In which we learn the elements of how to design a book cover that ups your chances at sales success. “A successful cover is basically all of those elements: the typography, the category, and the uniqueness of the story need to be held together. And it just needs to look damn good.” Olivia Croom Hammerman, … Read more
Integrating design, literature, and cake history with Jessica Reed CW at 50:20 — We discuss baking and its relationship to eating disorders and mental health. Corinne is out sick, so JT guest hosts as we interview former Penguin Senior Designer, photographer, and cake artist/historian, Jessica Reed. Jessica started her creative journey building cardboard furniture in … Read more
Microcosm continues teaching publishing lessons with a People’s Guide to Publishing vlogcast. by Joe Biel [Psst—Go check out our interview with him in episode 15!] Four years ago I sat in my office with a star intern, Sidnee Grubb. She had utterly exceeded every expectation and task that I set at her feet. She asked … Read more
Ardi Alspach, an editor at Sterling Publishing, talks with us about her multi-directional career. She has the unique experience of having attended both NYU and the Denver Publishing Institute, worked in both publicity and editorial, and moved from a career in teaching to book publishing mid-career. Turns out that’s possible, even in NYC. Take that, … Read more
Traditional, self-pub…the hybrid author says: “Why not both!” Frances Kingsley joins us to talk about her experience writing for both sides of the shelf. We also talk about our Great British Baking Show reverse-harems in the least creepy way possible (i.e., who is dreamy AND would make the most beautiful cake on our birthdays). Frances … Read more
Emily and Corinne interview publishing consultant and book publicist Mary Bisbee-Beek about her eclectic career working in the Bay Area and beyond. She tells us about the trifecta that makes for the perfect publicity campaign and some of her most cherished projects. Emily and Corinne also discuss a recent Buzzfeed piece about the self-help bestseller … Read more
Digital or offset? Smooth or glossy? Coated or uncoated? Foreign or domestic? Black and white, two color, or full color? There are a LOT of choices and not a lot of room for mistakes when it comes to printing decisions. (Seriously, though, if you’ve ever seen a pallet of books come in chock-a-block with splotches, … Read more
