A self published devotional book featuring cover design and interior layout. Written by former firefighter turned pastor Thomas Sember, the book mainly consists of a series of sermons organized into daily reflections, but lacked a defined structure, making it difficult to organize each entry clearly and consistently.
Vision
Open Direction, Defined Structure
With minimal direction provided, the client supplied complete copy but left both the visual direction and overall structure undefined, requiring me to define how the content would be organized and experienced, not just how it would look. The goal was to create a reading experience that felt clear and approachable, ensuring each entry could be understood as a complete and consistent unit.
Process
Identifying the Structure
The first step was assessing both the content and the patterns within it. The book did not follow a traditional narrative format, but instead repeated a four part structure within each entry: a scripture reference, the scripture text, a corresponding sermon, and a consistent closing reflection.
Without a defined system, these components risked feeling disconnected or difficult to navigate, making it clear that the structure needed to be organized in a way that kept each entry visually intact while remaining easy to read.
Key Decisions
Defining the Reading Experience
- The content repeated in a non standard pattern, so I structured each entry as a contained unit to create a more consistent and readable system.
- A single entry per page would have increased the page count and pushed the quoted price higher, so entries were allowed to flow across pages, balancing readability with production cost.
- Awkward page breaks could make the start of a new entry feel unclear, so I kept the scripture reference, scripture, and opening lines of each sermon together to give each entry a clear starting point.
- Each entry contained four distinct parts, so typography and spacing were used to separate them clearly and maintain a steady reading rhythm.
- Tom’s background as a firefighter informed the cover design, using firehouse imagery to connect his past service with his current role in ministry.
Outcome
A Clear and Usable Devotional
The final book organizes an unstructured manuscript into a clear and consistent reading experience. Each entry feels distinct and easy to follow, while the layout supports longer sections flowing naturally across pages. The structure supports how the book is meant to be used, allowing readers to move through each entry without losing their place as part of a daily devotional. The result is a production ready book that balances readability, structure, and cost across both cover and interior.
Client: Thomas Sember
Title: Author, Pastor, Former Firefighter
Role: Information Design | Layout Design | Production Design
Date: Aug 2017