June 2006, V5#6: Production Friday, Jan 30 2009 

ISBN

The inclusion of an International Standard Book Number in your book design, places you in the “Books in Print” reference series, available in print and online from many different places. Additionally, this places the book in the database that most large chain bookstores and many smaller book shops use to special order titles. This is a way to get Barnes & Noble and Books-A-Million to carry the book without loosing inventory control. If an author has their own ISBN, they fill these orders directly. Generally, if a publisher ISBN is used, a copy or two stays with the publisher to fill these orders.

June 2006, V5#6: Design Friday, Jan 30 2009 

While text that is justified at both right and left margins has a tidier effect, text that is justified on the left with a ragged right is actually easier to read.  This is due to the fact that all spacing is uniform and no words are broken to wrap onto the next line.  Both of these devices, though allowing uniform right and left edges, slow the reader’s eye down as the brain processes these differences.

June 2006, V5#6: Define Friday, Jan 30 2009 

Trim Edge (or Margin – also “Fore Edge”): The edge of the page (leaf) or a board opposite from but parallel to, its binding edge (i.e., opposite from its binding edge).

May 2006, V5#5: Marketing Friday, Jan 30 2009 

Options that will not add to the cost of a periodical may include: 
If currently renewals fall all over the calendar, consider a pro-rated renewal to get everyone renewing the same issue.  Further Tip: Either pro-rate new subscriptions, or offer that year’s back issues to new subscribers to keep renewals the same.

May 2006, V5#5: Production Friday, Jan 30 2009 

When choosing your overall book design, always consider cost and marketability.

May 2006, V5#5: Design Friday, Jan 30 2009 

Lower cost alternative to color custom printed end sheets:

  • Hand color b/w end sheets in your your special books.