Silke Spingies

Silke Spingies – Designer

Book designer with 20+ years’ experience in illustrated nonfiction and complex layouts that combine clarity, creativity, and solutions.

Overview

I’m an experienced book designer with over 20 years in publishing, creating standout covers and interiors for both major publishers — including Dorling Kindersley and Pearson — and independent authors worldwide.

I specialise in designing books that not only look beautiful but also work seamlessly for their intended audience. My portfolio spans illustrated nonfiction, professional guides, workbooks, and complex layouts with infographics, tables, and custom illustrations. Every project is approached with the same care: to produce a design that elevates your content and engages your readers.

For authors, coaches, and subject-matter experts, I offer a complete design service:

· Covers that capture your genre, audience, and market trends while feeling original and compelling.

· Interiors that combine elegant typography, smart use of space, and functional features like styled headings, chapter openers, pull quotes, sidebars, and navigation icons.

· Custom visuals such as infographics, data tables, diagrams, and fill-in forms that clarify complex ideas and add visual appeal.

If you’re new to independent publishing, I can guide you through the full process to ensure your files are truly print-ready for platforms like Amazon KDP and IngramSpark.

My process is collaborative and structured:

1. We start with an initial video call to discuss your goals, audience, and vision.

2. I review your manuscript and create sample chapter layouts to establish your design style.

3. Once approved, I apply the design to your full book, ensuring consistency, clarity, and polish.

To provide the most accurate quote, please share:

· A sample chapter from your manuscript

· Any required visuals (infographics, forms, tables, etc.)

· For covers, a few examples of designs you admire

I work best with authors who value quality, understand the impact of strong design, and are ready to invest in a professional finish that positions their book for success.

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

Silke

Services
Non-Fiction
Business & Management Career Guides Education & Reference Engineering Finance & Accounting Law Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Languages
English
Certifications
  • Bachelor’s Degree, Design and Visual Communication, University of the Arts Berlin
  • Master’s Degree, Applied Imagination in the Creative Industries, University of the Arts London

Work experience

Self-employed

May, 2012 — Present
I design covers, interiors, and custom visuals that bring nonfiction and illustrated books to life. Working with authors and publishers, I create clear, engaging, and practical designs that make every book a pleasure to read and a joy to hold.

Dorling Kindersley Publishing

Jan, 2010 — Apr, 2012 (about 2 years)
Designed covers for a diverse range of DK adult titles, including illustrated encyclopedias, reference guides, and visual handbooks, blending strong market appeal with high production values.

Dorling Kindersley Publishing

Feb, 2007 — Jan, 2010 (almost 3 years)
Worked with editors and designers to shape concepts and visual direction for DK’s illustrated reference, art, science, and education titles.

Boston Hannah International Limited

Jan, 2004 — Aug, 2006 (over 2 years)
Created covers, layouts, and templates for German- and English-language magazines, ensuring consistent, culturally relevant design.

Portfolio

Cover Design Typography Book Interior Design
Cover Design Typography Book Interior Design
Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design
Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design Production Management
Cover Design Typography Book Interior Design Production Management
Made with Reedsy
Cancel Culture in Climate

Morgan, Jenny

Jenny Morgan

Cover Design Book Interior Design
Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design
Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design
Cover Design Book Interior Design
Made with Reedsy
Follow the Sunrise: A Student's Guide to Making Career Decisions

Fiore, Emily

Sunrise Careers

Cover Design Illustration Book Interior Design
Cover Design Illustration
Made with Reedsy
Financial Literacy for Young Adults

Bracy, Sharae

Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design
Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design
Made with Reedsy
The Most Approach: Using Your Mind To Upgrade Your Brain

Fitzpatrick, Russell

haveLAB, LLC

Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design
Made with Reedsy
The Spirit of Wealth Preservation

Polk, Ken

Ken Polk

Cover Design Typography Book Interior Design
Made with Reedsy
Simply Gratitude & Daily Wins

Parrish, Mary E

Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design
Made with Reedsy
Empress Helen (The Strangeways Saga)

McCaw, Joel

Cover Design Illustration Typography
The beauty and drama of the bird world brought to breathtaking life in a new editionFrom hummingbirds weighing less than a coin to monkey-eating eagles this is a unique celebration of birds, p... read more
Cover Design

Silke has 32 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Paul V.

Paul V.

Sep, 2026

Working with Silke was an excellent experience from start to finish. She took the time to understand not just the visual direction of the book, but what I was trying to communicate through it. The result was a design that feels distinctive, professional, and completely aligned with the book itse...
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Richard W.

Richard W.

Aug, 2026

Excellent work and great professionalism
John H.

John H.

Jul, 2026

Professional, responsive, gave me exactly what I was hoping for. Definitely recommend.
Kieran R.

Kieran R.

Apr, 2026

Working with Silke on the design and production of my 708 page professional handbook has been an outstanding experience from start to finish. From the outset, Silke demonstrated a clear understanding of the brief and brought a high level of structure, consistency and visual clarity to what is a v...
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LaChelle J.

LaChelle J.

Oct, 2025

I really enjoyed working with Silke! She was very accommodating with a few more changes as we work to finalise type setting and interior design of my book. I am super pleased with the end, result and appreciate her responsiveness throughout the process.
Silke S.
Great collaboration. I would love to work with LaChelle again.

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