Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I hire a professional for the interior design of my manuscript?
A: If you are proficient in MS Word, you can format simple text manuscripts of fiction, memoirs, or narrative non-fiction for print-on-demand, which would need less typographic and design expertise. However, MS Word lacks the specialized features of dedicated book layout software. Using Word for book layout can make your work appear amateurish. Non-fiction formatting is more complex with requirements like headers, footers, table of contents, precise spacing, block quotes, index, footnotes, and more. Hiring a professional ensures a polished final product on which you can be proud to put your name.
Q: If I want to hire a professional, how do I go about choosing one?
A: Finding interior designers for books can be challenging; you need to be confident they know all the rules of bookmaking as well as having the typographic and graphic design skills. The best way is through referrals, reviews, and reviewing samples of their work. At Modern, we provide a list of references and client testimonials on our website. You can also request samples, which we are happy to email to you. Contact us for more information. View a partial portfolio - click here. And client testimonials - click here.
Q: How much should I expect to spend on a typical print paper novel for the interior and cover design?
A: Fees in the book design industry vary widely. For the interior design of a lightly formatted book, you can expect to pay between $200 and $1,500 for print or ebook. For a book cover design, the cost ranges from $50 to $3,500. Although these ranges are broad, hiring a professional can significantly enhance your book's appeal. Be sure to assess your budget and choose accordingly. Our prices start at $225 for interiors and $160 for covers. Contact us for a quote.
Q: How do I get my book printed and selling, on Amazon or with other booksellers, or on my own website?
A: At Modern Book Design, we offer free consulting to our clients on print-on-demand options and how to get your book listed on Amazon and with other booksellers. We prepare books for printing with companies like Lightning Source, IngramSpark, KindleKDP, Lulu.com, Diggypod.com, or your preferred printer. In addition to printing, we can assist with sales. Many authors sell directly from their own websites. We can help set up a simple website for you to sell your books.
Q: Should I design my own cover?
A: At Modern Book Design, we specialize in cover design, focusing on space, line, direction, movement, color, and typography, in order to convey your theme, mood, and also attract readers. Software choice impacts quality, spacing, margins, and bleed areas. If you don’t understand print layout specifications for print and then the different printing company requirements, we recommend you enlist a professional to save your sanity.
In cover design we prioritize your preferences, delivering professional covers that enhance your book's appeal and meet the standards of major print-on-demand companies like KindleKDP, IngramSpark, Lulu.com, and Diggypod, etc.
Q: Do you use the same cover for an eBook version?
A: Usually. Covers for ebooks are sometimes tailored differently from their print counterparts due to how they are displayed. It's important to design a cover that fits well in its digital format while maintaining a consistent brand look for recognition.
Q: Do you have other questions, about ISBNs, Library of Congress numbers, production timelines, or anything else?
A: Feel free to give us a call. 651-206-8926 or contact via submit form.