Too Many Fonts and Point Sizes Will Drive Readers Away
I call the sixth error of self-publishing, font abuse. That not as prevalent and it once was, font abuse is using multiple font styles, with varying point sizes throughout a manuscript.
The author may view this as creative formatting, but the only thing it accomplishes is irritating the reader. At best, this barrage of fonts slows readers down; at worst, it causes them to stop reading altogether.
In one self-published book, the first page used four different fonts and even more point sizes for those fonts. There were words in bold, italic, and uppercase. It was a nightmare to read. Hoping it was an anomaly, I turned the page: two fonts, four point sizes, and some more italic formatting.
The variations in font shape and size repelled me. I didn’t want to read further. If I’d have pushed through, I’m sure a headache awaited me.
This was font abuse at its worse—and a telltale sign of a self-published book.
[The first five errors of self-publishing are poor content, cover, title, editing, and file conversion.]
You love words, so now build a writing life that lasts. Successful Author FAQs answers the questions new and growing writers ask most, with clear advice on craft, publishing, and staying encouraged.
It’s time to start calling yourself a writer. Unleash your writing potential with Successful Author FAQs.
Peter Lyle DeHaan, PhD, is a full-time, career author. He’s published scores of books, hundreds of articles, and thousands of blog posts, with experience as a publisher, editor, and commercial freelance writer. A passionate wordsmith, his goal is to change the world one word at a time. Learn more at PeterLyleDeHaan.com.
Get your copy of Successful Author FAQs today!