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.
