Book Design Made Simple
@bookdesignbook.bsky.social
Two book designers. Type geeks. Coauthors. Bloggers. #InDesign afficionados. #Publishing adventurers. Supporters of the em dash. https://tinyurl.com/wk98pm8m
We are constantly amazed by the number of people who have watched our #book #layout videos. www.bookdesignmadesimple.com/videos/#layout
VIDEOS
These InDesign video tutorials explain InDesign basics in the simplest terms. Learn from book design expert, Glenna Collett.
www.bookdesignmadesimple.com
November 11, 2025 at 5:17 PM
We are constantly amazed by the number of people who have watched our #book #layout videos. www.bookdesignmadesimple.com/videos/#layout
The design of your book spine is an important part of your print book marketing campaign. www.bookdesignmadesimple.com/book-spine-d...
Designing a book spine
Your book spine should shout your title. It's all part of your overall book marketing scheme. Here's how to get started.
www.bookdesignmadesimple.com
November 4, 2025 at 5:17 PM
The design of your book spine is an important part of your print book marketing campaign. www.bookdesignmadesimple.com/book-spine-d...
This very admirable author has made a huge success of his #self-published #book. Here's what he's done: www.bookdesignmadesimple.com/self-publish...
Self-publishing and book marketing: A success story
Follow the account of a remarkably successful self-published author who has managed to sell lots of books and change his career path, too.
www.bookdesignmadesimple.com
October 28, 2025 at 4:17 PM
This very admirable author has made a huge success of his #self-published #book. Here's what he's done: www.bookdesignmadesimple.com/self-publish...
Hurry, hurry! It's time to join your local publishing association. www.bookdesignmadesimple.com/publishing-a...
Publishing associations to join or know about
We've sifted through dozens of publishing associations to find truly nonprofit groups that can help you on your publishing journey.
www.bookdesignmadesimple.com
October 21, 2025 at 4:17 PM
Hurry, hurry! It's time to join your local publishing association. www.bookdesignmadesimple.com/publishing-a...
Who knew that a #copyright notice could look interesting? An extensive search on hands and knees in the library children's department revealed lots of fun ways to hide it or show it off: www.bookdesignmadesimple.com/creative-cop...
Creative copyright notices
Copyright notices don't have to look boring! Check out our gallery of creative solutions for this vital element of every book.
www.bookdesignmadesimple.com
October 14, 2025 at 4:17 PM
Who knew that a #copyright notice could look interesting? An extensive search on hands and knees in the library children's department revealed lots of fun ways to hide it or show it off: www.bookdesignmadesimple.com/creative-cop...
Using more than one #typeface in a #book creates a good look--sometimes harmonious, sometimes with some tension. Our thoughts on the subject: www.bookdesignmadesimple.com/combining-se...
Combining serif and sans serif fonts
Mixing serif and sans serif fonts sounds difficult, but it’s easy once you know the rules. Our font-combining basics will get you going quickly and easily.
www.bookdesignmadesimple.com
October 7, 2025 at 8:15 PM
Using more than one #typeface in a #book creates a good look--sometimes harmonious, sometimes with some tension. Our thoughts on the subject: www.bookdesignmadesimple.com/combining-se...
Designing a book requires a lot of decisions. Choosing a #type size is basic, so we've created a simple guide to get you going. www.bookdesignmadesimple.com/what-type-si...
What type size should I use?
We suggest type sizes for the text in all sorts of books: adult, children's, reference, large type, and more.
www.bookdesignmadesimple.com
September 30, 2025 at 7:45 PM
Designing a book requires a lot of decisions. Choosing a #type size is basic, so we've created a simple guide to get you going. www.bookdesignmadesimple.com/what-type-si...
Question: If reading for pleasure is now down to 16% of adults, then why and how are we producing so many #books these days? Who is reading them? Does this seem mysterious to you?
September 26, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Question: If reading for pleasure is now down to 16% of adults, then why and how are we producing so many #books these days? Who is reading them? Does this seem mysterious to you?
