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

Silke Spingies

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 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
Made with Reedsy
The AI-Enhanced Leader: How to Upgrade your Thinking and Leading

Fitzpatrick, Russell

haveLAB, LLC

Cover Design Illustration Typography 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
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
Cover Design Typography Production Management
Made with Reedsy
Hearts For Sale

McCaw, Joel

Cover Design Illustration
Illustrated Encyclopedia Animal Life by Uhlenbroek, Charlotte
Cover Design
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
Paperback. Pub Date :2012-07-02 Pages: 352 Language: English Publisher: Dorling Kindersley The perfect starter kit for learning French fast - talk with confidence in just 12 weeksThe Complete ... read more
Cover Design

Silke has 28 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

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.
Claire S.

Claire S.

Jul, 2025

Silke was a fantastic collaborator. She brought originality and style to my design that really reflected the character of my subject matter. And she listened with patience and was responsive when I had feedback. I highly recommend her and would work with her again in a heartbeat.
Manuel L.

Manuel L.

May, 2025

Our patient non-profit had the task of producing an e-book from our externally led patient-focused drug development session held last year. We had captured valuable patient experiences, and Silke was instrumental in bringing it all together. She not only adhered to the technical writer’s recommen...
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Bernice B.

Bernice B.

Mar, 2025

The first time Ive used Reedsy and absolutely delighted I found Silke. Her communication was excellent. We video chatted so she could get a feel of what I was like and what I might be looking for. Being a novice, she guided me through by suggesting i start by finding other books with covers th...
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Lois V.

Lois V.

Sep, 2024

Silke is patient, responsive, and above all produces beautiful work through collaboration. What I mean by that is that she not only offers ideas, but also sparks and accepts ideas from her clients, and weaves them together to create graphics and layout that capture the intent. Thank you!

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