A woman with curly auburn hair and light skin, wearing a black shirt and a necklace with a pendant, sitting on a patterned blanket against a plain white wall.

Make Your Book Look As Good As It Reads

You wrote the book. Now let’s give it the professional finish it deserves.

Self-publishing doesn’t mean DIY everything. A well-designed book grabs attention, builds credibility, and invites readers to dive in. Whether it's a guide, memoir, or workbook—your book should feel just as intentional as the words inside.

You're here because:

  • You’ve finished your manuscript (or are almost there!) and want it to look professional

  • You’re overwhelmed by formatting and design tools

  • You want a book you’re proud to put your name on

Let’s bring your vision to life—cover to cover. ✨

An open book displaying a title page titled "A Life Well Lived" by Victor Raymond Titterington on a cover photo of a rocky coastline with trees and a wooden chair. Other pages include a photograph of a person steering a ship and an image of a vintage
Book titled 'On Life’s Slippery Rink' by Arthur McCalla, placed on a wooden table, featuring a cover with an abstract painting of three animals near water.

My Book Design Process

  • An illustration of a brain with radiating lines and a small brain icon underneath, in blue on a black background.

    Discovery & Concept

    We begin with a call to learn about your book’s message, audience, and goals. I’ll gather your vision and inspirations to shape the creative direction.

  • Outline of a hand holding a glass filled with a beverage and ice cubes.

    Cover Design

    I’ll create 2–3 cover concepts based on your genre and tone—bold, beautiful, and aligned with your story. You choose your favorite, and we refine it together.

  • Outline of a chandelier hanging from a ceiling

    Interior Formatting

    I design the layout for readability, flow, and polish—whether it’s a minimalist nonfiction or a workbook packed with prompts.

  • Outline illustration of an open book with a blue outline.

    Final Files & Launch Support

    You’ll receive files ready for Amazon KDP or your preferred printer—plus guidance for uploading and launching.

Testimonial

  • "I am thrilled with how beautifully my print book published through Amazon KDP turned out thanks to Tara Joy’s thoughtful work in preparing the layout of the inside pages and designing the cover, all the while deftly navigating Amazon’s detailed formatting requirements. At once professional and enthusiastic, she was a delight to work with."

    Arthur McCalla
    On Life's Slippery Rink: 200 Years of the Halifax Curling Club

    Amazon Link

Choose Your Book Design Package

  • Blue neon outline of a star on a black background.

    Cover Essentials

    Perfect for authors who need a standout cover only.

    • 2–3 original front cover concepts
    • 1 final cover design (print + eBook)
    • Typography + color styling
    • Up to 2 revision rounds

    Ready-to-upload files (KDP or preferred format according to specifications)

    👉 Timeline: 2 -3 weeks

  • Simplified illustration of a checkmark inside a circular badge with ribbons, representing achievement or certification.

    Complete Design

    Best for self-publishers who want a cohesive, professional book inside and out.

    Everything in Cover Essentials, plus:

    • Interior layout design (up to 150 pages)
    • Chapter headers, page numbers, and styling
    • Print-ready files for paperback or hardcover
    • eBook format (EPUB or PDF) specified before design begins
    • 2 rounds of edits and revisions

    👉 Timeline: 3–4 weeks

  • A line drawing of a trophy or award with two handles and a base.

    Author Pro Package

    A full-service experience for authors preparing to launch like a pro.

    Everything in Complete Design, plus:

    • Extended page count (up to 300 pages)
    • Workbook or journal formatting (if needed)
    • Custom illustrations or icons (up to 5)
    • Social media promo graphics (cover mockups, quote templates)
    • Book mockup files for marketing
    • Launch & post launch support

    👉 Timeline: 3–4 weeks

Image of a book titled "On Life's Slippery Rink: 200 Years of the Halifax Curling Club" by Arthur McCalla, placed on a light blue textured background. One page of the book is open, showing text, a photograph of a historical figure, and a map. The other page shows the book cover with the title, subtitle, and a colorful illustration of people curling.

What You’ll Walk Away With

  • A professionally designed book that’s ready for print or digital publishing build in Adobe CC industry standard software

  • A cover that stands out in a crowded marketplace

  • Layout and formatting that make reading a joy

  • Confidence to launch, promote, and sell your work with pride

A woman with curly reddish-brown hair, wearing a black shirt, sitting indoors with her chin resting on her hand, and a colorful quilt visible in the background.

A Little About Me

I work closely with authors and poets to design books that feel thoughtful, professional, and ready to be shared with the world. My experience in editorial print design, combined with a deep understanding of layout, typography, and publishing standards, allows me to guide authors through the self-publishing process with clarity and care. Whether you’re preparing your first book or adding to an existing body of work, I help ensure your book is beautifully designed and technically sound for both print and digital formats.

BOOK DESIGN ARTICLES
Universal Amazon KDP Book Links: How Authors Can Share One Link for Every Amazon Store
Universal Amazon KDP Book Links: How Authors Can Share One Link for Every Amazon Store

Sharing your Amazon book link might seem simple, but readers in different countries often end up in the wrong store. Learn how universal Amazon KDP book links work and how one simple link can automatically send readers to the correct Amazon marketplace anywhere in the world.

Read more →
How to Format a Poetry Book for Print: A Guide for Canadian Poets
How to Format a Poetry Book for Print: A Guide for Canadian Poets

Learn how to format a poetry book for print in Canada with guidance on trim size, typography, interior layout, and professional poetry book design. A practical guide for Canadian poets navigating self-publishing with clarity and care.

Read more →
What a Book Designer Really Does (and Why Authors Don’t Have to Do It Alone)
What a Book Designer Really Does (and Why Authors Don’t Have to Do It Alone)

What does a book designer really do—and do you need one for self-publishing in Canada? This article explains the role of a professional book designer, the difference between cover and interior design, and how authors can move forward with clarity and support instead of overwhelm.

Read more →
Cover design shown on table with breakfast items.

Ready to Bring Your Book to Life?

Let’s turn your manuscript into a masterpiece that sells, shares, and inspires. Click below to start a conversation and then we can plan to chat about how I can help.

LET'S CHAT