What Most People Miss About Book Design

I keep talking to writers who wait until their books are almost finished before they think about cover and interior design.

Actually, in my experience, most people do not think about book design until the very end. That’s a mistake.

They spend months, sometimes years, writing and refining their manuscript. Then, once the content is finished, they turn their attention to the cover and interior layout.

That approach is understandable, but it can create problems.

Book design is not just about how a book looks. It shapes how the book is experienced. A well-designed book guides the reader through the content with ease. It supports the message, rather than distracting from it.

When design is rushed or treated as an afterthought, even strong writing can feel harder to read and less engaging.

This does not mean you need to make design decisions before you begin writing. It does mean you should understand, early on, what kind of book you are creating and how it will function for the reader.

A thoughtful approach to design considers:

• How the book will be read

• What kind of tone it should convey

• How the layout can support clarity and flow

These decisions do not have to be complicated, but they should be intentional.

If you are working on a manuscript or thinking about starting one, this is something worth keeping in mind. Good design does not draw attention to itself. It quietly supports the reader and strengthens the overall experience of the book.

If you would like guidance on how your book should look and function, I am always glad to help you think that through. We have a short guide that I can send you, too, so if you'd like it, reply to this email (a snippet of it is pictured below to show you how cover design can vary).

If you are an existing client looking for help with a current or new project, schedule a call here: Next Steps Call for Existing Clients

If you have not worked with my team before, you can schedule a call here: Publishing Pathway Call

Books live forever!

XOXOXO
Jody

P.S. If you know someone who is or should be writing a book, please introduce us:)

About the Author

Jody Dyer is the Founder and CEO of Crippled Beagle Publishing and Story Mountain Media, two publishing companies that help writers turn meaningful ideas into professionally published books.

Jody and her team guide authors through writing, editing, publishing, and marketing so their books create impact, credibility, and long term legacy.

If you are thinking about writing or publishing a book and want thoughtful guidance before making decisions, you can schedule a free Publishing Pathway Call to explore your next step.

Before You Tear Your Book Apart, Read This.

A client sent me what I would call a “talk me off the ledge” email this week, and I have a feeling many of you will recognize this moment when it comes.

He had just printed his manuscript and started reading it on paper instead of on a screen. Up until that point, he felt like he had made strong progress. Then, within a few chapters, his entire perspective shifted.

He told me the book suddenly felt unfocused. He felt like he was saying a lot without getting to the point. Some of the content seemed to drift away from the core topic into broader ideas that, while related, were not as directly connected as he wanted them to be.

He also shared that the writing did not feel as engaging as it had before. What once felt relevant and lively now felt heavier and less clear.

By the time he finished his initial review, he was questioning the structure of the entire book. He wondered if he needed to remove large sections and significantly tighten the manuscript, possibly saving some of that material for future projects.

Underneath all of that was something I see often at this stage.

He was tired.

He had been working on the manuscript for a long time, and the combination of fatigue and a fresh perspective made everything feel more overwhelming than it actually was.

I am going to share my exact response to him below, because I think it will help you, if not now, then at some point in your own process.

MY RESPONSE:

DON'T JUMP! As Stephen Hawking said, "Where there's life, there's hope." That applies to a living, breathing, book and to YOU as the author!

This is not a situation that you should even think is any teeny tiny kind of failure. This is, though, a chance to refine your manuscript, IF you want to. It is okay to publish it as is. My team and I agree. \

Keep reading:)))

Your reaction is not alarming. Actually, this is a natural moment in the publishing journey.  Almost every author who is really committed to his/her work reaches a point where the manuscript suddenly feels flat or unfocused. That doesn’t mean there's a problem with the book. What this means is that you've naturally lost your initial excitement and energy for it, and you are tired of the whole dang process, probably, especially given that you are building the complex funnel and launching a business at the same time.

With any book, I call this the “panic before publishing” or “ledge” moment. Maybe I should have warned you! I am so sorry that you are feeling ledge-y and stressed, at all. I am here to support you, for sure. 

Keep reading:)))

Also, I totally relate as a writer.  With every book I write or big project I complete, at some point, I think, "Why in the hell did I even start this?" This also happens when I paint a room in my house, decide to host a big party, expand a flower bed, etc. The way you are feeling is a strange part of human nature and just evidence that you CARE, which is great but exhausting, right? Also, Pat Conroy had multiple breakdowns while writing some of his books. He shared that openly in one that I read a few years ago. Pat Conroy was a genius. He finished his books, too.

Here's my advice:

1. Print out the book and do this: highlight every passage that absolutely does NOT relate to your main topic. While you do this, if you aren't sure, ask, "Would my ideal reader want to know/need to know this information?" 

