What point size to use in books?

In article <2015f42e.0309271448.2e6761fd.TakeThisOut@posting.google.com>,
marktettnanger.TakeThisOut@hotmail.com (M. Tettnanger) wrote:

 > I have noticed that most common text in books (novels,
 > non-fiction, etc) appear to be set at 9 pt or 10 pt.
 >
 > What are some examples of appropriate sizes I should use?
 > Is 9 pt too small? Is 10 pt too big? And in what
 > circumstances? I want some practical advice rather
 > than just abstract information.
 >
 > For starters, what typeface (name) and size am I most
 > likely to see in a typical pulp-fiction novel?
 >
 > Mark

There are hundreds of suitable typefaces commonly used for books. Each
typeface will have an aparent size. Most of the better versions of
Garamond will seem too small at 9 or 10 points ... and are often set an
11 points. While Minion or Caslon might be just fine at 10 or even 9
points.

Selection of a typeface for a book requires some knowledge about
typefaces and an understanding of the expected audience. The goal is to
enhance readability.

Generally, you want a reading line of about 60 to 70 characters. (A
longer line should have more leading between lines.) Then you want a
typeface that is clear and not overly idiosyncratic. It is said that
"good typography is almost invisible."

If setting for very young children, you might want 18 point New Century
Schoolbook. For a younger group, you might get away with a 9 point
Caslon or Goudy Oldstyle. For a middle-age/older group, you'll probably
want to set at 11 points. (Most typefaces are simply too large at 12
points -- but many amateur, self-published books are set at 12 points
because (1) that's the default for most word processors and (2) it's
easier to read on screen.

For a beginning overview of typography, read Robin William's book, The
PC (Mac) is not a Typewriter. (There's two versions, one for PC and one
for Mac.)<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: What point size to use in books? 

"M. Tettnanger" wrote:

 > What are some examples of appropriate sizes I should use?
 > Is 9 pt too small? Is 10 pt too big? And in what
 > circumstances? I want some practical advice rather
 > than just abstract information.

Even 10 point may be considered too small. I'd go with 11 or 12 point.
For fonts, avoid Times New Roman and Courier. Recommended fonts include
Baskerville, Garamond, Goudy Old Style, and New Century Schoolbook.

Joan<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: What point size to use in books? 

Joan Marie Verba <verba001.TakeThisOut@tc.umn.edu> wrote in message news:<3F76E3EB.30DEBC39.TakeThisOut@tc.umn.edu>...
 > "M. Tettnanger" wrote:
 >
  > > What are some examples of appropriate sizes I should use?
  > > Is 9 pt too small? Is 10 pt too big? And in what
  > > circumstances? I want some practical advice rather
  > > than just abstract information.
 >
 > Even 10 point may be considered too small. I'd go with 11 or 12 point.
 > For fonts, avoid Times New Roman and Courier. Recommended fonts include
 > Baskerville, Garamond, Goudy Old Style, and New Century Schoolbook.
 >
 > Joan

I would add, don't use a word processor to set a book intended for
print. Unless you are extremely skilled at disguising things, and
spend a lot of time doing it, the book "set" by a word processor such
as MSWord shrieks "amateur at work." there are good typesetting
program avialable at costs varying from free to several hundred
dollars. I suggest you use one, or hire someone who already has it and
is skilled in using that software.
some possibilities:
TeX
Ventura
Pagemaker
InDesign
Quark Xpress

I don't recommend Microsoft Publisher. It is still a consumer-grde
product not suitable for serious work IMHO.

for more useful information on self-publishing, please read one or
several of the books listed here:

<a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://wexfordpress.com/tex/pub.pdf" target="_blank">http://wexfordpress.com/tex/pub.pdf</a>

These books will save you much time and many costly mistakes.

John Culleton<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: What point size to use in books?