Paperback Design & Layout
Well, since you're here then I can only assume you are at least considering doing the layout and design yourself. I'm also going to assume that you are doing a small print run, say 50 to 250 copies and binding them yourself. Because if you are getting the books printed professionally, and paying all that money, you should just pay some more money and get the layout and design done professionally. If you're printing 1000 copies or more, you really should get a professional designer, that is if you expect to sell all those books. I'm not trying to scare you away from doing things yourself, just giving you a little advice.
Okay enough with the warnings, this is a big task, and there will be a few things you will absolutely need. First off a computer, the newer the better, but without a doubt a necessity. I suppose you could do it on a typewriter or written out by hand, but nothing I have to say here will make it look any better. A printer, even a crappy one, to print page proofs. You will also need access to a good printer to print your final printer spreads.