I’m new to blogging but not to writing, editing, and publication design. I started out many years ago as an editor in a book publishing house. I had a brand new BA in journalism with a minor in graphic design, and I was suddenly responsible for taking manuscripts of technical and general interest books and turning them into profitable products (books).

I was trained as an editor and a book designer (so I could train and supervise book designers, who were called “production assistants”). And then I trained others.

Yipes! I started studying intensively on my own, buying reference books, reading design magazines, sitting in on vendor meetings, doing small freelance projects—everything I could to learn to be a better publication designer.

For example, I read every single book in our huge public library system on typography—and I had already had two college course on the subject.

I’ve been designing books, web sites, newsletters and other publications ever since. Along the way, I’ve trained others, too.

Some of the things I say in this blog may sound snarky. (I considered calling it “Design Snark” instead of the more pretentious “Blog Design Journal.”) But they really can help you get more people to actually read your blog.

I hope it helps.

Kathleen Gresham

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