Book design services

Outline of what we did

We did an initial selection of designs, until eventually it clearly emerged that 1 design that was working best, that we developed more.

Standout aspects were chapter opener illustrations and large headings, fun bold italic headings adding a really fun and lively feel to the information (that is not often seen). Typographic reference devices for step parts within the book (that allowed accurate cross navigation), great overall design of the front and endmatter. Not too much text on pages, as to allow quick progress through pages. Quote devices to breakup and pace the text dense pages, more use of dark grey colour than default black (to offer something new and unusual). The few blank pages due to pagination usually left at the back of the book, were made into notes pages for readers, with rules mimicking ruled lined paper. The book cover also echoes and fits the design of the inside of the book, that is another huge benefit and bonus. And the modern near fluorescent green colour used, adds a really fresh modern feel.

This book is also quite unusual, in the sense that the design was dealt with quickly and without too much political interference. Usually this category of book get forced into a past title design and template, that is quick to produce, but not very effective for readers, or customised for the actual book’s neededs.

Another highly successful and satisfying project for all involved, where a lot of good decisions were made and allowed. That made this book a serious title to be noticed and read. Some people say they do not like self-help books, but if they help people and they get things from it, what is the issue…

3 main improvements for them

• Quote devices to breakup and pace the text dense pages.
• Fun bold italic headings, adding a really fun and lively feel.
• Convincing and confident book that will serve the book, for many years to come!

Details

Pages: 256 • Page size: width 129mm × height 198mm • Inside paper: unknown.

Powerful and convincing

Outline of what we did

We researched into the subject, content and time period, that we reflected and echoed in the design. In collaboration with the client, we designed a modern and subject respectful concept for the book, playing on the past and the present using a sans-serif and serif typeface. Bright modern colours were used, that appeal to the book’s readers, and the design is not too overly stylised and has an open and easy feel. The size of the main body text typeface was larger than normal, for better legibility for people with ageing eyesight. We used thicker than normal paper, to prevent large printed image areas from showing through and affecting the information on the reverse side. We amended all corrections from the editors. The result is a book fit for old and new readers.

3 main improvements for them

• Subject and content respectful concept, for past and present audiences.
• Near 100% colour accuracy match between the exported PDF and printed book.
• Improved the layout of content in a sequential movie-like way, with engaging text and figure structures.

Details

Pages: 80 • Page size: width 155mm × height 206mm • Inside paper: Arctic Matt, white, 170g/m², Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) approved.

Works well for a wide audience and age-range

Outline of what we did

We started by going through the content, seeing what information types, hierarchies and devices the information needed. We then designed 3 different guidebook designs, designing the main parts and pages for the client to go through and give feedback on. A final design was chosen and we worked on placing-in information, laying-it-out and making the text and image structures work well. We helped with organising parts of the book that needed more thought and work, like putting in a contents page, and designing a range of different ideas for the front cover. We proofread the client’s content introducing a strict editorial style, then corrected errors. The body text size is also quite a lot larger than normal because of the increased chance of using the guidebook at distance, or reading it when laid down on a table. We used bullet lists, to chunk, section and split content into parts and stages, making the content easy to work through for users. The binding uses plastic coil binding, that is highly desirable as many dog owners would want to put the guidebook down on a table as they examine their dog at the same time. Hot-melt glue binding (perfect bound) would most probably not lay flat on the table, and be much more difficult to use… We also advised using thicker than normal paper, to prevent show-through and slightly bulk-up the guidebook. We supplied printer‑ready files, with no hassle for the client, and reducing the chance of problems when printing.

3 main improvements for them

• Highly legible and accessible typography, that is larger than normal for increased usability when read at a distance.
• Managed the design, production, editorial correction amendments, author requests, and setup for the printer, all in 1 place with no need for other suppliers.
• A total guidebook graphic communication system, to house, explain and structure the information and different parts, with support, advice and customer service at every stage.

Details

Pages: 98 • A5: width 148mm × height 210mm • Inside paper: off-white (unknown), silk, 170g/m².

Fresh, functional and factual (WOOF! WOOF!)

Outline of what we did

We designed a content relevant and solid concept for the cover, insides, binding and paper. The book has Greek passages of text, and the Greek typeface we used supports Unicode, that was essential because the book at some stage would also be supplied in a HTML format. We designed a book that would allow an effortless, quick and streamlined reading experience. We used a bright acidic yellow colour for the cover that respects the author and content within the book, and gives a nice modern interpretation. The client had hardly anything to do, except monitor the various aspects of the project.

3 main improvements for them

• Elegant typographic design and whole book design concept that respects and enhances the book’s subject and author.
• Typographic design that enables an effortless and streamlined reading experience, and better structures the book’s information hierarchies.
• Decreased the staff time needed in the office to produce the book.

Details

Pages: 216 • Page size: width 160mm × height 225mm • Inside paper: Think Warm, 100g/m², 50% recycled.

Modern alpha refined respect

Outline of what we did

We wanted to make a short book to communicate the importance of understanding punctuation to young people, and more specifically for reluctant teenage readers. So we designed, illustrated, typeset and produced this clean and airy book. We used a very fresh, smooth and nice-to-touch light cream paper, and used squareback binding so the book lays flat without needing to be held down. People may use the book on a desk, and at the same time, may want to write or refer to another book. This book has been mostly positively reviewed, more than 80 times, and features stunning text and image structures.

Awards

• Runner-up in the Environmental category in the British Book Design and Production Awards Competition 2012.
• Merit in the European Design Awards 2007 in the Book and Editorial Illustration category (for 1st edition).

Buy

Visit our books’ webpage for more information and to order.

3 main improvements for them

• Cohesive and precise management of the design, editing, illustration, paper, binding, printing, distribution, marketing, and promotion.
• A book that actually speaks to reluctant teenage readers, says something meaningful to them, and relates the information to them in a real-world context.
• Decreased the chance of failure, by laying-out the information in a compelling and user-friendly way.

Details

Pages: 36 • Page size: width 148mm × height 220mm • Inside paper: Olin Recycled (70%), cream, 160g/m².

Less miscommunication more real-world chatting