January is when authors get serious.
The holidays are over, the noise has quieted down, and there is finally space to look at that manuscript and ask, “What’s next?” For many writers, this is the moment they begin thinking about book design. Covers. Layouts. Uploads. Publishing timelines.
And this is where a lot of avoidable frustration can creep in.
After years of working with authors and publishers, I can confidently say that the books that move smoothly from manuscript to market almost always have one thing in common: they planned for design early.
If you are starting the year with the goal of publishing your book, here are a few things you should know before design ever begins.
Book Design Is Not Decoration
One of the biggest misconceptions authors have is that book design is about making things look pretty at the end of the process. In reality, good book design is about communication.
Your cover tells a reader what kind of book this is before they read a single word. Your interior design controls pacing, readability, and trust. Design choices quietly signal whether a book feels professional or amateur, even if readers cannot articulate why.
Design is not something you tack on after the manuscript is finished. It is part of how the book functions in the real world.
Editing Comes Before Design
This cannot be overstated.
Your manuscript should be fully edited before it goes into layout. That includes developmental edits, line edits, and copy edits appropriate to your project. Once text starts flowing into designed pages, even small changes can ripple through an entire book.
January is an excellent time to finish editing so design can begin cleanly and efficiently. Authors who try to combine editing and design at the same time often end up paying more and feeling frustrated by revisions that seem to “undo” progress.
At JohnEdgar.Design, I do not offer in-house editing, but I regularly connect authors with excellent and affordable editors. If you need help finding one, just ask.
Know What You Are Publishing
Before reaching out to a designer, it helps to have clarity on a few foundational questions:
- Is this book print, ebook, or both?
- Will it be paperback, hardcover, or both?
- Is this a standalone book or part of a series?
- Do you have comparable titles in mind?
You do not need to have everything perfectly defined, but knowing the general direction saves time and helps your designer guide you more effectively.
Covers and Interiors Are Different Jobs
A professional book cover and a professional interior layout are two very different skill sets.
A cover must work at full size and as a tiny Amazon thumbnail. It has to pass what designers call the “squint test,” meaning the title and concept remain clear even when details disappear.
The interior must support long-form reading. That means typography, spacing, margins, chapter openings, and visual rhythm all matter more than decoration. Readers may not notice good interior design, but they absolutely notice bad interior design.
January is a good time to budget realistically for both.
Design Calendars Fill Faster Than You Think
One of the most common surprises for authors is discovering that designers book projects months in advance.
Spring and fall are especially busy publishing seasons. If you wait until your manuscript is completely finished before contacting a designer, you may find yourself rushing or settling for a timeline you do not love.
Reaching out in January, even if your book is not launching until later in the year, gives you flexibility and peace of mind.
Ebooks Have Different Rules
If you are planning an ebook, especially a reflowable Kindle ebook, it helps to understand early that design works differently.
Fonts, text size, and spacing are controlled by the reader, not the designer. This limits visual design but greatly improves accessibility and user experience. A good ebook is about structure, hierarchy, and consistency, not decoration.
Understanding this upfront prevents disappointment later.
Professional Design Is an Investment
Self-publishing has made it possible for anyone to publish a book. It has not made all books equal.
Professional design signals care, intention, and credibility. It helps readers trust you before they trust your words. In a crowded marketplace, that matters.
January is the perfect time to decide whether your book will look like a hobby project or a professional publication.
Start the Year With a Plan
You do not need to have everything figured out today. But you do need a plan.
If publishing your book is one of your goals this year, starting the design conversation early is one of the smartest moves you can make. It saves time, reduces stress, and almost always results in a better book.
At JohnEdgar.Design, I help authors turn finished manuscripts into books that feel intentional, professional, and worth holding. If you are ready to start that conversation, January is the perfect time.
