Debbie Berne's "The Design of Books: An Explainer for Authors, Editors, Agents, and Other Curious Readers" offers a peek into the often overlooked yet crucial aspect of book design. Berne's expertise shines through as she navigates the intricate world of typography, layout, and cover design, providing invaluable insights for both seasoned professionals and curious beginners.

What sets this book apart is its balance between technical detail and practical advice. Berne seamlessly blends theory with real-world examples, making complex concepts understandable and immediately applicable. From understanding the role of typefaces in conveying tone to explaining the secrets of eye-catching covers, each chapter is a masterclass in visual storytelling.

Berne's passion for her subject is palpable, infusing the text with enthusiasm and a genuine desire to empower readers with the tools they need to make informed design choices. Whether you're an author seeking to enhance your manuscript's visual appeal or an editor aiming to elevate the quality of your publications, "The Design of Books" serves as an indispensable guide that demystifies the art and science of book design.

The Design of Books is the most comprehensive resource for publishing professionals and authors for the entire art of bookmaking. Debbie Berne covers it all - from the construction of the cover (print and online), to inside matters such as the front and back matter, to everything about e-books. It gave me great insight to the details that should be considered in the process of publishing a book. It's a fantastic addition to any writer's bookshelf.

Special thanks to Net Galley for providing me a free review copy in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

The Design of Books: An Explainer for Authors, Editors, Agents, and Other Curious Readers by Debbie Berne

In the literary world where the adage “don’t judge a book by its cover” is often preached but seldom practiced, Debbie Berne’s “The Design of Books” emerges as a beacon of enlightenment. This book is not merely a guide; it is a celebration of the art that binds the pages we so lovingly leaf through.

Berne, with her seasoned experience as a designer, delves into the esoteric realm of book design with the finesse of a skilled artisan. She demystifies the process, making it accessible to not just the creators but also the consumers of literature. The book is a trove of knowledge, spanning the gamut from typography and layout to the nuances of e-books versus print.

What sets this book apart is its ability to speak to a diverse audience. Whether you are an author aspiring to understand the visual journey of your manuscript or an editor aiming to collaborate more effectively with designers, Berne’s insights are invaluable. Even the curious reader who has never ventured beyond the final page of a story will find a new appreciation for the vessel that carries the narrative.

Each chapter is meticulously crafted, much like the books Berne herself designs. The language is clear, unstuffy, and occasionally tinged with humor, making the technicalities of book design not just palatable but enjoyable. The inclusion of practical advice for self-publishing authors is a thoughtful touch, acknowledging the evolving landscape of publishing.

“The Design of Books” an advocate for beauty and functionality in literature. It implores us to see beyond the words and to understand that the design of a book is not just a shell but an integral part of the storytelling experience.

In conclusion, Debbie Berne’s work is a must-read for anyone involved in the creation, production, or consumption of books. It is a book about books that makes you fall in love with books all over again.

A must-read for all nerdy book lovers! This book is insightful and interesting. If you've ever wanted a tell-all about book design... this is for you!

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

This book provided an excellent insight into book design! It should be considered a must-read for anyone interested in books, publishing, the history of books, and design in general. Some of the chapters were less interesting than others, but that is to be expected.

I've been reading books nearly all my life—a good many years. And I’ve been writing them for several years. But I still learned quite a bit from this book.

If you’re a book lover, you’ll delight in the behind-the-scenes look at what goes into book design. Perhaps you’ll simply love knowing words like dinkus (the decorative section break), spot image (an image without its background), and x-height (the height of the letter x in a font). And if you are an indie author, this will give you new insight into why you would hire a professional book designer,

From covers to binding to the layout of the words on interior pages, you’ll have a new appreciation of the design elements in the books you love.

Ahhh, this book made me happy!

As an avid reader and copyeditor myself, I was naturally drawn to the topic--even more so lately, when quality book design has made me snap up a book solely because of its beauty ... or, well, poor design has done quite the opposite, making me want to cry a little over something that had so much potential (or that I entirely loved content-wise), yet fell flat purely on production. Aesthetics matter!

