Creating a Physical Book Dummy for Your Illustrated Book

Overview: Creating a physical “book dummy” can be a valuable tool for planning the layout of your illustrated book. This optional step allows authors and illustrators to visualize the flow of text and images, experiment with page turns, and explore different layout options. By using printed text blocks and folded paper, you can create a mock-up of your book and see how it will look and feel when completed. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of creating a physical book dummy and explain how to print off your manuscript from Made Live.

Why Create a Physical Book Dummy?

Creating a physical book dummy can help you:

• Visualize the Layout – Seeing your text and illustrations in physical form allows you to better understand how they will look on the page and how readers will experience your book.
• Experiment with Page Turns – Use the dummy to explore how page turns impact the flow of your story. This is especially important for picture books, where pacing and timing are key to keeping readers engaged.
• Plan Illustration Placement – Experiment with different illustration placements and sizes. This can help you decide where to place illustrations in relation to the text and whether certain spreads need more or less visual content.
• Make Editing Decisions – Use the book dummy to identify areas where the text might need to be shortened or expanded, or where illustrations could be added or removed to improve the story’s flow.

How to Create a Physical Book Dummy

Follow these steps to create a physical book dummy for your illustrated book:

1. Print Off Your Manuscript from Made Live

To create your book dummy, start by printing off your manuscript from Made Live. Here’s how:

• Go to your project in the Manuscript workspace and click on the Share button in the top menu.
• Select your preferred file type (PDF or MSWord) for download.
• Ensure that you have selected to include “Breaks” and “Text” in the download options. These settings will maintain your spread breaks and text placement, making it easier to visualize the book’s layout.

2. Cut Out the Text Blocks

Once printed, cut out the text blocks from your manuscript. You can leave the text blocks in rectangular shapes or trim them to more closely match how they will appear on the page.

Tip: Consider leaving extra space around the text blocks to mimic white space and make it easier to visualize the final layout.

3. Prepare Folded Paper for Spreads

Take sheets of paper and fold them in half to create a mock-up of your book’s spreads. You can use standard printer paper, cardstock, or any other type of paper that works for you.

Tip: Use paper sizes that correspond to your intended book size to get a more accurate feel for the final product.

4. Arrange Text Blocks on Each Spread

Place the text blocks on the folded paper spreads according to your layout plan. Move the text blocks around to experiment with different text placements and page configurations.

5. Add Placeholder Illustrations

If you have rough sketches or placeholder images, add them to the book dummy to see how they fit with the text. This step helps you visualize how illustrations will complement the story and whether any adjustments are needed.

6. Tape or Glue the Text and Illustrations in Place

Once you’re satisfied with the layout, tape or glue the text blocks and placeholder illustrations to the paper spreads. This will create a more polished book dummy that you can flip through and review.

7. Review and Make Adjustments

Use the book dummy to review the overall layout and make any necessary adjustments. Pay attention to the pacing, page turns, and how the text and illustrations work together to tell the story.

Tips for Creating a Physical Book Dummy

• Keep It Simple – The purpose of the book dummy is to test layouts and page turns, so don’t worry about making it look perfect. Focus on visualizing the flow of the book rather than creating a final version.
• Use Sticky Notes for Text – If you anticipate making changes to the text placement, consider using sticky notes instead of taping or gluing the text blocks. This allows you to move text around more easily.
• Mark Page Numbers – Mark the page numbers on the bottom of each spread in pencil to keep track of where you are in the story. This will help you see how the story unfolds and where key moments occur.
• Invite Feedback – Share your book dummy with friends, family, or colleagues to get feedback on the layout and pacing. This can provide valuable insights before moving on to the final design phase.

Final Notes: Creating a physical book dummy is an optional but helpful step in the planning process for illustrated books. By printing your manuscript, arranging text blocks on folded paper, and adding placeholder illustrations, you can gain a deeper understanding of your book’s layout and make informed decisions before moving on to the final design. Use this guide to create your own book dummy and explore new possibilities for your illustrated book.