What is Typesetting? The Unsung Hero of Book Design
Typical Typesetting Workspace in Adobe InDesign
When you pick up a book, the first thing you might notice is the cover. A great cover turns a passerby into a customer, but good typesetting turns a customer into an avid reader. I’ve never refused to read a book because of its cover, but I have stopped reading books that were hard to follow because of poor typesetting.
Typesetting is what makes a book easy and enjoyable to read. The way words are arranged on a page—fonts, spacing, and structure—matters more than you might think. Readers spend more time with the text than with any other part of a book, so it’s important to get it right.
In this guide, we’ll explore what typesetting is, why it matters, and how to create a polished and professional book layout.
What is Typesetting?
Typesetting is the process of arranging text on a page so that it’s clear and easy to read. It involves choosing fonts, adjusting line spacing, setting margins, and ensuring everything is properly aligned. A well-typeset book looks great and reads smoothly.
In the past, typesetting was done manually using metal type blocks. Today, professionals use software like Adobe InDesign, Affinity Publisher, and LaTeX. Regardless of the tools used, the goal remains the same—to make reading effortless.
I use InDesign almost exclusively, but no matter what software you choose, the basic principles remain the same.
Modern typesetting also involves adapting text for different formats, including print books, eBooks, and PDFs. Each format requires unique considerations to maintain readability across various devices.
Why Does Typesetting Matter?
Poor typesetting can make a book difficult to read. If the text is too small, cramped, or poorly spaced, it strains the reader’s eyes and creates frustration. On the other hand, good typesetting:
Enhances readability – Proper spacing and font selection make reading effortless.
Creates a professional look and feel – A well-designed book gives a great first impression.
Improves text flow – Thoughtful formatting keeps readers engaged.
Optimizes print and digital formats – Adjustments ensure the best readability for each medium.
Encourages reader retention – When text is easy to follow, readers are more likely to finish the book.
Boosts accessibility – Proper typesetting benefits all readers, including those with visual impairments.
Key Elements of Good Typesetting
1. Font Choice
The font you choose significantly impacts readability. Serif fonts like Garamond, Times New Roman, and Baskerville are ideal for print books because they help guide the reader’s eye. Sans-serif fonts like Arial and Helvetica are more suitable for digital screens, but can also make great headers and page numbers in a printed book.
Check out my recent blog post about Evergreen Fonts, in which I outline the only five fonts you’ll ever need to use, at least according to one world-renowned designer.
2. Leading (Line Spacing)
Leading (pronounced "ledding") refers to the space between lines of text. If the lines are too close together, the text looks cramped. If they’re too far apart, it becomes difficult to follow. A good rule of thumb is to set leading at 120-145% of the font size.
Different genres may require different leading. Novels typically have tighter leading, while textbooks and reference materials use extra spacing to improve clarity.
Adjusting leading in InDesign
3. Kerning & Tracking
Kerning adjusts the space between individual letters for visual balance.
Tracking controls the uniform spacing across an entire section of text.
Without proper kerning and tracking, words can look crowded or too spaced out, disrupting the reading experience.
With most fonts, the default kerning and tracking should not be adjusted. Increasing the tracking on headers (depending on the typeface chosen) can look wonderful, making better use of space and providing a bit of relief to the eyes.
4. Margins & Alignment
Margins give text (and your reader) room to breathe. Too little white space makes a page feel crowded. Sure, you could cram The Count of Monte Cristo into a slim 200 pages if you’re trying to reduce printing costs, but what does that do to your readers? You don’t want every spread to feel like a daunting task—even the most avid and voracious of readers breathe a sigh of relief at the sight of generous margins.
A good practice I always employ is to add extra space to the inside margin (the gutter) to keep text away from the book’s binding, making it easier to read. This also keeps the spine in good condition—readers won’t have to crack it open to read text that’s fallen into the gutter.
Nonfiction books sometimes use left-aligned text, while novels typically use justified text. White space around paragraphs and headings also improves readability and visual appeal.
5. Paragraph Styles
Consistency in paragraph styles ensures a uniform reading experience. Using the same indentation, line spacing, and section headings throughout the book creates a smooth and cohesive layout.
For readability, paragraphs should not be overly long, especially in nonfiction books. Breaking up text with subheadings, bullet points, or illustrations can help maintain reader engagement.
6. Widows & Orphans
Terrible names, but useful metaphors. A widow is a single line of a paragraph left at the top of a new page. An orphan is a single line left at the bottom of a page. These can disrupt the reader’s experience, so good typesetting aims to prevent them.
Bonus: Front Matter & End Matter Matters
Too often, self-publishing authors ignore the front and end matter—it also includes well-organized front matter and end matter.
Front matter includes important pages like the copyright page (which contains your ISBN), table of contents (if needed), about the author, and other books by the author. These help provide context and structure for the book.
End matter consists of sections such as an index, acknowledgments, notes, or a bibliography, which add depth and value to the reader’s experience.
Appendices and Glossaries – Books with technical or specialized content often include extra sections to define key terms or provide additional resources.
When I design a book, I like to open it like a movie. This slow approach to the text is a beautiful thing, and will pique the interest of your readers right from the start.
Typesetting for Print vs. eBooks
Print Books
When designing a print book, factors to consider include:
Trim size (the physical dimensions of the book)
Gutter margins (extra space for binding)
Bleed and margins (to ensure text is not cut off during printing)
eBooks
EBooks require flexible formatting since readers can adjust font sizes and styles. Good eBook typesetting includes:
Responsive text that adapts to different screen sizes and user settings
Proper spacing and indentation
Clickable links for easy navigation (ask your ebook designer about using “aside” tags for footnotes and references—thank me later).
Since most text-based eBooks do not have fixed layouts, typesetters must carefully plan spacing and readability across various digital devices.
Tools for Typesetting
Many typesetting programs help create a professional book layout:
Adobe InDesign – The industry standard for book design. It’s what I use daily.
Affinity Publisher – A more budget-friendly alternative. The interface will be familiar for people who’ve used InDesign before.
LaTeX – Ideal for academic and technical books.
Microsoft Word – It’s a word processor, and certainly not meant for typesetting, but you have my kudos if you manage to pull this off.
Final Thoughts on Typesetting (for now)
Typesetting is an essential but often overlooked aspect of book design. A well-typeset book is easy to read, visually appealing, and professional in appearance. Every detail—from font selection to margin spacing—plays a role in ensuring a smooth reading experience.
If you’re an author, designer, or publisher, understanding the basics of typesetting will significantly improve the quality of your books. A well-formatted book doesn’t just look great—it keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: a beautiful cover design will turn attract customers, but good typesetting turns customers into avid readers. You want readers to finish your book with a smile on their face, not frustrated or icing their eyes. Oh, and professional editing services will help with that too.
If you want help typesetting your book, give me a shout. I’m happy to answer any questions you might have about book design, typesetting, or the publishing industry at large. And if you want to stay up to date on the latest in the publishing industry, join my newsletter, The Inkwell.
