In this episode of Words on a Wire, host Will Rose sits down with graphic designer Josh Korwin to explore the often unseen craft behind book and literary magazine design. With a career rooted in typography and a passion for shaping how readers encounter text, Korwin has worked on the identities and interiors of journals like Zyzzyva and Huizache, bringing a careful balance of aesthetics, readability, and respect for the writer’s intent.
Their conversation pulls back the curtain on the design process—from the technical challenges of typesetting poetry to the collaborative relationship between designer, editor, and author. Korwin reflects on how even the smallest visual decisions can influence meaning, especially when translating work from a manuscript into the fixed space of a printed page. He also shares insights for writers navigating the design side of publishing, particularly those working with small presses or independently.
This episode offers a thoughtful look at the intersection of visual art and literature, and how design quietly shapes the way stories are read, felt, and remembered.