I recently finished up the University of Chicago's certificate program in editing, and this proved a great recap of many design elements I learned over the program's five courses. (I'm chuckling as I write this; come to find out, the book is part of a series put out by the University of Chicago Press. So there's that.)

Regardless of publisher, however--and hopefully the fact that it is UCP will help vet the read a bit--the book is still excellent, worthwhile for anyone involved in or curious about books.

Author, podcaster, and blogger Joanna Penn wrote in an editorial review that the book is "Invaluable for those who want to create beautiful books"; I'd say it's equally invaluable for those who want to read beautiful books. Or edit them. ;)

Many thanks to Net Galley for the advance reading copy of this informative eBook.

This book is a solid resource for learning about book design, and very well put-together. If you’re interested in book design from a technical detail standpoint, especially the process and pieces of design, this may be the book you’re looking for. I think the strongest aspect of this book is that the author knows whay they’re talking about, having done this work themselves. The weakest is the formatting, which is great for a physical book, but made reading the e-ARC kind of difficult for me because the white space and bright colors gave me migraines. I think dividing the chapters up more would have helped make it a more digestible read with less trouble for me. I probably won’t be keeping an eye on this author going forward. It was very informative, but didn’t really compel me a whole lot.

I was expecting a more insightful book around the various approaches and techiques used in designing book covers, but noted the book was far more a basic primer. Not bad for what it is at all, good introduction but not for experienced designers.

I've been interested in learning how to bookbind, and the topic of the Design of Books seemed to be helpful to formatting one. I never really thought about the amount of time and thought that goes behind a book cover, and I feel like this an essential reference to any book lover - even if you don't have any prior experience to design. Highly Recommended!

The Design of Books was a super interesting and thorough read. I loved seeing behind the scenes of the publishing world.

This is a great book if you want to start a freelance as a book designer because this is very informative! I didn't expect it to be compelete from types of fonts, type of books, type of cover, how to design/conceptualize a book cover...all of it is in here!

As both an academic author of academic books/textbooks and a hybrid published novelist, I have spent a great deal of my life writing books for a range of publishers. I love books. But, honestly, I hadn’t really spent too much time considering how my typed pages get turned into the final printed copy. Sure, I’ve done a little book formatting and layout, but I never thought about some of the larger issues discussed in Debbie Berne's <i>The Design of Books: An Explainer for Authors, Editors, Agents, and Other Curious Readers</i>.

I found Berne’s book to be an illuminating look behind the scenes of book creation. Berne brings over 20 years of design expertise to clearly and engagingly explain the myriad decisions that bring a manuscript to vibrant life as a polished book, whether in print or digital form.

Covering everything from typography, fonts, and page layouts to incorporating images and production considerations, Berne leaves no stone unturned in outlining the design process. Her grasp of both the aesthetic qualities and practical functionality that impact readability and reader experience is impressive. I particularly appreciated her tips for how authors can advocate for their vision while still trusting the professionals they hire. And as a history buff, I really enjoyed seeing how bookmaking has changed into the modern art that it is.

For anyone curious about the hidden craft behind the books we love, as well as advice for authors looking to self-publish or work with a design team, <i>The Design of Books: An Explainer for Authors, Editors, Agents, and Other Curious Readers</i> is a must-read. Berne's passion for her craft is evident, and her focus on heightened appreciation for books makes this explainer a joy and an education all in one.

I'm grateful to have received an advance reader copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher.

3.5 stars

I notice book designs, and I'm easily frustrated by poor ones, wondering what on earth the publishers were thinking. So, that's what drew me to this book. After reading it, I am even more convinced that I know what I'm talking about and will continue to judge, lol…

This covers everything from the obvious (cover design) to the interior fonts used and more. I was surprised at how much I already knew, but there was still a lot here to learn; it's a very thorough book. It's actually a little long. The author frequently used many examples to illustrate her point when just one or two would have sufficed.

I was turned off by the author's attitude toward authors who want to have more control over their cover designs. She actively discourages self-publishing authors from designing their own covers without ever distinguishing between people with an eye for design and those without… she just assumes that all authors are lacking in that area. And, while I get that it's annoying to be micromanaged, she spent too much time griping about how authors make her life as a designer difficult.

Overall, a good resource - especially for those self-publishing authors considering designing their books themselves, so they know exactly what they're getting themselves into!

