Scribe’s goal is to support the aesthetic and functional needs of any publication.

Each design is checked against the Design QC Checklist to confirm that both the aesthetic and functional needs of the publication are being met.

Interior Designs

Scribe will create a design according to the needs of the publication; it can be a single-use design or can function as a template for future use. Scribe templates can both import and export content in coordination with other processes in the WFDW, resulting in the ease of producing new output files (e.g., Word, ScML) or adding new/additional material to the title (e.g., a new chapter, new front matter material). And because the first step in WFDW projects is to scribe the material with ScML styles, designs can be created in the early stages of production, before the material has been edited. If created using live text, the design process can segue into the full typeset.

Some designs may require making exceptions to standard procedures to achieve an aesthetic effect. The WFDW can handle these accommodations. If these exceptions will affect the cost or schedule, Scribe will discuss them before implementing them.

If a unique design is needed, Scribe will base the template off the reference files and transmittal forms. If an already established design is preferred, we will use any existing templates. We welcome discussions and feedback to ensure that our designs meet or exceed the expectations of all involved.

Design Factors

• Source materials
• Rights and permissions
• Image requirements (size, placement, color)
• Missing or TK materials
• Representative text showing all elements (e.g., epigraphs, blockquotes, headers, notes, and character styles)
• Whether or not it will be used as a series template

InDesign and ScML2PDF

Scribe maintains the current version of InDesign.

Scribe has developed new technology and processes that allow us to output PDFs directly from ScML files. With some limitations to the typographical standards, designs and complete typesets can be created without the use of a desktop publishing program.

Fonts

As of January 2023, Type 1 fonts are no longer supported by Adobe. Scribe designs, therefore, use OpenType fonts in order to create a file that can be used long term.

Fonts are selected by considering numerous factors, including readibility, tone, and the support of special characters used in the book.

Cover and Jacket Designs

Cover and jacket designs do not require the content to be functional, as they can be far removed from a book’s structure. However, titles, advanced praise quotes, book descriptions, and author biographies are checked for text errors and consistency with the interior copy.

Scribe will design covers and jackets to meet the aesthetic needs of the book, and we will work with printers to ensure that all output settings and measurements are suitable for the book’s production.

E-book Designs

E-books can be designed independently or in coordination with a book’s print version.

Scribe will design e-books to best suit the needs of the publication for display, functionality, and distribution.