with authors to create covers that fit their genre, audience, and goals.
Searching for a particular photo
Finding the perfect magazine cover photo isn't always easy. As the former graphic designer for Heart magazine, I spent years tracking down heart-shaped images in nature, seeking permissions, and navigating the challenges of image licensing. Here's a behind-the-scenes look at the search for the right photo—and why proper attribution matters.
Publishing a Memoir of Love and War
A former NBC war correspondent. A lost love. A dramatic rescue attempt during the final days of Saigon. Learn how a memoir evolved from an initial cover concept to a powerful design that ultimately appeared on CNN.
Yellow Glasses Project
Can a book cover color make someone stop and take notice? A clever promotion at the St. Louis County Library reminded me just how powerful yellow can be. Here's why yellow book covers continue to stand out—and a few examples from my own design portfolio.
Meeting in my garage
A new client undergoing chemotherapy needed a safe way to meet in person, so we held our design consultation in my garage. The unusual setting led to an inspiring discussion about specialty papers, foil stamping, and creating a memorable anniversary booklet.
The importance of a professionally designed book cover
A professionally designed book cover does more than look good—it helps your book print correctly and sell effectively. This case study shows how correcting technical errors, improving readability, and strengthening the subtitle transformed a first-time author's cover into one that was both attractive and production-ready.
Guiding Authors Through the Book Design Process
A professionally designed book doesn't happen by accident. Discover the questions I ask before every project begins, how I guide authors through each stage of book design and production, and why collaboration is the key to creating a book that stands out in today's marketplace.
What a way to start my day
A simple code number change turned into a stressful Monday morning reminder of why proofing matters. Here’s what happened—and why every client should carefully review final proofs before a project goes to press.
Case study: The color purple
A beautiful watercolor amaryllis inspired the cover of the Society of the Sacred Heart’s annual report. But choosing the perfect dark purple background required more than picking a color on screen. This case study shows why professional color proofs matter in print production.
What Book Authors Want to Know About Book Design
If you've never worked with a book designer, you probably have questions. Here are answers to some of the most common questions authors ask about book cover design, the design process, pricing, file delivery, and self-publishing.
An email inquiry from an author
Your book’s title, cover, and description must work together. If they send mixed messages, readers become confused—and confused readers rarely buy books. Here’s why I compare every successful book to a three-legged stool.
Goodbye old portfolios
Cleaning out four old design portfolios became a trip down memory lane. Decades of brochures, calendars, magazines, and promotional pieces reminded us of former clients, memorable projects, and how much the graphic design industry has changed. While our printed samples are gone, our work lives on online—and print design continues to play an important role.