Win a Copy of The Design of Books

I'm giving away two copies of this fun and useful new book for authors from the designer of two hugely popular Downton Abbey cookbooks.

“Design is central to the appeal, messaging and usefulness of a book, but to most readers, it’s mysterious or even invisible,” says Debbie.

After you get a book deal and submit your manuscript to the publisher, the book designer gets to work. Do you know much about that process or how to work with a designer?

Debbie Berne can tell you. She has designed hundreds of book covers and interior pages, including many hugely-popular cookbooks. For the first time, she wrote and designed a book: her own The Design of Books: An Explainer for Authors, Editors, Agents, and Other Curious Readers.

Here are just a few of the many cookbooks she has designed:

• The Official Downton Abbey Cookbook, the 2020 IBPA award winner 

• The Official Downton Abbey Christmas Cookbook 

• Somebody Feed Phil the Book, a New York Times bestseller

• (Serious) New Cook, winner of a 2023 IACP Award

• BUDMO!: Recipes from a Ukrainian Kitchen 

• Chími Nu'am: Native California Foodways for the Contemporary Kitchen 

• Feed Your People: Big-Batch, Big-Hearted Cooking and Recipes to Gather Around

• The Bread Baker’s Apprentice, 15th Anniversary Edition 

• The Berkeley Bowl Cookbook (My favorite local market!)

I met Debbie through her excellent Instagram account, where she writes longish and entertaining meditations on cookbooks. She lives in Oakland, CA, near me, and we have met for some laughter-filled, intense discussions on recipe writing and cookbooks, while enjoying cookies and pastries.

The Design of Books is full of practical information, delivered with style, authority and clarity. Among other things, she tells you what to expect after a book deal, how the publishing process progresses from manuscript to finished book, and how to collaborate with a designer.

Paid subscribers were are eligible to win this book by entering before May 29, 2024. Winners were Dan Harper and Larry Harris. Congratulations, guys!

Read on to learn what Debbie has to say about designing great cookbooks and working with authors:

Debbie in her Oakland, CA home office.

Q. What’s happening with cookbooks these days?

A. Cookbooks are booming, but their function is shifting from instruction manual, because recipes are on the internet and available to everyone. So now cookbooks can play a different role, more literary or lifestyle. Or books you’re going to read in bed. They still have to have recipes, but they are more dependent on narrative voice and photos and design. They still have lots of value, but the value is different.