Word, Canva or professional typesetting?

What does a typesetter contribute?

I start with how the book will be read. A novel, a reference book and an illustrated catalogue need different relationships between text, images and navigation. The layout should help the reader follow the material.

A grid is the underlying system used to align elements across pages. Together with margins, type size and line spacing, it establishes a consistent reading experience. You can see different approaches in my portfolio.

Which details need human checking?

Widows and orphans are isolated lines of a paragraph at a page or column break. Word includes controls that help prevent them, but the surrounding page still needs checking. Heading placement, repeated hyphenation and uneven spacing also affect reading.

Language conventions matter. In Polish, certain single-letter words should stay with the following word; other languages have their own rules. A non-breaking space keeps connected elements together, but excessive use can produce awkward spacing elsewhere.

Can Word or Canva produce a print file?

A printer assesses the supplied PDF against the production specification. Bleed is artwork extending beyond the trim edge, allowing for cutting tolerances. Colour settings, font handling and image quality must also suit the chosen printing process.

Canva offers print export, but the settings must match the printer's requirements. Check the available export options and the licences for every included asset. A template does not remove the need to inspect the complete publication.

How I work on these publications. My book typesetting starts at PLN 200 net per publishing unit, approximately 40,000 characters including spaces for continuous prose. Print preparation is generally included when I typeset the book. I assess more complex material before quoting.

When is a DIY layout reasonable?

Simple material. A short, uncomplicated document can be a manageable project if you have time to check every page and review a physical printout. The final file still needs to meet the printer's specification.

Complex material. A long manuscript with notes, tables, cross-references or frequent corrections benefits from a structured production process. Include your own revision time when comparing costs. My guide to typesetting prices explains what affects a quote.

How should you prepare the manuscript?

Use paragraph styles, which apply consistent formatting to defined elements such as chapter headings and body text. Keep footnotes as actual footnotes and tables editable. Avoid aligning text with repeated spaces or ending every line manually.

Supply images separately and give each one a clear filename matching its caption. Include a short description of the audience, planned formats and deadline. If you send a reference book, explain which aspects you find useful rather than asking for an exact copy.

What should the agreement cover?

Agree the scope of typesetting, correction rounds, final deliverables and the treatment of late changes. Editing the wording and arranging pages are separate tasks. The service for independent authors provides the broader context.

Judge a proposal by its scope and relevant work, as well as its price. A clear agreement gives both sides a shared understanding of when a manuscript becomes a finished publication. Before you commission the book, I can prepare a few sample pages showing the proposed layout.