InDesign book layout – explaining layouts
InDesign book layout can confuse the best of designers.
InDesign book layout and just understanding the various manufacturing possibilities is our focus for this article. We need to make sure that we are on the same page. Pardon the pun!
Soft cover book cover layout.
A cover for a soft cover book is straightforward for InDesign book layout. The front and back cover are the dimensions of a single page. The spine width is a measurement that we will give you. It is based on the number of pages in the book, as well as the thickness of the paper. So, if a book’s page size is 6 x 9, the front cover is 6 x 9, and the back cover is 6 x 9.
French flaps are optional.
If adding a French flap, know that it is simply an extension of the cover that scores and folds. French flaps can be on the front cover, or back cover, or both front and back covers.
Get instructions on soft cover or paperback cover InDesign book layout.
Hardcover cover wrap layout.
Every hardcover book needs something to cover the boards that comprise the front cover, back cover, and spine. Whatever the material, it needs to be glued down permanently. The material can be printed paper, cloth, bonded leather, or a faux material that looks like a cloth, linen, or leather.
The boards on a hardcover book are larger than the interior pages, so the cover wrap and dust jacket templates are different sizes, as well as different spine widths. The thick boards of a hardcover add to the spine width, as well as extend past the text pages.
If the cover wrap is printing …
The designer needs a template that includes the extra background that wraps over the boards and pastes to the inside covers. The endpapers are then pasted over this background.
If the cover wrap is not printing …
The title of the book should be stamped on the spine. The title and author are usually on the front cover too. Sometimes designers want a blind stamp, meaning there is no foil. Designers can alternatively add a foil to the stamp area.
When setting up a stamp, we need the designer to create a file so we can see the size and placement of the stamp. We will provide dimensions, or a template.
Get more information about hardcover cover wrap and InDesign book layout.
Endpapers, also called endsheets, or just ends.
Endpapers can be printed or just plain paper. If printed, the designer needs to set up 8 pages that are the dimensions of the interior book page size. They page usually has a bleed on all size. Find out more about how to set-up endpapers.
Layout for a dust jacket, also called book jacket.
Some authors like to add a dust jacket. This is the loose paper that wraps around the book. It typically has flaps on the front and back cover. The jacket has a gloss, matte of soft touch lamination on top of the surface that is printing. In the USA, it is usually a UV coating instead of lamination.
Softcover books seldom have dust jackets. Dust jackets are optional on a hardcover book. Check your quote. Read more about dust jackets and InDesign book layout.
