Designers are not only responsible for planning and overseeing what a finished book will look like. They are also in charge of creating and supplying all the artwork that will accompany various marketing and advertising campaigns. A designer therefore has a really important role in shaping how a book is seen by the public. General day to day tasks may include working on advertising work: this can include things like leaflets, posters or adverts; liaising with authors and the editorial department while working on a book jacket to ensure that everyone is happy with the image created or working alongside the production department to ensure their images are recreated as imagined. Designers are not only responsible for the images seen on a book. They also work to create an appropriate typeface and clear layout in order to give the book the best image for the public.

This is a position that requires a good degree of flexibility, diplomacy and patience as it involves working with a wide variety of different people and opinions. Design uses a large amount of specialist IT technology so it will also require relevant qualifications and training. Design is a hugely important task as it will have a direct impact on public perception and hence sales. Designers will have to have originality and creative flair as well as the ability to work as part of a wider team alongside editorial, production and marketing.