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Why Font Choices Matter in Book Design (And How the Wrong One Can Ruin Everything)

  • Writer: Sara Garper
    Sara Garper
  • Feb 1
  • 3 min read

Updated: Feb 9

Let’s talk about something that might seem minor but can make or break your book: font choice. Yes, fonts matter. A lot. The right typography enhances readability, sets the right tone, and ensures your book looks polished and professional. The wrong font? It can make even the most brilliant story look unappealing and amateurish.


Fonts are like the outfits of your words. Dress them well, and your book will exude professionalism and readability. Dress them poorly, and, well... you might end up with something that looks like an amateur flyer for a lost cat.




Same words, different emotions—just by changing the font.
Same words, different emotions—just by changing the font.


The Power of the Right Font

A well-chosen font enhances readability, sets the right tone, and helps immerse readers in your story. Here’s why font selection is crucial:

  • Readability is key – The easier your book is to read, the more readers will enjoy it. The wrong font can make reading a chore (I’m looking at you, Comic Sans).

  • Aesthetic Consistency – Your font should align with your genre and tone. A horror novel in Papyrus? Please, no.

  • Professionalism Matters – If your book looks self-published in a bad way, readers might not take it seriously. A polished font choice can elevate your book’s credibility. (See what I did there?)



Common Font Mistakes (That Could Haunt You Forever)

Even the best writers can fall into font traps. Here are some of the worst offenders:

✘ Using Overly Decorative Fonts – Sure, Curlz MT looks “fun”, but do you really want readers struggling through every sentence?

✘  Going Too Small or Too Large – Tiny text forces readers to squint, while oversized text makes your book feel like a children’s primer.

✘  Ignoring Line Spacing & Margins – Fonts don’t exist in isolation. Proper spacing is key to avoiding that dreaded “wall of text” effect.




These examples are exaggerated, but using overly decorative fonts can make reading harder, just like choosing a font that's too small or too large. Even spacing can throw the reader off. The goal is for the typography to fade into the background and help convey the message and mood, not distract from it.
These examples are exaggerated, but using overly decorative fonts can make reading harder, just like choosing a font that's too small or too large. Even spacing can throw the reader off. The goal is for the typography to fade into the background and help convey the message and mood, not distract from it.


Best Fonts for Book Design

For those looking to make the right choice, here are some go-to fonts that never fail:

  • Garamond – A timeless, elegant serif font that’s easy on the eyes. 

  • Minion Pro – Excellent for fiction and non-fiction alike. 

  • Baskerville – Classic and sophisticated, perfect for literary works.

  • Georgia – A more modern serif, ideal for digital and print. 

  • Helvetica – A clean, professional sans-serif font (best for headings and non-fiction books).


Using a single font can work, but pairing fonts effectively can create a more polished and engaging reading experience.



How a Professional Book Designer Can Help

Still unsure about fonts? That’s where I come in! As a professional book designer, I can ensure your typography matches your book’s style, enhances readability, and maintains a polished, market-ready look. Let’s work together to make your book not only readable but unforgettable.



Let’s chat! Contact me today for a free consultation on your book design.

Because when it comes to fonts, making the wrong choice is no joke—unless you want your readers laughing for all the wrong reasons. 😉





Watch This Video on Why Fonts Matter

This video from comedian Don McMillan, perfectly illustrates the importance of your font choices.




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