The design and typesetting of a large quantity of written material into a book is a difficult task. It requires a design mind-set and a detailed understanding of the technical details of typography and text composition. Nowadays, all of these things can be done on a standard issue PC. However, they still require a high level of skill. Before embarking on such a difficult task, it is wise to learn how uninformed and unskilled you are. To wallow in your ignorance.
There is only one book that you need to read to teach yourself how little you know about typography and the book-arts, and how much there is still to learn - The Elements of Typograpic Style by Robert Bringhurst.