On Life’s Slippery Rink
by Arthur McCalla
Non-fiction Book Design
Non-fiction book design
On Life’s Slippery Rink is a non-fiction memoir grounded in Canadian curling culture and personal reflection, set against the familiar backdrop of the Halifax Curling Club. The project required a thoughtful approach to non-fiction book design — one that prioritized clarity, pacing, and readability while maintaining a professional, bookstore-ready finish.
My role was to design and format the interior of the book for paperback publication on Amazon, ensuring it met industry standards while supporting the author’s voice and storytelling style.
Project Overview
Client: Arthur McCalla
Genre: Non-fiction / Memoir
Format: Paperback
Trim Size: 8 × 10 inches
Published On: Amazon
Services: Interior book design, image quality review, full wrap cover design
Design Approach
This project focused on reader-first book design.
For non-fiction and memoirs, good design should feel invisible — guiding the reader smoothly through the text without distraction. I used clean, classic typography, generous margins, and a clear chapter hierarchy to support long-form reading and create a calm, engaging flow from start to finish.
The 8 × 10 trim size was intentionally chosen to complement the content, offering a comfortable reading experience while allowing space for thoughtful layout and visual breathing room of all the images included in the book.
What I Delivered
Professional non-fiction book formatting for paperback and ebook
Interior layout designed in Adobe InDesign CC
Custom cover design for paperback and ebook, including front cover, back cover, and spine, plus digital cover files
Consistent chapter and section hierarchy for a cohesive reading experience
Properly formatted endnotes with cited references for quoted material and source content
Fully formatted bibliography with complete citations
Print-ready files optimized for Amazon publishing
Careful attention to spacing, typography, and overall readability
All files were prepared to meet Amazon’s technical requirements while maintaining the polished, professional appearance expected of traditionally published books.
Why This Book Design Works
Optimized for non-fiction readers, with clean structure and flow
Genre-appropriate typography that feels timeless and credible
Professional book formatting for Canada-based authors publishing globally
Designed for print, ensuring a smooth production and reading experience
This project highlights how strong book design supports storytelling without overpowering it — especially important in memoir and non-fiction publishing.
Book Design & Book Formatting in Canada
I work with authors, entrepreneurs, and creatives across Canada to provide professional book design and book formatting services for non-fiction, memoirs, and creative projects.
If you’re preparing a manuscript for Amazon or self-publishing and want your book to look credible, readable, and professionally produced, I’d love to help.
Available on Amazon
On Life’s Slippery Rink is available as a paperback on Amazon.
