What can governments teach you about typography? Maybe nothing

America's walls and roadsides are filled with signs, markers and plaques noting official historic sites and other tourist attractions. 

Plaques are often cast from bronze. They can cost more than $1,000 and are expected to last forever. Sadly, the typography is often atrocious, with large gaps because the type is full-justified and hyphens are avoided. 

Amateurs can and should do better work.

There's more about typography in my new Typography for Independent Publishers. It can help you make better books.