In a recent conversation with an author we were discussing the various “parts” that make up good book layout. After looking over what he had I made a number of recommendations. He did not layout the pages but had a friend or relative do so and the idea of correcting their work was giving him some anxiety. Unfortunately, I see this all too often. If whoever is doing the work would just look at and mimic a professionally designed book interior at least they would have the elements in the order of what is generally accepted.

So what are the various parts of the book and where are they? The three primary parts are: the front matter, the chapters or body of text, and the back matter. And, each of these are made up of specific parts in a specific order. Continue reading →