[Show as slideshow]

Cover Design—Eighty percent of all books are sold based on the cover alone. The cover design is the single most important marketing tool used to sell your book. Many times the design of your cover will determine its placement on book store shelves and displays.

Interior book design and typesetting—the art of laying out a manuscript—is just that: an art. It is also a science. Interior book design is a skill that improves with experience, “the difference between doing it yourself and hiring a professional”—using the oft-repeated phrase—is clear.
The layout and design of a book should suit the content. A book for children will have a larger font than a collection of academic articles. Screenplays, picture books, text books, travel guides, and cookbooks all require careful design and have different criteria. The design should allow the reader to flow through the pages with ease and enjoyment.

The content of a book must be reflected in the interior design. An ornate design with borders and script fonts is suitable for some books, while a simple, clean layout is appropriate for others.

The production cost and how much the book will/can retail for are important considerations when designing a book..