The Design of Books offers a relaxed, casual approach to understanding how to put a book together. Debbie Berne, an expert book designer, helps authors and editors walk through the steps of a stressful task. Book designs are not for authors. I tried to design my first attempt at publishing though it has been flopped out. Book designing is a serious thing. No writer or editor can really succeed without the expertise of a designer who has the skill and patience. Burn gives evidence of other designs concerning covers, fonts, typesetting, and layout. The Design of Books includes all formats of books, such as print, ebooks, illustrated, self-published, and all genres.
This is a must-read for any author who is trying to succeed. It is true that self-published authors can become mad in the design phase and put their books out there without a designer. But it is a humiliation. Debbie Berne is a trustworthy source to reference. For an author and their editor to succeed, they need an acceptable design. She’s very kind in her approach; she offers more support than criticism.

Thank you, Net Galley and University of Chicago Press for this Advanced Reader’s Copy.

Really everything you need to know about books, including its parts, production, design, and formats, with important practical advice to boot. While written specifically for authors and editors in mind, it would be an engrossing read for anyone mad about books or anyone in the book industry. Librarians too!

And if not satisfied after reading this, a list of resources and recommended reading at the back should fill your need.

Easy to read and not boring at all. 5 stars from me!

Thanks to Netgalley and University of Chicago Press for letting me share my honest opinions of this eBook.

Give me anything to do with books and I’m in cloud heaven; books about books are one of my many favourite reads.

Though from chapter to chapter I wasn’t always clear who this book was for, Debbie Berne explains in the postscript that there isn’t a book like this for authors and editors to show the relevance of a designer.

In seven chapters and an appendix, Debbie Berne also describes the input designers make towards the finish design of a book. Each chapter is easy to follow and shows an element in book design or the differences between eBooks and physical books. The last chapter includes the design process from a manuscript to a finished product.

With its reference feel, I would call this a fascinating read rather than an enjoyable one, but I like how I now have more appreciation of what’s involved to produce a book.

Publishing date: 3/12/24
Rating: 4 stars

This book is very detailed in regards to book design, from the cover and spine, down to the nitty-gritty decisions that make up a book's interior. I definitely learned a lot and really had no idea how involved the book design process actually is.

I think I would've enjoyed this more had it been the final version, as the ARC was sometimes formatted strangely on my e-reader and phone.

The author definitely knows her topic, and she presents the information in a relatable tone. As someone who is not in the art design industry, some of the info was a bit too technical, so I just skimmed those parts. I'd recommend this to readers who have a serious interest in the book design process, and those who are already book designers.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the digital ARC of this book. All opinions are mine alone.

As an avid reader and book devourer, I found "The Design of Books: An Explainer for Authors, Editors, Agents, and Other Curious Readers" by Debbie Berne to be absolutely fascinating. Throughout my academic journey in literature, I often lamented the absence of courses on the vital role of book design in shaping reader experiences and influencing sales. Berne's comprehensive exploration of the "anatomy of a book" — delving into everything from size and binding to typography — satisfied my curiosity and shed light on an industry that deserves greater recognition.

From dimensions and binding techniques to the nuances of typography, Berne leaves no stone unturned, providing a comprehensive understanding of the publishing and design process. Reading this book felt like immersing myself in a rich documentary, with each page offering valuable revelations. My copy is now adorned with countless highlights, a testament to the wealth of knowledge it imparts.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy. "The Design of Books" has forever altered my perspective on the books that grace my shelves, and I am certain it will resonate with anyone intrigued by the artistry behind the printed word.

Being both a book lover and a designer (branding) this book was absolutely fascinating to me. It was the perfect mix of thoroughly informative, highly technically yet very digestible, deeply inspiring to see the behind the scenes of this commercial but also creative world of book designing. I recommend this to anyone either interested in the industry of book design or anyone even slightly curious about the making of books. Very well done! It certainly made me feel better about so often buying books based on its cover — a lot goes into designing those!

My only critique would be towards the illustrations. Color is such a big part of design and picking a book off the shelves, I would have wanted the illustrated, at least the actual book ones, to have been in color. A little wish in a lot of goodness though.