Sunday, December 24, 2006

GIVE YOUR BOOK THE BEST LOOK WITH DOCKTER’S DESIGNS

Differentiation. It’s about being original; breaking free from the competition; leading, not following. I can help you forge a path away from the crowd, away from the noise, and closer to your customer.

How Will You Be Different?

Along with the perfectly picked and placed words that make up the timeless writings that emerge as a cherished book—something we keep by our bed, travel with far and wide or relax with as we curl up in front of a cozy fire—a good book layout is important to an author. Especially self-published authors who don’t have the talented staff of a major publishing house offering design options.

My job as a graphic designer is to give your book visual life and interest that will add “character” (look and feel) and catch the eye of a passing patron and spark intrigue that will make them pick it up and open the first page, never wanting to set it down. There’s an art to giving carefully chosen words a look and feel that helps them portray hope, emotion or intrigue.

Book Layout

A slight size change, font style or placement on the page can make all the difference in bringing a powerful personality to your fascinating book. Paragraphs need to be the right length so they don’t seem overbearing—not too long, not too short—but cleverly balanced and readable to everyone not just elite readers. I’ve seen some books so jumbled and disorganized it would make a man quiver at the mere thought of trying to read them.

There are many ways a graphic designer can help you increase your book sales. There is of course advertising in the form of a flyer, poster, or a magazine ad. You could put together a package or marketing kit for your book, which may include a CD, an ad, a book marker, a coupon for your next book and so on. You may need invitations to your book signing sure to be in your near future. You might market yourself using only your name, but a personal logo to brand your product is much more effective and professional looking. You may need business cards and letterhead designed to enhance your branding image. Are you sending out a newsletter to your database? Let me design the newsletter and send it to your customers “spam-free” through a permission-based email program. Why not convert your printed book into an e-book you can sell on your website? What? You don’t have a Web site? Every writer needs a website and I can custom build one that best serves your needs. These are only some of the countless options you have when you bring in a graphic designer.

From designing your book cover, to laying out the inside pages, to having the perfect index created, there is no end to what I can do for you. I’m looking forward to helping you give your book a fantastic visual life! You are welcome to e-mail me with any questions or comments at, Jessica@yvonneperry.net Also, please take a look at my web site: leedesign.org.

Jessica Dockter

Graphic Designer for Write On! Creative Writing Services Team

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