About the Book
It's time for authors to self-publish with pride-and look good doing it.
You did the hard part: You wrote the book. You survived the edits. You poured your energy, insight, and even a bit of your sanity into a career-defining manuscript. Now you're staring down the final stretch-the book design process-and wondering how to avoid the one thing every self-respecting author fears:
"Looking self-published."
Enter Don't Make It Look Self-Published-the acclaimed new guide for independent authors who want their books to look like they belong on the best seller list ... not in the clearance bin.
Written by veteran book designer George B. Stevens, this book demystifies the book design stage of the self-publishing journey-what it really takes and how to find the right collaborator to bring your manuscript to life. It's not about mastering the color wheel or debating the virtues of Helvetica. It's about making smart decisions, sidestepping the design industry's worst traps, and producing a book that oozes credibility, captures your voice, and compels your readers.
You'll learn how to:
Avoid the "fast, cheap, and cringey" traps that sink so many indie books
Spot the difference between a design pro and a Photoshop dabbler
Collaborate with confidence-even if you don't speak "design"
Sort out the value of your design options before investing in one
Launch a book that positions you as the expert you truly are.
This isn't just a book about making your book look good-it's a guide to making sure the whole publishing experience serves your vision, supports your brand, and builds something you'll be proud to share. BONUS: The book contains multiple glossaries of publishing terminology to encourage clear communication with your designer.
Smart. Practical. Engaging. Totally essential.
Remember: Self-publishing is a beautiful thing. Looking "self-published" is not.
About the Author :
George B. Stevens is a book designer and musician. Born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina, he developed an interest in creating at a young age, always sketching, writing, and noodling on instruments before he had much (or any) capability for doing so. He found his footing in high school, serving as the editor-in-chief of the newspaper and learning his first song on guitar on December 25, 1999. It was "When the Saints Go Marching In." In 2007, he graduated from the University of South Carolina, earning a bachelor's degree in journalism with a focus in visual communications. Shortly thereafter, he began his career as a book designer at a small startup in his hometown of Charleston. For the next twelve years, he designed hundreds of books as a staff designer, eventually ascending to a creative director role. He led a plucky and lovable design team, overseeing the development of book designs for authors all over the world. In 2019, George exited his full-time role to found G Sharp Design, LLC, a graphic design practice mainly serving nonfiction authors and publishing professionals. George is also a busy musician, performing steadily as a guitarist, vocalist, and mandolin player with several groups in and around the Charleston area. His musical adventures have taken him to stages at major festivals and venues like Merlefest, Floydfest, and the Charleston Bluegrass Festival. In addition to music, he is a passionate runner, having completed three marathons and more than a dozen half-marathons. George is married to Sarah, whose sweet, encouraging demeanor and "go for it!" attitude gave him the confidence to start his business, build his music career, and write this book. Together they have a beautiful daughter, Hazel, and a rascally nub-tailed cat named June. They live in North Charleston, South Carolina.
Review :
"As the CEO of a book publicity firm, I've seen it all: books with brilliant content that get overlooked simply because the design falls flat. In Don't Make It Look Self-Published, George Stevens delivers what every indie author needs: a clear, engaging, and genuinely helpful guide to making your book look as good as it reads. With warmth, wit, and deep expertise, George shows that great design isn't about vanity, it's about credibility. This book is both a practical resource and a confidence boost for any author ready to put their best book forward." -- Sandra Poirier Smith, CEO, Smith Publicity, Inc.
"George nailed it with this book. It's the straight talk indie authors desperately need before diving into the design process -- smart, grounded, and refreshingly free of fluff. If you're serious about your book not looking like amateur hour, this should be required reading. He breaks down how to find the right designer, what to expect from the process, and why cheap shortcuts almost always backfire. It's not just about getting a good-looking book -- it's about building a professional collaboration that respects your message. Every indie author should read this before they hit 'publish.' Honestly, if I could mail this to half the clients who've come to me after a Canva catastrophe or a bargain-bin disaster, I would. Don't Make it Look Self-Published is preventive medicine for every indie author's regret." -- Ian Koviak, theBookDesigners
