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For a technical book I fully agree, my other book [0] is written in LaTeX. But this doesn't seem to be the case for OP, and definitely wasn't the case for my no

For a technical book I fully agree, my other book [0] is written in LaTeX. But this doesn't seem to be the case for OP, and definitely wasn't the case for my novel, so I'm curious :) [0] https://nostarch.com/computer-graphics-scratch https://nostarch.com/computer-graphics-scratch

flenserboy 6y ago
I've published 20+ books, mostly fiction, using LaTeX (specifically XeLaTeX), as there are a host of fine-tuning tools available through packages, basic settings that can be played with, and the built-in spacing that just looks...better. XeLaTeX also allows using pretty much any font you like, along with easy typographic control down to letterforms. I also like the ability to play with book/page/margin sizes that can be tested with a couple small changes to the source document & a recompile. I'm not sure I would recommend learning LaTeX just to do this, but if you're familiar with it, the rewards are there.
- Isthatablackgsd 6y ago
  Microtype package works best with XeLaTeX, it allows finer control over the spacing/kerning and cleaning up the tex that cause some weird errors during compilation
beezle 6y ago
I self-published a 300 page book through Ingram in 2012. It is pretty niche and only sells about 200 physical and 50 or so Kindle copies a year. The whole thing was done in LaTex with a Tufte book package; there are a few tables and images but the vast majority is text. Have had many unsolicited comments from those who have handled/thumbed through it about the high quality of the book (look/layout/feel) - most are surprised that it was not done by a 'big' publishing house. Frankly, my own opinion is that the quality is at least equal, probalby higher, than what is being churned out today by big names today. Part of that is the format/layout as a result of using LaTex, the rest is the physical material characteristics from using an excellent printer. None of that speaks to the actual content, of course :) I did eventually make a kindle version, unfortunately I do not recall the tool chain used. Highly recommend Lightning Source (Ingram) for your printing/distribution needs if you are serious about your publication.

flenserboy 6y ago

I've published 20+ books, mostly fiction, using LaTeX (specifically XeLaTeX), as there are a host of fine-tuning tools available through packages, basic settings that can be played with, and the built-in spacing that just looks...better. XeLaTeX also allows using pretty much any font you like, along with easy typographic control down to letterforms. I also like the ability to play with book/page/margin sizes that can be tested with a couple small changes to the source document & a recompile. I'm not sure I would recommend learning LaTeX just to do this, but if you're familiar with it, the rewards are there.

Isthatablackgsd 6y ago
Microtype package works best with XeLaTeX, it allows finer control over the spacing/kerning and cleaning up the tex that cause some weird errors during compilation

beezle 6y ago

I self-published a 300 page book through Ingram in 2012. It is pretty niche and only sells about 200 physical and 50 or so Kindle copies a year. The whole thing was done in LaTex with a Tufte book package; there are a few tables and images but the vast majority is text. Have had many unsolicited comments from those who have handled/thumbed through it about the high quality of the book (look/layout/feel) - most are surprised that it was not done by a 'big' publishing house. Frankly, my own opinion is that the quality is at least equal, probalby higher, than what is being churned out today by big names today. Part of that is the format/layout as a result of using LaTex, the rest is the physical material characteristics from using an excellent printer. None of that speaks to the actual content, of course :) I did eventually make a kindle version, unfortunately I do not recall the tool chain used. Highly recommend Lightning Source (Ingram) for your printing/distribution needs if you are serious about your publication.