I love Teresa Michelsen's book, but I probably got it at a right time too; when I knew the tarot basics but was looking for a more creative and effective way to use it. The book helped me to think about what it was I really wanted to know when I did a reading, and to make a spread to answer that question.
It is a bit ironic that Teresa encourages to make your own spreads, and then gives so many examples of good spreads that you don't need to make your own anymore
I do not find the book too wordy, she gives a lot of information and you don't need to use it all - I don't use spatial design, I still just put my cards in a straight row normally and I also don't use significators (another chapter).
Part I is called Fundamentals of Spread Design and talks about what you should consider when you are designing a spread, but I also found it very helpful when she tells how you should avoid vague questions.
In Part II she explains and gives examples of different types of spreads, like:relationship spreads, decision spreads, predictive spreads, practical spreads, psychological spreads.
She also gives lots of examples of these that can be very helpful, they can give you good suggestions of how you can go about making a spread.
For me the book is more than just designing spreads, it made me look at tarot in a more creative way
It is definitely one of my favourites.