By being a reader, you get to be familiar with some parts of books more than others. Who doesn’t know where the cover or the spine are? But this book opened my eyes to the other thousand things designers think about when formatting a book. Literally things I have never thought about.

“How can we expect readers to appreciate design and topography if we don’t tell them anything about it?”

I liked this quote because it was exactly what I was thinking while reading this book. There is so much information here that one might think is standar in the production of physical books and understanding that each book gets special treatment going through every single detail to make it as approachable and enjoyable as possible for readers is very eye opening. This even made me realize that I have seen many things that are mentioned in the book that I have never paid any attention to while reading and how much they help to the flow of the story. So it really made me appreciate the visual language of books in a bright new way.

I love when I find books about subjects I know nothing about but are very easy to follow and understand. This one was certainly one of them.

I will use this book for my indie publishing side to ensure I craft my physical book, even digital books, to be formatted and covered properly for best appearance and ease of engagement.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.

I LOVED this book and how detailed and straightforward it was. It answered a lot of questions i have about why books are made the way they are and the insights were interesting, delightful and made me nod along and think some more.

This was such an interesting read, it goes in-depth about the parts of a book, the design, format, and a little bit of history regarding books. If you are a reader this book will give an insight into the process of making a book but if you are an author I definitely recommend it, it will be helpful. Is divided around the fonts, layout, and covers.

If you’re the sort of person who says they love books, but means way more than ‘just’ reading them, then this is for you. This is about books as an object, a ‘thing’. It’s about more than the words on the page, although those are included as well. The book explains everything that goes into the design and creation of the pile of paper you eventually hold in your hand - it is accessible and it is fascinating.

Ms Berne tells us the technical name for every part of a book, whether hardback or paperback, why design is different with an ebook, how and why different fonts are created, the difference between font and typeface, and how a beautifully tactile book is created.

There’s a lot about design as a skill, an art, about how designers liaise with other creatives including the authors. She writes how people become attached to typefaces. Massimo Vignelli, who designed the New York City subway map, said only six typefaces were sufficient for any need. And in case you were wondering, that’s Bodoni, Garamond (my personal favourite), Century Expanded, Futura, Times New Roman, and Helvetica. That’s good enough for me as I’m bored with Ariel.

Amazing that in the first fifty years after Gutenberg ‘invented’ the printing press, some 12 million books were printed in Europe. That seems a huge number until you consider how many are printed now.

Ms Berne is an excellent writer. This is funny, full of information and anecdotes, and never dry. Recommended if your love for books includes a love of handling the physical object. This would make a great gift for any bibliophile.

I was given a copy of the book by NetGalley

As someone who is interested in how books are made, I was instantly drawn to this book. Author Debbie Berne has created a book about books- how they are designed and how these design choices impact readers. I wouldn't necessarily recommend this book to everyone, as it is more technical than I was expecting. While it was a fascinating read, it took a while to get through. I would recommend this book to graphic designers, indie authors, and people who are interested in working in publishing.

Thanks to NetGalley and University of Chicago Press for an eBook ARC.

The Design of Books is unique in its presentation of historical and contemporary insights into how books are made. While its focus may be particular to writers or agents, it spoke to me as a reader who has collected books across the years, and its insights may be of use to me in the future as a possible writer

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.