12 Elements for Creating a Winning eBook Design

Print design ranges from flyers, forms and many others including eBooks. EBooks are wonderful business tools as they are affordable, helpful and short. EBooks are often judged by their appearance and other and the content of the book, it is important to consider the eBook design.

Elements of a Great EBook Design

1. Standard eBooks are expected to have elements similar to the print books. Copyright page, TOC and title pages tend to be among the first pages. A dedication page could be present or not. A title page in most cases is a version of the cover.

2. The above pages are then followed by a page containing a brief description of the book. A description can be used as a reminder of the book’s content.

3. Gratitude page. This comes after the book’s content has been exhausted. A reader should be appreciated for having gone through the whole book. This page will also suggest where they can leave a review. A link can be included to the site where the review is to be left.

4. If there are other books by the same author, a teasing chapter can be placed at the end of the book. The date of release and a link to where it can be accessed should also be included on this page.

5. Use a picture of the author and more about the author at the back of the book.

6. Have a page that has a list of other books that have been written by the same author. Ensure their links so that one is able to access the other books that have been listed on the page.

7. Have chapter headings that are larger than the rest of the content. New chapter should use a lower top margin so that they look different from the other pages.

8. Draw attention to the first paragraph of any chapter. This can be done using a drop cap or nested style.

9. Scene breaks can be done using images. This is unique and will stand out.

10. Too much use of custom fonts within the text can be difficult to read. Standard font is therefore encouraged.

11. Use links on the TOC as it makes it easy to locate and arrive at certain pages.

12. Test the appearance of the book on a number of e-readers to ensure the book is compatible.

Tips for eBook Design

EBook Design Tip #1: Fit Typography and Coloring

EBooks will greatly differ based on the subject of the book. Coloring and the typography of the book should to a large extent portray the brand it is meant for.

Choices in styles should align with the logo and any other publications that have been previously created.

The eBook should be appropriate for the industry it is made for. Always peek at the material offered by competitors so as to get an overview of the industry before coming up with your own creative material.

Typography is a consideration to be made when designing eBooks. Font used should be easily read so that a reader doesn't have to strain.

There is room for customization when it comes to color, height, typeface style etc. The color and title layout, as well as that used for the author's name, should always be complementary to the cover image.

EBook Design Tip #2: Table of Contents That Can Be Dynamically Linked

Formatting a TOC can be frustrating as the professional standards demand a clean and well-organized TOC.

Always seek and study software that can prove beneficial in creating a proper TOC. Ensure indentations used appear natural and configuration of the chapter headers is well done.

EBook Design Tip #3: Use Social Media to Connect with Readers

Use social media buttons on the header and footers for the readers who are interested in connecting with an author or publisher on another level.

EBook Design Tip #4: Put the Design to Print Test

Print out a number of pages and take a look at the design away from the screen before you send the eBook to the client.

Many of the users of the book get to see it in print. This places importance on having a great print publication. The text must be readable and the layout of the book should be creative.

EBook Design Tip #5: The Cover

EBooks are often created with the aim of providing valuable information. Covers for books business like content should be professional and simple rather than fancy.

A back cover is a next step after looking at the front cover. Some thought and consideration should be given to the back cover.

In most cases, the back cover has a summary of the book's contents and the opinions of various key people relating to the book.

An author's photo can also be placed here. A back cover is the last chance an author has of selling the book.

EBook Design Tip #6: The Text

A designer's work isn't limited to the cover alone but extends to the inside of the book. Content should be well presented so that it can be easily read.

Chapter headers and titles should be differentiated so that it stands out from the normal text. If images are included in the book, they should be in the right size and visible on e-readers.

EBook Design Tip #7: Additional Pages

Other pages within an eBook include a TOC, index or even an author biography. Such pages should also be well designed.

They can be differentiated from other pages by changing minute aspects to ensure they stand out.

EBook Design Tip #8: Descriptive Title

A title is an aspect of any publication that receives the first judgment or critic by readers. A title should, therefore, remain interesting and descriptive. It should suggest what type of content the book carries.

EBook Design Tip #9: Visual Covers

A cover should appeal visually and should align with the style and brand.

EBook Design Tip #10: Topic / Skill

Buyers, clients, and readers will always vary in one way or the other. The variation could be according to skill, interest, demographics etc. this suggests that depending on the publisher, and other books could be suggested to a reader and not necessarily by the same author.

It is, however, advisable to have the content of the suggestions similar to the book where they have been suggested.

EBook Design Tip #11: Social Sharing Buttons

It is common knowledge that these are useful when it comes to marketing. Including these on the pages of an eBook encourages readers to share or comment on the book at whichever point the content of the book appeals to them most.

They can be placed in the footer. Guides can be followed to help with proper placement of these buttons.

EBook Design Tip #12: Visual Elements

The inclusion of these ensures large groups of text have been broken up. Images and other visual elements are also useful when it comes to emphasizing the main idea presented on a particular page.

Conclusion

The design is important as first impressions matter. Good design demands that you understand the client, their brand image, and the target audience.

Creativity, technical proficiency, and on-point branding are able to describe a wonderful designer.

A number of tools are readily available to help with the eBook design. Lander is able to help with the design by offering guidelines for text, image, and even video.

Guidance will ensure your book will remain attractive to the audience it is meant for.