Is anything in the "guides" section on how to do book layout/design?

unnona

If not, what do people suggest?

Assuming I'm using Linux, what software should I use? Scribus?

toast

Yeah we don't have anything on design or layout in the guides section.

As far as I am aware, the major options are InDesign, Scribus, Quark, and LaTeX. https://alternativeto.net/software/adobe-indesign/

I've personally used InDesign and LaTeX, so I can only speak to those options.

unnona

Thanks. Are y'all finding reliable pirated copies of InDesign? It's been a while since I had it and remember having trouble with that.

batteryacid

the main problem with recent programs (as i understand it from people who know more than i do), especially from adobe, is to stop the program from contacting the corporate homebase. older versions are better, as they work without the cloud. that's as much as i can remember about sailing those particular high seas. there used to be clear instructions on where to change the file to prevent that communication, i'd look for versions that come with that info in the instructions.

Seditionist

The sad reality is, Adobe offer the best products in the biz, usability, toolsets, etc. They just charge a ridiculous amount. It's a huge barrier to access. Midn you if you know your way around VPNs and Tor, grabbing yourself a copy isn't too difficult. Tho I'd avoid anything news than CS5/6.

The older software can stand alone pretty good and will still do everything you want it too.

If Free/Open source is the way you wanna go the best options I reckon are

Indesign / Scribus
Photoshop / Gimp or Krita
Illus / Inkscape
Word / Open Office

We use Open Office and Indesign for the bulk of the work, LaTex is a great tool, but it's a massive barrier to sharing outside of a very niche community.

Seditionist

If there is a need for a short guide on "General Design tips" or similar, would be happy to put one together. A short primer or what not.