Why Book Design Matters More Than You Think (And How It Impacts Sales)

People really do judge books by their covers — and their interior design. If you’re publishing a book, design isn’t optional. It’s a critical part of how your story is received, remembered, and recommended.

Book Design: The Unsung Hero of Self-Publishing Success

You poured your heart into writing your book — but how it looks and reads can make or break its impact.

Professional book design isn’t just about making it “pretty.” It’s about creating a polished, reader-friendly experience that builds trust, supports your voice, and ultimately sells more books.

Let’s break down what professional book design includes — and why it matters more than most authors realize.

The 2 Core Parts of Book Design

1. Interior Book Layout (Typesetting)

  • Typography choices

  • Margin settings and line spacing

  • Chapter title styling and page numbering

  • Pull quotes, footnotes, and white space management

  • Formatting for print and digital (e.g. Kindle, ePub)

The goal? Readability. You want the reader to immerse themselves in your words without distraction or eye strain.

2. Cover Design

  • Front cover that grabs attention and conveys the genre

  • Back cover with compelling blurb and reviews

  • Spine design that pops on a shelf

  • Barcode and ISBN placement

  • Adaptations for print vs. eBook formats

Your cover is your biggest marketing tool. It determines whether someone picks up your book or scrolls past it online.

Why Book Design Impacts Sales

📘 Credibility: Professionally designed books are taken more seriously by readers, reviewers, bookstores, and media outlets.

📘 Readability: Poor typesetting tires the eyes. Good design keeps readers engaged — and more likely to recommend your book.

📘 Shareability: A beautifully designed book feels like a gift. Readers are more likely to post it, gift it, and talk about it.

📘 Conversion: In marketplaces like Amazon, your cover design directly affects clicks and conversions. It's your visual pitch.

Common DIY Mistakes That Hurt Your Book

  • Inconsistent margins and spacing

  • Poor font choices or font sizes

  • Awkward page breaks and widows/orphans

  • Covers that look amateur or clash with the genre

  • Lack of print-ready formatting or bleed margins

These issues aren’t just cosmetic — they make your book look unprofessional, which can result in lower sales, bad reviews, or even returns.

What’s Included in My Book Design Services

Whether you’re a first-time indie author or a seasoned self-publisher, I offer:

✅ Interior layout for both print and eBook
✅ Typography and formatting tailored to your genre
✅ Custom cover design (front, back, spine)
✅ Print-ready files for Amazon KDP, or your chosen printer
✅ Collaboration to match your book’s tone and goals

Final Thoughts: Your Words Deserve to Be Seen in Their Best Light

You worked hard to bring your book to life. Don’t let poor design hold it back.

When your book is well-designed, it becomes more than just a story — it becomes an experience readers remember and share.

✍️ Ready to Publish a Book That Looks as Good as It Reads?

Let’s bring your manuscript to life with beautiful, professional design.

👉 Explore my book design services

Tara Joy Andrews

Tara Joy is a logo and brand designer, web designer, and print designer that works from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. She loves to bring brand to life that get noticed for businesses who are passionate about what they offer.

https://www.tarajoydesign.ca
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