I started a small book publishing company, publishing modest local-interest books that I knew I could sell without much trouble (and wouldn't cost me a lot to have printed). I hired myself to do the design and typesetting. As time went by, self-publishing authors in my locale who saw my books and liked the way they looked, began hiring me to produce their books, and with a track record and portfolio now, I began bidding on book production projects for historical societies and corporations. Eventually I began landing contracts with book publishing houses, though these are a result of connections I've developed over the years with people in the industry.

Gary

well it's as simple as this: you have to know people (connections, friends...), or you have to make yourself known to these people (self-published work, buzz, press articles, awards). it's a tough job to get contracts in the much sought-after business of book design, for it is (for most of the graphic design gurus wannabes) the pinnacle of artistic freedom and "look what i can do with my indesign and my avant-garde / gotham / helvetica".

dr

@ david r - right now i don't really have connections. i've done 4 text-heavy books for the salvation army (where i work) which has been great experience, but of course of limited interest.

@alessandro - i collect fonts, tattoos, sci-fi books... this is hard as i'm in the middle of down-sizing my life, so i don't really 'collect' much stuff...