Berenice Howard-Smith – Designer

I have 20+ years of experience in book design, working with Penguin, Pearson, CUP, John Wiley, Teenage Cancer Trust, and UPS. I have been on the Reedsy platform since 2017, designing and supporting clients with books, interactive pieces for marketing and lead magnets.

I have a strong portfolio of high-quality print and digital support materials, including published books that are well reviewed by online retailers such as Amazon and elsewhere. For example, "We have relied heavily on Berenice’s design skills and have received fantastic results. She is a true asset to our project.” Debra and Naomi, The Association of Jewish Refugees (Reedsy client).

I help authors bring their books to life through thoughtful design, drawing on years of hands-on experience. Whether you’re publishing your first book or adding another title, my goal is to create a bespoke design and make the process smooth, collaborative, and genuinely exciting. My portfolio spans nonfiction, fiction, classic books, interactive PDFs, and complex layouts.

When you work with me, you’ll always have a clear picture of what’s included, costs, and any optional extras — no hidden charges. If the scope changes, I’ll let you know right away so we can decide together how to move forward.

I hold a Master’s Degree in Graphic Design and Typography and have received awards for my work. After gaining experience in creative studios and publishing environments, I now run my own design micro-agency. I also guest-lecture in publishing courses and appear on podcasts, and I run workshops and courses on design fundamentals and book design.

If you’re looking for a partner with design skills honed at leading publishing houses who genuinely cares about your book, I’d love to collaborate.

I offer a complete design service:

- Covers tailored to your genre and readers, with attention to market trends.

- Book interior design that invisibly supports your words through strong typography, spacing, and navigation.

- Custom visuals, including infographics, tables, diagrams, and forms.

My process is collaborative:

- A video call to discuss your goals, audience, and vision.

- A sample chapter to establish the design style.

- Full manuscript design once approved.

I love working with authors who value good design, have a copyedited manuscript, and are ready to invest in a professional finish. I am an EDIB facilitator and ally to LGBTQIA+, a trained coach, and a UX-certified website designer. My work has won awards from Whitefox Talent Awards, Digital Women, and the AQA exam board. I am an endorsed partner of the Alliance of Independent Authors, which means I meet their exacting standards of practice through a rigorous review process.

If this sounds like the right fit, I’d love to hear more about your project.

Berenice