How do I get to design and layout books?
Do I need an "in" with someone? I've done two independently published books, love the process, and have a mind for the details that go into that scale of a print job. I love books and I love design. I make my living as an independent designer for mostly small (and some big) companies and organizations around the Bay Area.
I don't understand why so many publishers have the outsides and insides of books designed to two different people who apprently aren't allowed to speak to one another. (Thus creating lots of beautiful, smart covers and beautiful, smart interiors that don't really go together.) I know that there are places out there that hire one designer (or one group of communicating designers) for the entire package which I think seems to work better. Anway, back to the point...
My question is: how do I present myself to these publishers as someone they can hire to design and lay out books? (Any kind of books, novel, non-fiction, coffe-table books.) It's not as though I think there's lots of money in publishing (I hear there isn't!) but I'm always striving to have diverse projects and diverse clients. Without the proven experience, how do I communicate to them that I understand how to take direction, I'm easy to work with, and I want this to be part of my repertoir? Should I send them samples of my other work? Just a résumé? A letter of interest? A little brochure? Who are they? Do I need to be formal? (I tend to operate on a very friendly, personal and conversational level with all of my clients, but I can do formal! I've been there!)
Any ideas or thoughts would be greatly appreciated. I just finished a huge chunk of work and so am spending a little time over the next few weeks figuring out how to try and track down exciting new projects. This is one avenue in which I have a great interest. My site for reference: www.mollymccoy.com
Many thanks,
Molly
Do I need an "in" with someone? I've done two independently published books, love the process, and have a mind for the details that go into that scale of a print job. I love books and I love design. I make my living as an independent designer for mostly small (and some big) companies and organizations around the Bay Area.
I don't understand why so many publishers have the outsides and insides of books designed to two different people who apprently aren't allowed to speak to one another. (Thus creating lots of beautiful, smart covers and beautiful, smart interiors that don't really go together.) I know that there are places out there that hire one designer (or one group of communicating designers) for the entire package which I think seems to work better. Anway, back to the point...
My question is: how do I present myself to these publishers as someone they can hire to design and lay out books? (Any kind of books, novel, non-fiction, coffe-table books.) It's not as though I think there's lots of money in publishing (I hear there isn't!) but I'm always striving to have diverse projects and diverse clients. Without the proven experience, how do I communicate to them that I understand how to take direction, I'm easy to work with, and I want this to be part of my repertoir? Should I send them samples of my other work? Just a résumé? A letter of interest? A little brochure? Who are they? Do I need to be formal? (I tend to operate on a very friendly, personal and conversational level with all of my clients, but I can do formal! I've been there!)
Any ideas or thoughts would be greatly appreciated. I just finished a huge chunk of work and so am spending a little time over the next few weeks figuring out how to try and track down exciting new projects. This is one avenue in which I have a great interest. My site for reference: www.mollymccoy.com
Many thanks,
Molly
