Blogs and News
Welcome to the Foglio blog! Here, I share insights, tips, and behind-the-scenes stories about the world of self-publishing, book design, and typography. Whether you’re an author looking for guidance on your publishing journey or a typography nerd like me, you’ll find something of interest here.
Foglio x CODE: When Self-Publishing Helps Girls Stay in School
Foglio has partnered with CODE to help girls in Liberia stay in school. Starting today, ten percent of every publishing package supports GALI with tutors, books, and mobile learning labs. You still get the same trusted cover design, formatting, editing, and ebook services. Now your book funds real change before it reaches the shelf.
Print-on-Demand vs. Offset Printing in Canada: Pros, Cons, and Costs
Wondering whether to choose print-on-demand or offset in Canada. This guide explains costs, quality, timelines, and how to match the method to your goals, with clear Canadian context and practical next steps.
Self-Publishing Timelines: How Long It Actually Takes, and 6 Delays You Can Prevent
Publishing a book takes more than good intentions; it takes planning. In this guide, Michael Pietrobon of Foglio shares the real-world timeline he gives Canadian authors, from editing through formatting and upload. You’ll also learn six avoidable mistakes that derail book schedules, and how to keep your project calm, clear, and on track.
Self-publishing in Canada: budget-friendly audio for eBooks (my chat with Matty Dalrymple)
I joined Matty Dalrymple on the Alliance of Independent Authors podcast to share practical, low-cost ways Canadian indie authors can add audio to eBooks. This post shows what to add, how to stay accessible and validated, and where enhanced editions fit in a smart release plan. Start small, test well, and make audio serve the reader.
Self-Publishing vs Hybrid Publishing vs Traditional Publishing: What Canadian Authors Need to Know
Canadian authors face three main publishing paths: self-publishing, hybrid publishing, and traditional publishing. Each offers its own mix of control, costs, and opportunities. This guide breaks down the pros and cons of each model, explains Canadian-specific considerations like free ISBNs and library programs, and helps you decide which option fits your goals.
Choosing the Right Trim Size and Paper for Your Self-Published Book: A Comprehensive Guide for Canadian Authors
Selecting the right trim size and paper is one of the most important decisions in self-publishing. From Amazon KDP’s cream and white stocks to IngramSpark’s groundwood trade option, Canadian authors have choices that shape both cost and reader experience. This guide explains how to make those choices wisely so your book feels professional, credible, and ready for the shelf.
How to Hire and Collaborate with a Professional Book Cover Designer: A Step-by-Step Guide for Indie Authors
A book cover is not decoration. It is the handshake between your story and the world. In this guide, I share how independent authors can hire and collaborate with a professional book cover designer. We’ll explore costs, process, and why a thoughtful design can mean the difference between a book that is overlooked and one that finds its readers.
ISBNs in Canada: How to Get One for Your Self-Published Book (Free and Official)
In Canada, ISBNs are free and easy to register through Library and Archives Canada. This guide shows you how to apply, avoid common mistakes, and decide whether to register yourself or have a publisher or self-publishing services provider do it for you.
Self-Publishing in Canada: A Complete Guide to Professional Book Formatting and Typesetting
Struggling with book formatting? This step-by-step guide for Canadian self-publishers shows how to prepare professional, print-ready layouts that meet industry standards — without the stress.
Mastering Book Metadata for Canadian Self-Publishers
Book metadata is the behind-the-scenes detail that helps readers find your work online. This in-depth guide for Canadian self-publishing authors explains how to optimize metadata on Amazon KDP, Draft2Digital, and IngramSpark, choose the right keywords and categories, and improve your book’s visibility in stores and libraries.
Publishing Wide: Draft2Digital vs Amazon KDP (What’s Best for Canadian Authors?)
Confused about where to publish your book in Canada? This guide compares Amazon KDP, Draft2Digital, and IngramSpark—highlighting key differences in pricing, distribution, and design control. Includes tips for choosing the right platform mix, avoiding common pitfalls, and ensuring your book looks as good as it reads.
Poor Collaboration Derails Publishing Projects—Here’s How to Fix That
Publishing a book should be exciting, not chaotic. But when your editor, designer, and typesetter aren’t on the same page, things fall apart quickly. Here’s why a unified self-publishing team is the simplest way to publish with confidence and actually enjoy the process.
The Best Self-Publishing Platforms for Canadian Authors (2025 Edition)
Trying to decide where to publish your book in Canada? In this updated 2025 guide, we break down the top self-publishing platforms for Canadian authors, from Amazon KDP and IngramSpark to Kobo, Apple Books, and Google Play. Whether you’re releasing an ebook, paperback, or hardcover, this post helps you compare royalties, costs, and distribution options so you can self-publish smarter.
Hybrid Books: Merging Audio and eBooks for a Richer Reading Experience
Hybrid books blend the best of both worlds: the clarity of text with the intimacy of audio. Whether it’s an author-read memoir or a children’s book with character voices, these audio-enhanced eBooks can transform the way readers engage with your work. Here’s how to use them effectively, and why more authors should.
Enhancing eBooks with Audio: Cost-Effective Strategies for Thoughtful Authors
Audio can transform your eBook into something richer and more memorable—but you don’t need a full studio or a massive budget to do it well. This post explores cost-effective ways to incorporate sound into your eBook, from representing interior monologue and adding leitmotifs to using multiple voices and understanding platform limitations. If you’ve ever wanted your eBook to do more than just display text, this is for you.
Professional Typesetting and Page Layout: Why it Matters for Your Book
We often talk about writing and editing when it comes to publishing, but what about the way your book looks on the inside? Thoughtful typesetting and interior layout don’t just make your book more attractive—they directly impact how readers engage with your work. In this post, we explore how layout, typography, and visual structure can enhance your storytelling and make every page feel deliberate.
Multimedia in eBooks: 5 Smart Ways to Enhance Your Reader's Experience
In today’s digital world, your eBook can be more than just text. From audio readings and interactive maps to fillable workbooks and pop-up glossaries, multimedia features can transform your book into an immersive experience. This post explores five effective (and doable) ways to add rich, interactive elements to your eBook—without sacrificing readability or design. Whether you’re writing fiction, nonfiction, or a guided journal, these strategies will help you make your digital book more engaging and memorable.
Unlocking the Secrets of Advance Reader Copies: How to Get Noticed Before Your Book Launch
Advance Reader Copies (ARCs) aren’t just for traditional publishers—they’re one of the most powerful tools indie authors can use to build buzz before launch. In this post, I break down exactly how to create professional ARCs, where to send them, and how to use reader feedback to strengthen your release. Whether you’re printing through Amazon KDP or distributing digitally via NetGalley or CanReads, this is the blueprint for making your book stand out before it even hits the shelves.
How to Get Your Self-Published Book into Libraries (Without Losing Your Sanity)
Getting your book into libraries isn’t a matter of luck or vague hope—it’s the product of clear intention, professional standards, and an understanding of what libraries actually value. From trade distribution to cover design to patron demand, this guide shows you the practical steps to place your work where it can endure.
How to Actually Find Readers for a Niche Book (Without a Huge Budget or Mailing List)
Most books don’t fail because they lack merit; they fail because no one knows they exist. If you’ve written a niche book, finding the right readers is both more challenging—and more rewarding—than you might imagine. In this guide, you’ll learn why design is your silent ambassador, how to build credibility before your launch, and what modest marketing experiments can actually pay off over time.