Book Proofs – Interior Design Samples: Part 2 of 4

Choosing the Best Layout for Your Book 

Your cover may grab a reader’s attention, but it’s the interior design that carries them through your words. Once your designer presents your sample layouts, how do you know which one is best for your book?

This is the second article in a four-part series to help authors review their book design proofs—from early concepts to final pre-press checks—with clarity, confidence, and a designer’s eye for detail.

Here’s what we’ve covered and what’s ahead:

1. Book Proofs Part 1 of 4: Cover Design Concepts – Choosing the Right Look for Your Book 

2. Book Proofs Part 2 of 4: Interior Design Samples – Choosing the Best Layout for Your Book (You’re here!)

3. Book Proofs Part 3 of 4: Final Cover Proof – Making Sure It is Perfect Before Print

4. Book Proofs Part 4 of 4: Interior Final Proof – Reviewing Your Final Interior Pages

Readability Comes First    

Before anything else, your interior design should support an easy, enjoyable reading experience. And the best way to evaluate that? Print a few sample pages and read them on paper just as your readers will.

Ask yourself:

• Is the font easy to read and pleasant on the eyes?

• Is the line spacing comfortable, not too tight or too loose?

• Are the spaces between words even and natural-looking?

• Do the lines break cleanly, without awkward gaps or distracting hyphenation?

Poor spacing or font choices can interrupt the flow of reading. A well-designed layout should feel invisible, allowing the words to shine.

Style and Cohesion

The interior design should feel like a seamless extension of your book cover—visually consistent, appropriate for the tone of your content, and polished from page one.

• Does the overall look match the feel of your cover design, whether casual or formal, modern or classic?

• Are any of the fonts from the cover carried into the interior for a unified look?

• Are there no more than two or three different fonts used throughout the layout?

• Does the visual tone support the reading experience without distracting the reader?

A strong interior layout brings harmony between the outside and inside of your book, reinforcing your message with quiet consistency.

Chapter Intro Pages

The first page of each chapter offers a visual reset, a moment to invite the reader into a new section of your book. These pages should feel intentional and aligned with your book’s tone.

• Does the chapter opener reflect the look and feel of your cover?

• Are the fonts, sizes, and spacing visually appealing?

• Does the text start lower on the page than the main body, creating a sense of balance and space?

• If there’s a graphic or illustration, does it feel relevant and clear, not cluttered or distracting?

Chapter openers don’t need to be flashy, but they should feel purposeful and polished, setting the stage for what comes next.

Headers and Page Numbers

Small design details like headers and page numbers might seem minor, but they play a key role in creating a smooth, professional reading experience.

• Are the page numbers and headers easy to find but not distracting?

• Do you like their placement, centered or aligned with the outer margins?

• Are the font sizes and styles consistent with the rest of the design?

• Do the left and right pages include the appropriate content (book title, author name, chapter title, etc.)?

These subtle elements help guide the reader, and when thoughtfully designed, they disappear into the background while still doing their job.

Margins That Feel Right

Well-proportioned margins make a book feel open, balanced, and easy to hold, while also preventing the text from feeling cramped or floating on the page.

• Is the outside margin wide enough to hold the book without covering the text? A good rule of “thumb” is at least ½ inch.

• Is the inside margin generous enough to keep the text readable without pulling at the binding? The more pages in a book, the wider it needs to be. For a 150-page book, 5/8 inch is a good minimum.

• Do the top and bottom margins feel visually balanced with the rest of the layout?

Margins are one of those invisible details that, when done well, create a sense of calm and quality from the very first page.

Images and Graphic Placement

If your book includes illustrations, charts, or photographs, their placement and clarity are just as important as the words that surround them.

• Are the images sized appropriately for the layout, not too small or overwhelming?

• Do they feel balanced on the page—centered, left-aligned, or positioned intentionally?

• Are they high resolution, clear, and free of visual noise or watermarks?

• Are captions (if used) readable and formatted consistently?

Images should support your message, not distract from it. When placed with care, they can elevate both the content and the design.

Other Typographic Elements 

Beyond your main body text, your book may include special elements like callouts, lists, quotes, or subheadings. These pieces deserve the same thoughtful attention to detail.

• Are bullet points, numbered lists, and callouts easy to scan?

• Do quotes or subheads feel balanced on the page—clearly distinct, but not disruptive?

• Is the font size and style consistent across these elements?

• Do they visually support the flow of your content, or pull attention away from it?

Each element should feel like part of a cohesive system, quietly guiding the reader without breaking their rhythm.

Final Thoughts

Interior design may be less inspiring than the cover, but it’s just as essential. A well-designed layout invites your reader in and quietly supports them from the first page to the last.

If something feels off, talk to your designer before full formatting begins. Adjusting fonts, spacing, or layout after the book is fully typeset can be time-consuming and costly.

Remember, the best interior designs are both beautiful and functional:

They’re easy to read, free of distractions, and visually aligned with your book’s tone and content.

Next week, we’ll shift from layout to final review, covering the essential details to check before approving your final cover design proof.

Know someone who’d find this helpful? Feel free to forward it or save it for later as you prepare your book for print.

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