One of the things a small press needs is to have a brand. Examples of branding include the use of logos, such as our dapper Villainous Press villain with a top hat.
This logo was designed by artist Chaz Kemp, who is available for cover and logo designs. He also works on graphic novels, using a unique renaissance-inspired framing that stands out from the usual fare. His rates are reasonable, and we have always been overjoyed at the work he produced for us.
Another way for a small press to brand is to use a special interior template for print books. Villainous Press uses a modified interior template designed by Quincy J. Allen over at RuneWright.com. All of our print books are designed for ease of reading. When you purchase a new Villainous Press book, you know exactly how the interior will look. When readers know they will always be able to enjoy a well-designed book no matter which title they choose, that becomes part of your branding.
If you’re a small press or an author venturing out into the world of self-publishing, we highly recommend you use a standard print template that shows your interiors are well-designed and are quality works. If you’re a Microsoft Word guru, you can make your own detailed template, or you can contact Quincy at Runewrite. His rates are very reasonable, and once you have your template set, every book you publish will be professionally laid out and beautiful in your hands.