Book covers
Complete front, spine and back cover artwork prepared to the confirmed spine width, bleed, safe margins and production specification.
Graphic Design
Design that reflects the character of the book and is prepared to the exact specifications required for production.
Good book design must be attractive, readable and technically correct. A cover should remain clear in an online bookshop while also looking professional in print, and the interior should support comfortable reading throughout the book.
Every design is prepared against the actual production specification, including trim size, binding, paper and spine width. This helps ensure that the approved artwork can move into printing without avoidable adjustments or production errors.
Book design services
Interior typesetting
Interior page layout including running heads, page numbers, chapter openers, tables and images, prepared for the confirmed trim size and comfortable long-form reading.
Illustration and children's books
Original illustration, full-colour page design and picture-book layout, including projects that use Zambian languages.
Logos and author identity
Author identity design including a logo or mark, typography and colour guidance for consistent use across websites, social media and print materials.
Promotional artwork
Promotional materials such as launch posters, banners, bookmarks, social media graphics and press advertisements developed from the approved book design.
Press-ready files
Final production PDFs with embedded fonts, suitable image resolution and colour settings prepared to the printer's technical requirements.
How the design process works
Brief
The design brief records the genre, intended readership, comparable titles, visual preferences and confirmed production specification.
Concepts
Two or three distinct design directions are presented at full size and thumbnail size so that both print presentation and digital visibility can be assessed.
Development
The selected design direction is developed into finished artwork, with two revision rounds included in the agreed scope.
Interior layout
Interior typesetting begins once the edited text is final, allowing the page count and cover spine width to be confirmed accurately.
Press check
Final files are checked against the printer's technical specification. A printed proof is produced where required by the production method or agreed print run.
Common questions about this service
Can I supply my own photograph or artwork?
Yes, provided the material has sufficient resolution for print and you hold the necessary usage rights. We will identify any technical or rights concerns before incorporating it into the design.
How many revisions are included?
Two revision rounds are included for the selected design direction. Any additional revisions are discussed and quoted before further work is carried out.
Do you design for books printed elsewhere?
Yes. Provide the printer's specification sheet and we will prepare the artwork to those technical requirements.
Why do you need the final page count?
Spine width is calculated from the final page count and selected paper stock. The cover should therefore be finalised only after the interior page count has been confirmed.