Book design — what's involved
The commission
The publisher, or whoever wishes to have a book designed invites me
to consider a commission, and a contract is drawn up that details the
scope of the commission, fees and payment schedules. It usual to schedule
payment in two installments, the first part due on agreement of the
contract.
Manuscript preparation
Before design and typesetting can begin the manuscript must be
thoroughly copy-edited and proof read and any illustrations prepared.
This is an essential and often overlooked part of the process. If you
wish me to copy-edit, expect to pay extra for this service. Permission
needs to be obtained for the use of any copyright material, and the
appropriate acknowledgements supplied. An ISBN and library cataloguing
data record or number may also be needed.
First draft designs
The design process begins as a discussion with the publisher and perhaps
the author, then a reading of all or substantial amounts of the text
to assess the tone and style of writing. An analysis of the text will
reveal its structure and the hierarchy of all the parts, chapters, sections,
headings, subheadings, quotations, footnotes etc., and this will form
the basis for the design. All books will be designed with the reader
in mind and the design of the book must be fit for its purpose. Sample
pages and proposals, will be prepared based on the needs and requirements
of the target audience and the publisher.
Design and typesetting
Once a design outline is established, page layout and paragraph styling
can begin. All the minute details that require attention are dealt with
such as margins, typefaces and their sizes, the length of lines and
interlinear space, letter spacing and the precise positioning of all
these elements. Following the publishers' house style the text is "typeset"
, and imported into the design file. Then begins the process of page
layout within the book, arranging the text and illustrations. The choice
of paper will determine the thickness of the text block and the dimensions
of the book jacket.
Proof reading and editing
Attention to detail is paramount and the whole book is scrutinized many
times before being sent to the plate maker and printer: the designer
will proof read for typographical errors and undertake visual editing.
Generally two proofs are supplied, when the final proof is accepted
the remaining payment is made and the necessary files are sent to the
printer.
Scholarly publishing
Books published by scholarly publishers, such as university presses
and other institutions generally contain long and complex texts with
colour illustrations and additional matter such as bibliographies and
indexes. Their design needs to ensure economic use of the paper and
they will be printed by high-speed offset lithography, and machine sewn
and bound.
Fine press
Fine press books can be more generous in their margins and use of white
space (although this is an important element in any design), and might
include illustrations printed from original graphic media such as woodcuts,
linocuts or wood engravings. Added importance is given to the aesthetic
values of the design, paper and binding. Fine press books are often
bound by hand and published in limited editions and become rare collectors
items.
Why commission David Esslemont?
As a designer for more than thirty years I bring a wealth of experience
and expertise to my designs. Being a printer and bookbinder I have a
wide knowledge of the practical side of book production besides a great
respect and understanding of the importance of design. For example,
not only should the text look good on the computer screen, the printed
page, and in the bound book, but one must also consider the grain direction
of the paper. It must follow the spine to allow the book to "open".
Furthermore as a visual artist I bring a unique "eye" for
creative and imaginative designs solutions to make your books distinctive,
elegant, and readable.
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Passionate about books & design
