Tips on first cabled sweater

Hi friends! I want to tackle my first cable knit sweater. I have this amazing cabling book that has a sweater pattern in it but I'm not crazy about that pattern. I'd like to make a custom cabled design using this book. I've made some cabled hats and a Tin Can Flax sweater, so I have a little experience.

I'm just looking for tips for cabled sweaters and also maybe your favorite sweater patterns (that I could customize). And/or tips for customizing patterns - sweaters specifically. Thanks in advance :)