With one client, I had her highlight and label passages "rich asides" or "rabbit holes." For you, with a nonfiction book, the content will either be direct, supportive, or drifting. Label/highlight accordingly.

2. Do NOT do this when you are tired!

3. Don't invite random critics and your non-audience into your mind. 

4. Don't ask any more people for their opinions:) 

You've got an opportunity here to do one of three things:

1 - Most work - Elevate the manuscript once more while keeping cut content for other purposes for your audience.

2 - Worst choice - Spiral, take out too much, and weaken the book and the trilogy and create a lot of work and delay your success.

3 - Ideal option - Leave the book alone and take the next step: line editing.

I would ERR on the side of LEAVING CONTENT INSIDE THE BOOK!

XOXOXO

Jody

BACK TO REAL TIME NOW:

If you are wondering what goes, what stays, or what to do next, schedule a call. My team will help you.

If you are an existing client looking for help with a current or new project, schedule a call here: Next Steps Call for Existing Clients

If you have not worked with my team before, you can schedule a call here: Publishing Pathway Call

Books live forever!

XOXOXO
Jody

What a Healthy Publishing Partnership Looks Like

 

Most first-time/aspiring authors get confused about the publishing processes available and don’t know where to go for trustworthy guidance. 

There are three current pathways:

Traditional

Self-Publishing

Hybrid Publishing

Someone asked what it really looks like to work with my team—not the highlight version, but the day-to-day experience. She wondered what she should expect and how would she know if she had chosen the right partner? There are so many options “out there on the internet,” that people often just say no or not yet vs. making a decision and taking action with their books.

Hers were important questions. You definitely do NOT want to commit to a publisher, then regret it months and a lot of money later.

A healthy publishing partnership is not built on pressure or promises. The relationship is built on understanding, communication, and shared responsibility.

A good partner takes the time to understand what the author is trying to create. That includes the message, the audience, and the purpose behind the book. Without that foundation, it is very difficult to make strong decisions as the work moves forward.

A healthy partnership also includes clear guidance. Most authors are not expected to know how to move from idea to finished book on their own. They need a process they can trust and a person or team who can help them think through each step with confidence.

At the same time, the author has a role to play. Progress depends on engagement, responsiveness, and a willingness to work through the challenges that come with writing. The strongest outcomes happen when both sides are fully participating and on time. I’ve had to ask for a lot of forgiveness the last 30 months during my husband’s cancer treatments, but what I’ve found is that as long as I am open, our Crippled Beagle Publishing and Story Mountain Media clients understand. They have crises, family demands, health issues, work stress, and surprise opportunities, too. What I love is that my team and processes are totally transparent. We should be. After all, many of our clients are opening their souls and histories to us as we craft their stories.

Respect is another important part of the relationship. That includes respect for timelines, for the work itself, and for the people involved. A book is not created overnight, and it should not be rushed in a way that compromises quality. My team and I err on the side of accuracy vs. speed. Sometimes, ideas need time to develop. We try to balance staying on schedule with leaving room for creativity. This benefits everyone, especially the eventual readers.

Finally, a healthy publishing partnership allows space for thoughtful decisions. There is room to ask questions, consider options, and move forward with confidence rather than urgency. This is why we often don’t decide the client’s publishing pathway (traditional, self, or hybrid with us) until the book’s first draft is complete. That allows us time to discuss the options and customize publishing to match what the client wants and needs, long-term.

If you are considering your next step, it may be helpful to think about what kind of partnership you are looking for in a publisher. 

Do you want to feel supported, understood, and guided?

Do you want a clear sense of how the process works and what comes next?

The relationship is more important than pricing or promises.

If you would like to talk through what this could look like for your book, we would be glad to have that conversation with you. 

If you are an existing client looking for help with a current or new project, schedule a call here: Next Steps Call for Existing Clients

If you have not worked with my team before, you can schedule a call here: Publishing Pathway Call

Books live forever!

About the Author

Jody Dyer is the Founder and CEO of Crippled Beagle Publishing and Story Mountain Media, two publishing companies that help writers turn meaningful ideas into professionally published books.

Jody and her team guide authors through writing, editing, publishing, and marketing so their books create impact, credibility, and long term legacy.

If you are thinking about writing or publishing a book and want thoughtful guidance before making decisions, you can schedule a free Publishing Pathway Call to explore your next step.

You DO Have Time to Write.

 

I hear this often.

Someone will say, “I do not have time to write.”

Recently, I was talking with a woman with an incredibly inspiring life story. She is thoughtful, capable, and responsible for many things that matter. Her days are full with work, family, and ongoing commitments that require her attention and energy.

