Designing with Intention: How a Simple Video Transformed My Book Formatting Approach
Heyyy, BCBA Ruby here!
As I work on my haiku book, Shaping Without Silence, I’ve realized that writing the content is just one piece of the puzzle. The way a book looks—from fonts to spacing to layout—plays a huge role in how readers experience it. And let me tell you, I was about to make some design mistakes before I came across this super helpful video: How to Format Your Book (What NOT to Do!).
If you’ve ever thought, Fonts and spacing don’t really matter that much, right?—think again. This video completely changed how I approached my book’s design, and here’s why.
1. Fonts: Readability Over Aesthetics
I used to think that as long as a font looked nice, it was fine to use. But this video showed me why readability should always come first. Some fonts might look elegant in theory, but in a full-length book, they can be distracting, hard to read, or even unprofessional.
Here’s what I learned about choosing the right font:
✅ Stick to classic, serif fonts (like Garamond or Baskerville) for body text—they’re easier on the eyes.
🚫 Avoid overly decorative or script fonts for long passages—they might look fancy but will tire out the reader.
✅ Sans-serif fonts (like Helvetica) can work well for chapter headings or emphasis but should be used sparingly.
Now, instead of just picking a font because it "looks cool," I’m thinking about how it supports the reader’s experience.
2. Spacing: Giving Words Room to Breathe
Before watching the video, I hadn’t given much thought to spacing—but wow, does it make a difference. If text is too cramped, it feels overwhelming. If it's too spaced out, it disrupts the flow of reading.
Here are some key takeaways:
✅ Line spacing (leading) should be around 1.2–1.5x the font size for smooth readability.
🚫 Avoid double spaces after periods—it makes text look uneven and outdated.
✅ Margins should be generous, especially on printed books so that text isn’t squished against the binding.
Now, when formatting my haiku book, I’m making sure each poem has intentional spacing—allowing the words to breathe while keeping the pages visually clean and inviting.
3. Layout & Alignment: The Subtle Art of Presentation
The video also pointed out some common formatting mistakes that I didn’t even realize could make a book feel unpolished:
🚫 Fully justified text can create uneven spacing (rivers of white space) in narrow columns—ragged-right alignment might work better for poetry.
🚫 Too many different text alignments can make a book feel chaotic—consistency is key.
✅ Paragraph indents vs. block spacing—knowing when to use which makes a big difference in readability.
Since my book is a haiku collection, I want each poem to feel deliberately placed on the page, without awkward spacing or formatting inconsistencies distracting from the message.
Final Thoughts: Small Details, Big Impact
This video made me realize that good book design isn’t just about making things look pretty—it’s about making them readable, accessible, and professional. Fonts, spacing, and layout all play a huge role in how a book is received, and I want to make sure my book is as engaging visually as it is emotionally.
If you’re working on your own book—whether it’s poetry, ABA resources, or a personal project—I highly recommend checking out the video. A well-formatted book doesn’t just look better—it reads better. And ultimately, that’s what matters most.
Now, back to fine-tuning my haiku book! 😊
