4th March 2025
I've never been able to find a scuba diving logbook that I like. The solution? I designed two paperbacks and two hardbacks myself.
25th March 2024
Have you got a book in you? Which way should you go, traditional or self-publishing? Here’s a comparison between the two methods.
7th November 2022
How did Jacquie Bloese transition to become a successful published author, and what would be her advice for other aspiring writers?
26th April 2022
Atomic Habits by James Clear promises remarkable results from tiny changes. Who could resist finding out more?
29th December 2021
Factfulness is one of the best non-fiction books I've ever read. Once I'd looked at the World Health Chart on the first page I was hooked.
18th August 2021
If you’re interested in books, and book cover design in particular, don’t miss The Beauty of Books (episode four) on BBC iPlayer.
13th May 2021
Surbiton-based publishing professional Suzanne Arnold explains, in a guest blog, the difference between copy-editing and proofreading.
25th February 2021
Teddington photographer Trevor Aston writes about a commission that combined two of his passions: photography and creative writing.
6th November 2020
There are plenty of places to download e-books or buy print books online. Where can you shop if you’d like to buy books ethically?
23rd June 2020
Find out how Annette Peppis got into publishing, what she's working on right now ... and more, in her YouTube interview with Laura Summers of Bookmachine.
17th June 2020
For the first time in its history, The Galley Club meeting will be going online. Find out more about their interactive sessions in this article.
20th November 2019
With their creativity, practicality and powerful problem-solving skills, designers should be involved in decision-making. Why is this so rare?
19th December 2018
These suggestions on how to prepare your copy for publication will save your designer or publisher time, which in turn will save you money.
24th August 2018
If you are confused about photo formats and sizes, this article will answer your most asked questions.
3rd May 2018
Here’s my take on the pros and cons of using an experienced designer or an intern – and a view from a publishing professional who’s seen life from both sides of the fence.
26th October 2017
Supply good pictures to your designer and ensure your marketing materials are up to scratch and your products and services are shown to the best possible advantage.
7th August 2017
Anxious about commissioning a book designer? Find out how to ensure your designer projects the right image and communicates successfully with your readers.
2nd August 2017
Do not miss the St Bride Institute print room on your London visit if you are interested in the history of hot metal or letterpress printing.
21st April 2017
Easy ways to select photos for your projects; where to look, how much it might cost and the pitfalls you should be aware of.
6th April 2017
Publishers and agents would like to see the end of ‘Grip Lit’ – but it's very lucrative for them. It's also still popular. Here are my top 5 choices.
17th March 2017
21st September 2016
Writing your book is the easy bit. Marketing and selling it is a whole new ball game. To get you started here are 5 ways to sell your book.
12th August 2016
The Water Rats is the new home for the Galley Club, the seriously social club for people who work in, or are interested in, the world of publishing.
7th July 2016
Have you decided to quit your job to concentrate on writing? What team do authors need? Here are my suggestions for your dream team members.
2nd September 2015
Branding creates a cohesive identity for book cover designs. Read how this series rebrand resulted in an uplift in sales for a small publisher.
28th May 2015
Back in 2013, I wrote a post about a new service for publishing professionals. Little did I know what impact it would have on my career.
22nd September 2014
When people think about branding, they normally envisage company logos and the way they are applied to marketing materials and products.
8th April 2014
Recently, KIngston University hosted an excellent talk by Mark Coker, founder of Smashwords on ‘How to publish an ebook’. Smash words is a free publishing platform
2nd October 2013
Do you work in publishing? Ever had trouble getting work, finding the right contributors for your project, or making strategic alliances? Fret no more. Laura and Gavin
1st October 2013
Anxious about commissioning a graphic designer? How to ensure your designer projects the right message and communicates successfully with your clients.
28th April 2012
Oh dear! Who is responsible for this typographic crime? It upsets me deeply. For those of you who don’t know, kerning is the process of adjusting
29th April 2011
Why do women love to wear black when it actually suits so few of us? Jules Standish, author of ‘How Not to Wear Black’ has some
10th February 2011
The Galley Club, for publishing professionals and others interested in the industry, meets once a month in central London. This was my first impression.
20th October 2010
1 Know your market 2 Get the size right 3 Keep it simple 4 Employ bold typography
28th September 2010
I love the redesign of the Penguin Dictionaries. They are obviously Penguin books, but they have a very clean, modern feel. They follow rule number 1
1st September 2010
If you are using a picture or illustration on the cover, make sure it is high-resolution (300dpi at the size you are using it) and in
31st August 2010
When your book goes to press, your printer will ask you to provide him or her with a press-quality PDF, and in order to do this
26th August 2010
‘Never judge a book by it’s cover’. People are far too intelligent to do that, right? Wrong. If your lovingly crafted words and years of hard