When she said she did not have time to write, she was not making an excuse. She was describing what her life actually feels like right now.

I understood exactly what she meant. On paper, I have no “extra time” for a special project. Jeff is back in chemotherapy and has two procedures in April, we just scheduled Scotty for FIVE golf tournaments—just for June, it’s tax time, I run two publishing companies, my mother says I don’t visit enough, and I’m thinking of home-schooling Scotty next year. Guess what I’m starting today? 

WRITING A NEW BOOK!

Most people who say they don’t have time to write are not avoiding the work. They are already carrying too many responsibilities and endless to-do lists that this world of direct messaging, emails, voice notes, etc., put on our calendars. Writing begins to feel like one more responsibility, and it becomes difficult to justify where it fits. 

As we talked, I shared something I have seen many times.

People have the time. They just need to adjust priorities, and match the minutes accordingly.

For example, a working mother like me might think, Once I take care of Jeff, Scotty, clients, my team, cats, and taxes, I will work on my book. 

Creative friend, if I follow that line of priorities and thinking, how  long will it take me to even start, much less FINISH, writing a book? 

Now, if I were to say to my family, clients, team, and myself, “I am protecting 8:30 - 9:00 a.m. every weekday to work on my book. Thank you for helping me write to help others and reach my goal!” 

Let’s do the math. 

Option 1 - Use whatever time and energy I have left at night:

I can’t even calculate that because every day is different, and on top of being a caregiver, mother, and entrepreneur, I am also 52, so my hormones have all kinds of interesting plans for me. Ha!

So, let’s say I am successful 1 hour a week, meaning in 6 months, I’d spend 26 hours on my book.

Option 2 - PRIORITIZE my creative project: 

Let’s say that I am successful 4 of every 5 weekdays. In 6 months, I would spend 104 hours on my book.

If I follow my own advice, via my “Anxiety-Free Writing Process” and take one smart, doable, pressure-free step at a time, those hours compound, and yes, I can absolutely finish a book in 6 months! People who protect more time can move even faster.

The trick? MAKE YOURSELF and your creative project a priority. Did you know that creativity and anxiety cannot co-exist? Writing is an escape from all those to-do lists. Writing is healthy, empowering, and energizing. Just like exercise, you might be a little tired right after, but you will have more energy and positive feelings the rest of the day because you started your day with something just for you. 

Writing in the mornings before taking care of everyone else is NOT selfish. It’s smart.

Many people believe they need long, uninterrupted stretches of time in order to make progress. They imagine a quiet space, a full outline, and a perfectly structured plan before they begin. They imagine a week at a cabin in the woods with no interruption. I’ve tried it all, including personal retreats. What works best, time and again, is a dedicated and PROTECTED window of time, 3-5 days a week, in the mornings.

Meaningful work is built in smaller pieces through steady, consistent effort rather than ideal conditions.

While some people optimize, daydream, get resentful, and procrastinate, other people give their projects as little as 20 minutes a day and make progress until they are successful.

The people who complete their books are not always the ones with the most time available. They are the ones who understand what they are creating and why it matters to them. They are the people who commit the time, protect the time, and keep going.

The woman I met last week does not need a different schedule. Think about it. Sometimes, the busiest people we know are the most accomplished. They know how to manage their time. They are proactive, not reactive. 

If you have found yourself saying that you do not have time to write, it may be helpful to pause and consider a different question.

Stop right now and answer this question: What time block can I reserve each morning so I can work on my book? 

About the Author

Jody Dyer is the Founder and CEO of Crippled Beagle Publishing and Story Mountain Media, two publishing companies that help writers turn meaningful ideas into professionally published books.

Jody and her team guide authors through writing, editing, publishing, and marketing so their books create impact, credibility, and long-term legacy.

If you are thinking about writing or publishing a book and want thoughtful guidance before making decisions, you can schedule a free Publishing Pathway Call to explore your next step.

 

God Winks and Good Friends: When the Responsible Choice Isn’t the Right One

A little background, first: 

Jeff starts chemo again (for the third time) Monday, March 16. When we found this out, I said, "We should figure out a way to take some kind of spring break trip." Jeff handles chemo and tough treatments better when he has something to look forward to, so I always plan a goal trip for us---even if it's just an inexpensive trip to see family out of town or a one-day "road trip" close to home. 

Our son Scotty is 15. He plays for West High School and had the second best score, as a freshman, for the year. His goal is to play in college and professionally. My goal is for him to play in college and professionally AND buy me a condo on the beach with some of his winnings $$$. Hahahaha! 

