This is a short list of books that I recommend. If you are planning
to go the design route yourself you will definitely need a couple
of these. Many of them I have on my shelf and use frequently.
Others I have used while teaching or have been highly recommended
to me. There might also be the occasional item that I'd just love
to have. These things probably say more about me than I'd like
to admit.
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Looking Good In Print: I have used this book for
many years. It explains basic design better than any other
book I have ever seen.
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The Non-Designer's Design Book: This is a book that
can definitely give you a leg-up if you decide to design
your book on your own. As a designer I got a lot from this
one.
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Bookmaking: Editing, Design, Production, Third Edition:
This book will explain exactly how to put the book together.
I have the earlier edition that didn't deal with computer
publishing but this one does. If there is only one book
you buy before you start your pre-press work, this is it.
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Real World Scanning and Halftones: In order to competently
publish anything you need to understand the basic system
of digital imaging. Reading my short article in More
than you wanted to know will get you started but if
you really want to understand the technology you need to
read Real World Scanning and Halftones.
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Photoshop Color Correction: Yes there are many books
of Photoshop howtoos and most of them are about the latest
greatest version and how to make some eye-popping effects.
Although you don't have to be a Photoshop Guru to publish,
you do need to understand how to make a picture look its
best without gimmicks. This is the book that will tell you
how.
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The Chicago Manual of Style: You may not absolutely
require a copy, it certainly helps if you have a specific
question. I resisted buying one for a long time but the
only book I use more is my dictionary.
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The Self Publishing Manual: I'm neither a writer
nor a publisher but this book is an easy read and it's full
of information about the publishing industry. It comes highly
recommended.
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The Complete Guide to Self Publishing: This one
is also highly recommended. It covers self publishing from
a different angle with a more in-depth marketing section.
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Thinking With Type: Sometimes there just isn't a
picture that will say your thousand words.
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