Self publishing is not as easy as it could be, and everyone needs a little help. We've created a list of side-by-side comparisons of the service providers: www.bookdesignmadesimple.com/self-publish...
Self-publishing services compared
Are you shopping for self-publishing services? We compare service providers for you, and let you know the pros and cons of each service.
www.bookdesignmadesimple.com
September 23, 2025 at 3:52 PM
Self publishing is not as easy as it could be, and everyone needs a little help. We've created a list of side-by-side comparisons of the service providers: www.bookdesignmadesimple.com/self-publish...
Is this not the most creative copyright statement you've ever seen? (On the left page it starts at the upper left, and yes, all the info is there.) The rest of the book is fun, too.
September 16, 2025 at 6:17 PM
Is this not the most creative copyright statement you've ever seen? (On the left page it starts at the upper left, and yes, all the info is there.) The rest of the book is fun, too.
It's kind of amazing how interesting a book's title page can be. Get creative! Check out our gallery of examples: www.bookdesignmadesimple.com/designing-a-...
Designing a book title page
Every book needs a title page. Designing an outstanding one is a challenge, but it can contribute to a professional-looking masterpiece.
www.bookdesignmadesimple.com
September 9, 2025 at 5:06 PM
It's kind of amazing how interesting a book's title page can be. Get creative! Check out our gallery of examples: www.bookdesignmadesimple.com/designing-a-...
Are you #typesetting #poetry and wondering how to get every poem centered on the page? Learn this simple #bookdesign trick in less than 4 minutes.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=qS_S...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=qS_S...
Typesetting a Poetry Book
How does a typesetter get every poem to be centered on the page? Find out the simple trick.
www.youtube.com
September 2, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Are you #typesetting #poetry and wondering how to get every poem centered on the page? Learn this simple #bookdesign trick in less than 4 minutes.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=qS_S...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=qS_S...
Are you #writing in Word and wondering how many book pages you've written so far? Here are a few easy options to calculate your page count based on your Word count.
www.bookdesignmadesimple.com/calculate-bo...
www.bookdesignmadesimple.com/calculate-bo...
Calculate book page count using word count
Wondering how many Word pages equal a book page? Calculate book page count using the word count from your Word document. We explain two easy methods to estimate your book's page count.
www.bookdesignmadesimple.com
August 26, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Are you #writing in Word and wondering how many book pages you've written so far? Here are a few easy options to calculate your page count based on your Word count.
www.bookdesignmadesimple.com/calculate-bo...
www.bookdesignmadesimple.com/calculate-bo...
Want to hire an #illustrator for your #books or #ChildrensBooks? We explain costs and copyrights, how much to expect to pay, gaining permissions, and calculating the right size and resolution for your images.
www.bookdesignmadesimple.com/book-illustr...
www.bookdesignmadesimple.com/book-illustr...
Working with a book illustrator
Need a book illustrator? Learn how to find one, what you should expect to pay, what to include in your contract, and what size the illustrations should be.
www.bookdesignmadesimple.com
August 19, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Want to hire an #illustrator for your #books or #ChildrensBooks? We explain costs and copyrights, how much to expect to pay, gaining permissions, and calculating the right size and resolution for your images.
www.bookdesignmadesimple.com/book-illustr...
www.bookdesignmadesimple.com/book-illustr...
Have you tried using the #InDesign #Pathfinder tool? You can combine or knockout shapes easily. Our quick video explains how.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3ps...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3ps...
Using the InDesign Pathfinder
The InDesign Pathfinder combines shapes into one. It's fun to use, but the Adobe Illustrator Pathfinder tool has more options. Learn about both in this video.
www.youtube.com
August 12, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Have you tried using the #InDesign #Pathfinder tool? You can combine or knockout shapes easily. Our quick video explains how.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3ps...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3ps...
Self-pub authors: please don't miss out on the powerful marketing that your #copyright page offers. We give you a complete explanation of the elements plus an easy, free template. www.bookdesignmadesimple.com/copyright-pa...
