BOOK DESIGN
It’s What You Do, and It’s What You Love . . .
I love books, but even more, I love designing and making books. I understand the commitment it takes to write a book and the work it takes to put it out into the world. I believe the design of a book should hold the integrity of the ideas within the pages, that’s why I actually read every manuscript that comes my way to design. I spend time getting to know you and your content in an effort to build literary and complementary book designs.
And It’s What I Do and What I Love . . .
When it comes to book design, my primary focus is to honor your written words, and the story your book is telling. You could say that my “job” is to create a vessel of sorts—a unique, original cover and interior book layout that visually articulates the essence of your book.
I offer a wide range of publication solutions to my clients—from self-publishing authors to small publishing houses, and my designs range from text-heavy books, to complex art books and coffee table books.
Book design is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor, and I am deeply committed to collaborative efforts aimed at getting projects completed beautifully and efficiently.
Liz Kalloch created the cover, and designed the interior, of my book of short stories. Liz took so much time and paid so much attention to my work: this attention, combined with her artistic skill, was amazing. She took the time to read my book and talk to me about the themes and the ways these themes could be expressed visually. All of her cover designs were beautiful, and I could not be happier with the one that graces my book. She gave the same depth of attention to the design of the book’s interior. I am a visual person and hoped that the book would look a certain way (although I did not have the skill to make that happen). Liz’s work exceeded all of my expectations. I give her the highest recommendation possible.
—JOE KADI :: AUTHOR. EDUCATOR.
Book cover design for The Great Loss of the Twentieth Century
Book Design Packages
Just the Cover: $700-$1500
2-3 Cover Concepts
3 rounds of revisions
Files prepped for press
The Whole Book: $1500-$3000
2-3 Cover Concepts
Book layout design includes up to 200 pages and no interior images
3 rounds of revisions each for the Covers and the Interior
Files prepped for press
The Whole Book Plus: $2000-$4000
2-3 Cover Concepts
Book layout design includes up to 200 pages with graphics, photos, illustration, charts and etc.
3 rounds of revisions each for the Covers and the Interior
Files prepped for press
I’d love to talk to you about your book project . . .
Click on the button below to schedule a free 30 minute introductory call.
We’ll discuss your schedule, what size and shape book will best suit your project, how the content of the book can and will lead the way for the design, and if you don’t already have a printer in mind, we can talk about what kind of printer will best suit your needs. And, I'll answer any questions you have about the process of making a book.
I’d love to talk to you about your book project . . .
Click on the button below to schedule a free 30 minute introductory call.
We’ll discuss your schedule, what size and shape book will best suit your project, how the content of the book can and will lead the way for the design, and if you don’t already have a printer in mind, we can talk about what kind of printer will best suit your needs. And, I'll answer any questions you have about the process of making a book.
Designing a workbook that is beautiful, compelling, supremely practical, and clearly delivers the material being taught is a challenging job. Liz met my project full-on and with deep intellect and intuition, design expertise and talent, she listened and understood the unique nature of what I was trying to create. The results were beyond what I’d hoped was possible. I now have a gorgeous book and a website to go with it. Liz is whole-hearted, honest, skillful, fun, and accountable. She’s a joy to work with and a game-changer. I could not recommend anyone more.”
–JULIA McNEAL | ACTOR. DIRECTOR. TEACHER. AUTHOR.
Cover design for 5 Ways in to Character
Making a Book: A Process Timeline
Once we’ve decided we’re going to work together, we’ll begin the process like so:
I’ll send you a questionnaire, you’ll fill it out and return it to me.
You’ll send me your manuscript, and I’ll read it.
When I’ve received your questionnaire and read your manuscript I’ll research your audience, look at any competitive titles, and ask you to share research you’ve done on your own. {7-10 days}
Once we’ve reviewed the research and discussed strategies I’ll begin the Front Cover design phase. {7-10 days}
We’ll review the cover concepts and focus on the final cover design. {7-10 days}
Once we’ve finalized the cover, I’ll begin working on Interior Page concepts. {5-7 days}
When a design direction has been finalized for the interior pages, I’ll begin laying out the entire book. {1-2 weeks}
We’ll review the final design for the entire book and make changes and corrections to all the pieces—covers and interior. {1-2 weeks}
“Liz is a creative midwife, possessing both the technical precision and the presence required to bring forth her client’s vision. While shepherding me through my book and website design, Liz communicated clearly and often, with reflective listening and specific feedback. She is gentle, direct and able to understand one’s aesthetic, translating personal style into print and web form in font, palette, shape and layout. My gratitude for her expertise and commitment to my projects is immense. The final products are beautiful, functional and uniquely mine. I look forward to our next collaboration.
–LISA FIELD | PHOTOGRAPHER. AUTHOR
Cover design for the circle and the line
FAQs
Do your Book Design fees cover the cost of printing?
No, they don’t. We’ll look at a number of printing solutions for your project, and I’ll provide you with a variety of quotes to get your book printed.
I want to publish a book of my artwork, do you provide scanning services?
No I don’t scan artwork. I suggest you do a Google search for art scanning services in your area. Also, ask other artists/photographers in your area where they go for scanning services. One of the most important things is to find someone to scan the work that knows how to color correct and clean up dust and scratches before the files are sent on to me.
Will you proofread/edit my manuscript?
I don’t proofread or edit your copy but I have a short list of editors and proofreaders that I can share with you. I highly recommend that you have your manuscript proofread, before we begin the design process, it’s worth every penny.
Do you convert for Kindle and other e-reader services?
Yes, I can. Once your book design is complete, I can give you a quote for converting to the e-book version of your choice, it’ll be based on page count and complexity of conversion.
Will you provide me with a barcode for my book?
I don’t supply barcodes. Bowker is the place you want to get an ISBN and a barcode—bowkerbarcode.com. NOTE: If you're hoping to get your book on Amazon {or placed with a distributor} it must have a barcode.
How long will it take to design and layout my book from start to finish?
About five to eight weeks. Typically I begin with your cover and then move on to the interior pages. When we agree to work together I’ll set up a schedule for all the pieces of your book project.
Liz was the only choice for me as a creative partner in making my book, Grief Becomes You, a reality, not just because of her superb eye and design intelligence, but because she is invested, deeply, in the feel of a project, in its impact, in its possibility. And that kind of investment reveals itself in both small and expansive ways. From her rigorous attention to minutiae and her clear and consistent communication to her enthusiasm for the final launch, Liz has a sustained focus that feels devotional. To work with Liz is to gift your project the care it deserves.”
—MAYA STEIN | NINJA POET. WRITING GUIDE. CREATIVE ADVENTURESS.
Cover design for Grief Becomes You