Hey Storytellers,

This week’s episode of The Fiction Affair is all about one of the most exciting — and sometimes intimidating — parts of publishing: book design.

We sat down with the wonderful Mariska from Rubre Art, who creates stunning covers and interiors that feel like a story before you even turn the first page. Our conversation is full of heart, practical advice, and gentle reminders that you can absolutely do this — in whatever way works best for you.

Whether you’re a DIY indie author learning Canva late at night or someone ready to invest in a professional designer, this episode reminds us there’s no one right path. What matters most is finding the balance between creativity, clarity, and the kind of visual magic that makes your book feel like yours.

Here’s what we talked about:

* How cover design captures the emotion of your story

* What makes interior formatting part of the reading experience

* Tips for communicating your vision to a designer

* Encouragement for indies learning as they go

And, of course, a big dose of inspiration from Mariska’s journey with Rubre Art — proof that design is just another form of storytelling.Listen out our chat with her now and check out her website here:

If you enjoyed this podcast, please check out our previous episodes and follow along!

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