Anyway, he lives and breathes golf. As you might imagine, the last 29 months have been hard on Scotty. Middle school is rough enough, right? Add a father with stage 4 cancer and a brother away at college, and you can see why he's been struggling not only with schoolwork but also trichotillomania (anxiety disorder---under treatment, but tough on a teenager). 

Scotty needed a win. At home, February was COLD. Jeff needed warm temperatures to get some reprieve from the neuropathy and pain in his feet and hands. 

Now, ON PAPER and by "the world's" standards, we have no business taking a spring break trip. We have a gazillion dollars in medical bills with no end in sight, I am about to be back in deep caregiver mode (which means losing or shifting many work hours), Jeff hates taking time off work because he misses so much for bad days and treatments, and since Crippled Beagle Publishing and Story Mountain Media are in a rapid growth stage, I feel I should be at the helm 24/7. Plus, Scotty "should" be doing makeup assignments and working with his tutor, right?

But by God's standards, a break makes total sense. Here's why:

God never designed us to run at full speed without rest, joy, and connection. Throughout the Bible, He calls people to pause, step away, and trust Him with the details. When life feels uncertain, my instinct is often to work harder and try to control everything. I have learned that faith often requires the opposite.

Faith sometimes looks like saying yes when the world says to say no.

Faith sometimes looks like creating a joyful memory in spite of or smack dab in the middle of another hard season.

One of my greatest fears is letting people down and losing their trust.  Faith means that choosing what is good for my family is still the right decision, even if it disappoints someone else.

Jeff faces two months of chemo starting Monday. Scotty needed sunshine, golf, and a few days where cancer is not the center of the conversation. And honestly, I needed a reminder that life is still good and still worth celebrating.

God is always working behind the scenes, and I am frequently in awe of how He manages the details of life, if I let Him. If I get out of the way! 

As a Christian, I fully believe in the law of attraction and manifesting. I also believe that God loves risk takers. As my friend Gavin McHale says, "God loves risk takers because risk requires faith." Now, for this March week, I didn't book a trip or even Google vacation rentals. Frazzled and being “responsible,” I just kept taking care of work and home and family. I definitely THOUGHT about spring break, what we could do on a budget, what would help Jeff, and how we can land as close as possible to a golf course. That is all I did, though—think. Finally, my plan was to drop Scotty and his best friend Paxton off at local golf courses every day, have lunch with Jeff a couple of times, and get ahead on work to be ready for chemo and caregiving. God, of course, knew better.

On February 26, Jeff and I got this text at 7:18 a.m. from our friend Kathy:

Good morning Jody and Jeff.

Y'all have been on my heart.

I know Jeff will be starting treatment soon.

I'm not sure when Scotty’s spring break is, but I wanted to offer our house in Orange Beach to y'all.

It's not fancy…but it would be a place to stay. All you would need to bring are golf clubs and groceries.

It is on the Orange Beach Golf Course and only miles away from the beach.

If you feel like a beach trip let me know, and the little house is yours.

On our first day here, Scotty played 36 holes. He stayed at the golf course from 8 a.m. until the only thing left open was the driving range. The next day, the same. Right now, on day three? He and Jeff are playing golf in the sunshine.

I love "learning in public" and sharing with you all.

Thank you, Kathy, for answering a prayer for Scotty, Jeff, and me.
Thank you, God, for redirecting me and for bringing joy to my family this week.

If you are in a season where life feels uncertain or heavy, maybe this message is a small reminder that it is still okay to pause, trust God with the details, and say yes to joy along the way.

Sometimes the most faithful thing we can do is step away for a moment, rest, and remember that God is working behind the scenes.

Thank you for your patience this week, and thank you for trusting your team and me with your creative work.

XOXOXO from Orange Beach, Alabama!

Jody

March 9, 2026

Struggling to Follow Your Calling to Write? My Team Can Help You

If you keep feeling the nudge, the calling, the small still voice telling you to share your story, my team is here to help you take the next step, no matter how small it is. We love encouraging writers and actually specialize in helping FIRST-TIME AUTHORS. We host Publishing Pathway Calls throughout the year. These conversations bring clarity, not pressure. We look at your goals and determine the wisest next step together. We also have group programs to ease you into a joyful writing rhythm at a soft pace and lower price. Whatever you are writing and wherever you are in the journey, we want to help you. We start with a friendly, fun, 15-minute call called a Publishing Pathway Call. In this call, we learn about you, your book idea, and more. All you need to bring is an open mind and questions. 

Schedule a Publishing Pathway Call Here.

Books live forever!

Jody Dyer, Founder and CEO

Crippled Beagle Publishing and Story Mountain Media