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Book Design

It has been said that the most distinctive typographic feature of a book is the title page. Today, while the design of the title page is no less important than before, the most potent and attractive feature of a modern book is its cover. Therefore close attention is paid to the choice of imagery, colour and distinctive typography. The samples shown are cover designs for different kinds of book, designed as both paperbacks and hardbacks and in landscape or portrait formats and differing sizes depending on the nature of the manuscript material.

Page layout, margins, choice of font, sizes of type, the scale and placement of photographs, illustrations, maps and charts all require close attention to get optimum results. Sample pages, maps and illustrations

The choice of paper a book is printed on is also vital to the appearance and ‘feel’ of a publication. The colour, weight, texture and even the smell of the paper can conjure up pleasant associations in a customer’s mind. Therefore every decision is critical in producing a book that will appeal.

Illustration

Choosing illustrations to complement subject matter is of prime importance. Similarly, scanning and preparing photographs for print requires skill and judgement. Computer software such as Photoshop makes it possible to create new images, modify existing ones and adjust, correct, restore and enhance photographs. Whether traditional illustration tools such as pen and ink, watercolour, oil and acrylic paint or electronically generated images are used, however, a skilled and experienced eye will make all the difference in the creation of a polished and professional final product.

Bee sketch, pen & ink by Dennis Bryans

Australian Typography

Type founding in Australia has until now remained a forgotten industry. It first took root in Sydney in 1841. Its clients, initially, were mainly newspapers and the Government Printing Office.

Beginning with imported samples of English type, a home-grown industry sprang up. Local innovation took hold when colonial governments recognised that they could obtain locally a dependable supply of replacement type for electoral rolls and parliamentary papers without waiting for months for orders sent to England, to be filled and then be sent by return mail to the colonies. A ready supply of sorts obtainable at short notice was also a pressing need. Shortages of frequently used letters, numerals, punctuation marks, or letters that were more susceptible to wear or breakage were prone to slow down the work to be done.

Local type founders were able to copy imported types so that where necessary, locally made letters could be substitutes for or mixed with types of British and/or American origin…

Publishing guidelines

If you are preparing a manuscript for publishing by Golden Point Press, or in fact by any publishing house, you will find our guidelines helpful in creating a trouble-free experience. Please download the PDF file with this link.

Type heritage

English type

A sample of 19th century English foundary type cast by the Austin Wood in London.

WoodSharwood clipping

MacKeller type

A sample of 19th century American foundary type cast by MacKellar Smiths and Jordan, Philadelphia, USA.

MacKellar foundary