
Some exciting news: As of tomorrow, A Book Designer’s Notebook is one year old!
It turns out that one year of writing online produces quite a few words. Enough, in theory, to produce a book. Maybe—maybe—even a decent one. To celebrate one year of publishing this newsletter, that is exactly what I am going to do.
It will not be available tomorrow. I am not that put together. Not by a long shot. But as this is mostly a compilation and editing job, I am hoping it will be ready within the next few months. At the very least, before this newsletter’s second birthday.
This book will be a curated collection of my favorite posts—both free and paid—from this newsletter’s first year. And at least one essay exclusive to the book.
So, why turn the newsletter into a book?
First and foremost: for myself. I am proud of the work I’ve done with this newsletter—and if I’m honest, a little surprised I had it in me. I want a physical representation of this work on my shelf.
I think it’ll be really useful and valuable for others. Even if you’ve been reading this newsletter from the start, I think there is value in such a compilation. And if you’ve been a free subscriber, this will be a way to access some How to Design a Book Cover content without taking out a paid subscription.
I’ve long toyed with the idea of selling products, but I’ve always stalled out due to an inability to sustain excitement and discipline. This is one I really care about.
Here is the tentative title for the book:
I Can Tell Your Book Was Self-Published: And Other Rants, Essays, and Manifestos from A Book Designer’s Notebook
I love this title—plucked from an early, popular newsletter of mine—but that is admittedly a looooong subtitle. So it may change when it comes time to design the cover.
Speaking of the cover: I’m not going to design it. I’m hiring a book design friend of mine. And then I’m going to write about this process from the perspective of a client—and include it as a book exclusive. It will include the design brief I sent, the price I paid, and all of my thoughts (and emotions) along the way. As fun as it would be to design my own cover, I could not resist this delightfully meta idea. It makes me giddy.
That’s about all I can share at the moment. Not because it’s secret, but because I don’t have anything else to share yet—we’re still in the early stages here. But I am hoping that as I compile, edit, and design, this announcement helps hold me accountable. This is truly a side-side-project that I arguably don’t have time for. But I’m excited to see it come to life.
I hope you are too! Stay tuned.
Until next time,
—Nathaniel
This is a milestone to celebrate! Turning your articles into a book is a brilliant idea. Now about the book cover...
Communicating with the designer about the book and ideas for a cover is difficult. So be patient, especially if you are the designer's friend. Now cut the #1 birthday cake and celebrate!!
So great, good luck and have fun!! 🥰🤩