Your copyright page: Everything you need to know
Your book's copyright page is an important part of your book marketing scheme, so here's an ultra-easy Word template for you to paste into your book. Learn the different parts of the copyright page…
www.bookdesignmadesimple.com
August 5, 2025 at 8:08 PM
Self-pub authors: please don't miss out on the powerful marketing that your #copyright page offers. We give you a complete explanation of the elements plus an easy, free template. www.bookdesignmadesimple.com/copyright-pa...
For some summer fun, we show you how to make a little #book signature that you (and your kids) can use as a greeting card, tiny book, or just a rainy day #craft project. www.bookdesignmadesimple.com/make-your-ow...
Make your own book signature
Make your own mini book signature by hand. It's both fun and educational. Grab some paper, scissors, and a stapler, and you're ready to go.
www.bookdesignmadesimple.com
July 29, 2025 at 5:04 PM
For some summer fun, we show you how to make a little #book signature that you (and your kids) can use as a greeting card, tiny book, or just a rainy day #craft project. www.bookdesignmadesimple.com/make-your-ow...
We've been hanging around answering all sorts of author and designer queries for 10 years now. Got any questions? www.bookdesignmadesimple.com
DIY book design—can you do it?
Is DIY book design right for you? You can design a book, whether you’re a complete novice or an experienced book designer.
www.bookdesignmadesimple.com
July 22, 2025 at 7:58 PM
We've been hanging around answering all sorts of author and designer queries for 10 years now. Got any questions? www.bookdesignmadesimple.com
Our award-winning book design and #publishing blog has a ridiculous number of posts on every topic you can think of. What's your question today?
Award-winning book design blog
Explore this award-winning book design blog for information on book design, book cover design, book page design, InDesign, and publishing.
www.bookdesignmadesimple.com
May 27, 2025 at 7:04 PM
Our award-winning book design and #publishing blog has a ridiculous number of posts on every topic you can think of. What's your question today?
You could simplify and speed up your book design project with our #InDesign template.
InDesign book template by Book Design Made Simple
Book Design Made Simple now has a companion InDesign book template! Use it alongside the book to speed up and simplify the process.
www.bookdesignmadesimple.com
May 20, 2025 at 5:59 PM
You could simplify and speed up your book design project with our #InDesign template.
It's the BACK cover of your book that sells it. Here's how to write and design it for maximum #marketing impact.
Writing your back cover copy
Front covers attract—back covers sell! Your back cover is a great marketing space so write some compelling copy.
www.bookdesignmadesimple.com
May 13, 2025 at 7:03 PM
It's the BACK cover of your book that sells it. Here's how to write and design it for maximum #marketing impact.
We compared lots and lots of #selfpublishing services to save you the trouble.
Self-publishing services compared
Are you shopping for self-publishing services? We compare service providers for you, and let you know the pros and cons of each service.
www.bookdesignmadesimple.com
May 6, 2025 at 10:02 PM
We compared lots and lots of #selfpublishing services to save you the trouble.
Our free #copyright page template has already helped hundreds of #selfpublishing authors.
Your copyright page: Everything you need to know
Your book's copyright page is an important part of your book marketing scheme, so here's an ultra-easy Word template for you to paste into your book. Learn the different parts of the copyright page…
www.bookdesignmadesimple.com
April 29, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Our free #copyright page template has already helped hundreds of #selfpublishing authors.
Finally, someone explains those mystifying crop marks to #selfpublishing newbies.
Crop marks and other printer's marks
Your PDF for the printer will show crop marks and other printer's marks. What are they and why do you need them?
buff.ly
April 22, 2025 at 7:04 PM
Finally, someone explains those mystifying crop marks to #selfpublishing newbies.
Your book's index is going to need italics and bold. Learn how to do it while creating your live index in #InDesign.
Advanced live index features in InDesign
Add italics and bold to your live index in InDesign, and generate a live index across several documents using InDesign's Book feature.
buff.ly
April 15, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Your book's index is going to need italics and bold. Learn how to do it while creating your live index in #InDesign.