An ongoing question in book development is “What’s more important, form or content?” Does the potential reader pick up a book because they are interested in the subject or because a really great cover attracts the eye? The answer is that success comes from the equal balance between the two – a book design (cover and interior) that represents the content in a way that attracts the potential reader and enhances the experience of reading the book. How do successful editors and publishers work with great designers to achieve that balance? In this revealing and educational presentation, an experienced publisher and a top-knotch art director demonstrate the brainstorming and give-and-take that leads to a best-selling book package. They will witness the right-brain/left-brain spar between editorial and design, and learn the questions, discussions, arguments and, yes, compromises, that lead to a great book, inside and out. With before-and-after and in-process examples, two experts walk you through the development process.
Karla Olson is the Books Publisher at Patagonia, which publishes books as a mission outreach for Patagonia, the clothing company. She is the past chair of IBPA, president of IBPA affiliates Publishers and Writers of San Diego and Publishers and Writers of Orange County, and founder... Read More →
Christina Speed is currently the Art Director and Lead Designer for Patagonia Books, owner of design firm { csgd }, and Communications Director for the California Water Impact Network. Previously the Creative Director of Toad&Co and Marketing Director of Patagonia, she got her start... Read More →