Book design
As well as having written, designed and produced many memoirs previously, my portfolio also includes fiction and non-fiction books and illustrated children’s books.
An important part of the process is to ensure that your book design is appropriate for the era or subject matter we are writing about. I don’t use templates, so all books are tailored to the client’s individual style preferences.
Old photographs are an important aspect of the books I produce. I can digitise and enhance your favourite images from your family photo album. There is no limit to the number of photographs you can include, and these can be inserted at any stage within the text – not all confined to one central section, as often happens.
Book printing
When it comes to having your books printed, there are a number of size options depending on the ratio of photographs and text you want to include.
These include:
A4 (210mm x 297mm)
A5 (148mm x 210mm)
A6 (105mm x 148mm)
Novel (127mm x 203mm)
US Royal (152mm x 229mm)
Royal (156mm x 234mm)
Standard (132mm x 197mm)
Square (210mm x 210mm)
Most clients choose either uncoated or silk paper for the internal pages, but other specialist (e.g. textured or recycled) papers may also be available.
Book covers
Many clients like to select a favourite personal photograph for the cover, perhaps with a childhood image on the front and a more recent image on the back cover.
I work closely with a team of colleagues to offer additional services. For an effective cover image, I can commission your portrait painting in oil from a photograph, or for a professional photographer to do a photo shoot. Line drawings and other illustrations can also be commissioned, including pictures for children’s books.
Your book cover can be produced with a hardback or paperback and with a matt, gloss or ‘soft touch’ laminated finish. Further alternatives include a dust-jacket, or ‘faux leather’ and other speciality luxury covers, embossed with metallic text in a choice of colours. I will liaise with you regularly to ensure that your book design meets your expectations and clients often say the end result is better than they had ever imagined.