A behind-the-scenes look at how an AI-generated book cover moved from concept to print—revealing common pitfalls with resolution, sizing, and production.

Typos happen more often than we’d like—especially when deadlines are tight. Learn why errors slip through and how to catch them before they become costly mistakes.

Before hiring a book designer, get everything in writing. Clear estimates and defined scope prevent costly surprises and keep your publishing project on track.

A guide to designing an effective book back cover, including headlines, descriptions, endorsements, and essential publishing elements that help attract readers and sell books.

Pinterest is a powerful, evergreen tool for discovering book marketing ideas—from launch strategies to author branding. Learn how to find valuable tips, spot outdated content, and use Pinterest boards to inspire your next book project.

Can you describe your book in one sentence? A strong elevator pitch helps you confidently explain your story, capture interest, and make a lasting first impression—whether you're networking, pitching, or promoting your book.

Looking for a solid book marketing plan? I’ve collected some of the best resources from trusted self-publishing experts over the years. From step-by-step guides to detailed timelines, these plans can help authors at any stage build a smarter, more effective marketing strategy.

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 stroll through the cereal aisle led me to Magic Spoon — a brand whose playful packaging and modern illustrations immediately stood out from the competition. From whimsical characters to bold typography, this cereal proves that strong branding can transform even a breakfast staple into a memorable visual experience.

A poetry collection gets a fresh new look. In redesigning the cover for The Rings of Nature by Corinne Cygan Goigoux, I explored imagery, typography, and competing poetry covers to create an ebook cover that feels modern, readable, and deeply connected to nature.

A great book doesn’t sell itself — it needs a strong presentation. Inspired by the Book Marketing Tips & Author Successpodcast, this post explores how authors can “set the table for success” with better book covers, websites, keywords, social media, and more.

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 strong business book cover does more than look professional — it instantly communicates the book’s message and builds credibility. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the design process for The Control Catastrophe and how strategic typography, imagery, and layout helped create a compelling business book.

A behind-the-scenes look at the design process for Just A Long Walk, a memoir by first-time author James Gibson. From selecting the perfect cover image to creating balanced typography, this case study explores how thoughtful book design helped shape an award-winning memoir cover.

A trip to Target turned into a lesson in clever seasonal marketing when Halloween-themed cereal boxes featuring Peanuts characters, spooky illustrations, and streaming tie-ins captured my attention. Here’s why this nostalgic promotion stood out on crowded store shelves.

A Labor Day weekend purge of decades-old printed samples and CDs became more than a cleaning project—it turned into a reflection on creativity, changing technology, and the emotional challenge of letting go of work that once meant everything.

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. 

Discover some of the best free and paid stock photo websites, public domain image sources, and search tips to find the perfect visuals for your blog or book.