Below is an excellent video via The Futur outlining a few basic tips for typography design and layout.
When in doubt set your type to justify left and rag right.
Using two fonts successfully within a layout requires an understanding of the chosen fonts and that they will work together. In general avoid using two fonts of the same classification.
For example, don’t use two sans serif fonts together.
Go from light to bold, or medium to extra bold when changing font weights.
The key to great type design is contrast. Slight changes make it harder to notice the difference.
A good rule of thumb when changing point sizes, is to double or half the point size you are using.
For example if you are using 30pt for the headline, use 15pt for the body.
Build your type along one primary axis and align elements to this grid line.
Use rules/lines to group related blocks of information.
Don’t place elements along the edge or corners of a page unless to deliberately cut elements off.
Negative space is a good thing, so let your design breathe.
Typography is all about spacing.
Never use forced justified type (like newspaper articles) because of the inherent rivers that will run through your copy.
Avoid leaving a single word on the last line of a paragraph, otherwise known as a widow.
10: Relax, it’s just type.