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Most of my thoughts below were compiled in reponse to a blog post about the decreased need for designers and editors since authors now have access to self- and desktop-publishing tools:

I realize that online and print-on-demand books will change the industry and the traditional editor/designer collaborative process. This process is shifting to a complete separation of content from design, which means templated, XML-based layouts, and medium- and audience-driven delivery of content. I see it coming, and I don’t think it’s a bad thing, and I am not overly worried about the need for professional design.

Someone will still have to create optimized layouts, just as is done for websites, whether they will be used as templates or are customized for high end delivery of equally high end content. The sky is the limit as to the layout options we may see in the future in electronic books. These options will only be used to their full potential by professionals specializing in user experience design. A more legible, more attractive, more intuitive design will always stand out and add value.

Even the most sophisticated desktop publishing tools do not make an author a designer. The greatest social network will not make an author an editor. It’s not the tools, it’s the education and experience that enable one to use the tools.

Beyond that, there is a cultural component to the traditional printed book interface which has a universal human appeal, and the online publisher who best approximates that appeal and user experience in the new book media will do better than others who are lacking that cultural aspect.

I suggest that the role of the book designer will be changing, but will be more important than ever with the increasing visual sophistication of audiences and the increasing options in visual delivery.

Besides, now that we designers can self-publish our own books, we don’t need expensive authors or publishers anymore. We can write and design our own content, and from there it’s only a small step to world domination.