Book layout fundamentals for non-designers
Book layout fundamentals for non-designers.
Book layout overview for non-designers. Discussion of book sizes will follow in subsequent chapters. However, this chapter covers simple (and professional) fundamentals for non-designers.
First, determine the page size and place the manuscript. Secondly, you can begin the book layout design process. Organize the text, images, and graphic elements to create an appealing book design.
Do not be intimidated by changes! It is a nearly foregone conclusion that whatever you start with in a book layout will change, and it will change several times. Documents can be synchronized so that changes can be reflected in all chapters. See book synchronization in Chapter 5, Interior Pages.
Start with one basic master or parent page
Create a one page design to expand later into different versions to book layout. Choose these elements:
- Typeface(s)
- Types sizes and line spacing for headlines, subheads, text, and captions
- Page margins
- Page number style and footer or header style
- Color(s) or color scheme
- Paragraph styles
- Character styles
- Additional master pages (now termed parent pages by Adobe InDesign)
Add page versions
Consider the function of a book for parent pages. A novel has one column of text on each page. A reference book may have two or more columns. Consider the possibilities for your book layout.
An art or photography book may have several complimentary parent pages. For instance, the body text on a three-column page may span two columns with an adjacent image. The text in the third column might be the space for a caption or side bar. Keep the gutter width the same because you want to maintain a unified design. Establish rules for your design and adhere to them.
There is a parent page for each chapter in my book, Book Design: Simple & Professional, to accommodate chapter names and make chapters more manageable.
See Chapter 5, Interior Pages.
See Chapter 6, Cover Design & Binding.
