The Value of Typesetting in Self-Publishing: Why Your Book’s Interior Matters
By Michael Pietrobon, Founder of Foglio Custom Book Specialists
At Foglio Custom Book Specialists, I’ve worked with many Canadian authors who are passionate about their stories. They understand the importance of a professional cover, but often the inside of the book gets less attention. That’s where typesetting—also called book formatting or book interior design—becomes essential.
In Canada, where ISBNs are free through Library and Archives Canada, self-publishing has never been more accessible. But with more books entering the market every day, professional presentation is what separates a book that sells from one that gets overlooked. A strong cover might draw readers in, but professional book typesetting keeps them reading.
This article will explore:
What is typesetting?
How book formatting and book typesetting differ
Why professional book interior design matters
Common mistakes to avoid
How to typeset a book (DIY tools vs. professional services)
Why Canadian indie authors should prioritize professional interiors
What Is Typesetting?
So, what is typesetting? In its simplest form, it’s the process of arranging words and design elements on a page so the book is easy to read and visually consistent. In the days of Gutenberg, typesetting meant manually placing letters into a press. Today, it’s done digitally, but the goal remains the same: create a polished interior layout that supports the story.
When typesetting is done well, readers hardly notice it. The words flow seamlessly. But when it’s done poorly—odd spacing, inconsistent fonts, or awkward line breaks—readers notice immediately.
Think of it this way: your book cover design is the handshake. Typesetting is the conversation. If the conversation feels clumsy, readers won’t stick around.
Book Formatting vs. Book Typesetting
These terms are related but not identical.
Book formatting is the technical preparation of your file so that it meets distributor requirements. It covers details like trim size, margins, gutters, headers, footers, page numbers, and final exports into PDF or EPUB.
Book typesetting, on the other hand, is about design. It focuses on font selection, line spacing, justification, hyphenation, and chapter styling to make the book attractive and comfortable to read.
In short: formatting makes your book work, while typesetting makes your book shine. Both are essential parts of professional typesetting and formatting services.
Why Typesetting Matters for Indie Authors
For Canadian indie authors, the presentation of your book interior matters as much as the cover. Readers judge books quickly, and distributors like Amazon KDP and IngramSpark often reject poorly prepared files.
Good typesetting also communicates genre expectations. A poetry book benefits from generous white space and careful line breaks. A nonfiction guide relies on clean headings and readable tables. A fantasy novel might use decorative chapter openers. Each of these choices shapes how readers experience the book.
I’ve seen Canadian authors lose readers because cramped lines or inconsistent spacing made the text exhausting to read. On the other hand, I’ve also seen a book’s reviews improve after a redesign, with readers praising the “beautiful layout.” That is the value of investing in book interior design.
Common Mistakes in DIY Book Formatting
Many authors try to format their own books in Word or Canva. It’s understandable, but often leads to problems. I’ve seen interiors with three or four different fonts, margins that cut into the spine, and “widows and orphans” (stray lines left at the top or bottom of a page).
One memoir author came to me after her file was rejected three times by IngramSpark. Her story was excellent, but the formatting was inconsistent. Once we redid the book typesetting, the file passed without issue, and the book went live within days.
This is why professional support—whether through our publishing packages or standalone services—is so valuable. It saves time, frustration, and ensures your book is ready for readers and distributors alike.
How to Typeset a Book
Many authors ask: how to typeset a book? You have two main options—DIY tools or hiring a professional.
DIY Options
If you want to learn, there are tools available. Programs like Vellum (Mac only) and Atticus (Mac and PC) make the process easier, while Adobe InDesign remains the industry standard for professional designers. These tools can work, but they still require patience and a strong eye for design.
Professional Services
Hiring a professional means your files will meet distributor requirements from the start. At Foglio Custom Book Specialists, we include book typesetting services in every publishing package. That way, you can focus on writing, while we handle the design details that make your book look professional.
Typography and Interior Design Choices
Fonts matter more than most authors realize. Serif fonts like Garamond or Palatino guide the eye across the page and are often used in fiction. Sans-serif fonts like Helvetica can suit nonfiction or digital-first projects. Line spacing, margin size, and paragraph style all shape how readable your book is.
Professional book interior design is about making these choices deliberately so the story takes center stage. Done well, the design disappears. Readers remember your words, not the layout.
FAQs About Book Typesetting
What is typesetting?
Typesetting is the art and science of arranging text on a page so that it looks professional and reads smoothly. It includes everything from font choice to spacing, margins, and alignment. Without proper typesetting, even a brilliant story can feel amateurish. At Foglio, we treat typesetting as the backbone of professional publishing services.
Is book formatting the same as typesetting?
Not exactly. Formatting is about technical specifications: making sure your book file is acceptable to distributors like KDP or IngramSpark. Typesetting is about design. It’s the difference between a manuscript that “works” and one that “looks like a book.” Both are included in our typesetting and formatting services.
How to typeset a book on your own?
You can use tools like Vellum, Atticus, or Adobe InDesign. But each comes with a learning curve. For many Canadian indie authors, it’s more efficient to hire a professional. That way, your book is ready for both print and ebook release without endless trial and error.
Do ebooks need typesetting too?
Yes. While ebooks are reflowable, meaning text adjusts to different devices, they still require styles, headings, and spacing that look consistent. Poorly formatted ebooks often lead to bad reviews. At Foglio, we ensure both print and digital interiors meet professional standards.
Why is book interior design important?
Because readers don’t separate the words from the design. If your book looks amateurish, it affects how they view your writing. Professional book interior design creates a seamless reading experience and positions your book alongside those released by major publishers.
Final Thoughts
A cover may get readers to pick up your book, but typesetting and formatting keep them turning pages. Professional book interior design makes your work stand out in Canada’s self-publishing market, where competition is growing every year.
At Foglio Custom Book Specialists, we believe every Canadian author deserves a book that looks and reads as professionally as anything from a big publisher. That’s why typesetting services are included in every publishing package.
If you’re ready to bring your manuscript to life, explore our publishing packages or schedule a free consultation today.
