Book designer creating distinctive, thoughtful covers and interiors for fiction and non-fiction publishers, independent presses and authors.
Overview
I’m a London-based book designer with extensive experience working with publishers, independent presses and self-publishing authors. I design covers, interiors and series identities across fiction, non-fiction and illustrated publishing.
I enjoy finding the visual idea at the heart of a book and turning it into something distinctive, appropriate and commercially strong. I’m happy working from a detailed brief or helping to develop the direction from scratch.
I work closely with authors throughout the process, from the first ideas through to finished, print-ready artwork. I’ll bring an experienced publishing eye to the project, while making sure the design feels right for you and your book.
Alongside my freelance work, I’m Head of Design at StoryTerrace, overseeing the design and production of professionally published memoirs and biographies.
I’m straightforward, collaborative and practical — and I like making good books. Whether you know exactly what you want or are starting with a blank page, I can help.
Services
Non-Fiction
Art
Biographies & Memoirs
Business & Management
Design
History
Photography
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction
Literary Fiction
Languages
English
Certifications
BA (hons) Graphic Design
Work experience
Self-employed
May, 2008 —
Present
Freelance book designer working across trade, illustrated and academic publishing. I develop and deliver book covers, series identities and interiors from initial concept through to final artwork.
My role encompasses art direction and commissioning illustrators, photographers and other designers and typesetters, as well as working closely with editors, publishers and authors to shape the visual direction of individual titles and wider publishing lists. I take projects from the initial idea through to the finished book, bringing together the creative, editorial and practical sides of the process.
I particularly enjoy projects that need more than a straightforward cover solution: developing a visual language for a series, finding the right approach for a complex subject, or bringing together different creative contributors to make the whole project work.
StoryTerrace
Apr, 2025 —
Present
As Head of Design at StoryTerrace, I oversee the design and production of professionally published memoirs and biographies, working directly with authors from initial concept through to finished book. My role covers cover design, interiors, typography, image selection and art direction, as well as managing the wider production process to ensure each book is polished, cohesive and publication-ready.
Nam Aidsmap
Apr, 2018 —
Jun, 2024
(about 6 years)
Alongside my freelance book design work, I spent five years working part-time as Head of Design for aidsmap, one of the world’s leading sources of independent, accurate and reliable information on HIV and AIDS.
The role covered the organisation’s visual identity across print and digital, including a complete website redesign, publications, campaigns and communications. The website redesign introduced a clearer, more contemporary identity, supported by a new image library developed through commissioned and art-directed photography.
I also redesigned and illustrated aidsmap’s award-winning range of booklets, helping to translate complex and sensitive information into accessible, engaging publications.
As lead designer and art director for HIV Lens, a major website developed with the UK Health Security Agency, I established the visual direction, helped shape the structure and user experience, and oversaw the creation and implementation of digital assets from initial concept through to launch.
Thames & Hudson
Aug, 2001 —
Sep, 2006
(about 5 years)
Worked for Thames & Hudson as an out-of-house freelance book designer, working across its illustrated trade, art, design, photography, architecture, fashion and cultural publishing lists.
Developed cover concepts from initial brief through to finished artwork, balancing creative direction with the practical and commercial requirements of publishing. Worked closely with editors, publishers, production and marketing teams throughout the design and approval process.
The role involved responding to a wide range of briefs and subject matter, developing visual approaches that were distinctive, appropriate to the book and consistent with the publisher’s list. I also worked within established series identities while developing new visual directions where required.
This experience gave me the opportunity to work on a broad range of highly visual publications and to collaborate with experienced publishing teams, while continuing to develop a flexible approach to cover design and the different demands of illustrated trade publishing.
Thames & Hudson
Apr, 1999 —
Aug, 2001
(over 2 years)
Started my publishing career within Thames & Hudson’s publicity and promotions department, designing advertising, catalogues, promotional materials and campaign assets to support new titles and seasonal publishing programmes. This provided an early understanding of how design, marketing and publishing work together to bring books to their audience.
From my point of view, I felt lucky to be well enough to contact Reedsy, Vanessa and Beth as I had a stroke shortly after writing a World war 2 novel to somehow honour my uncle and father. To pay some respect to my mother who declined working in an ammunition factory to work in a fever ward, wash...