Formatting Your Book

Understanding the Importance of Formatting

The whole process of writing a book is a complex task that requires a lot (and I mean 'a lot') of dedication and attention to detail. However, once the writing is done, my experience over the years in indie publishing is that all too many authors overlook a crucial step: formatting. Proper book formatting is essential for creating a professional and polished final product. It can significantly impact the reader's experience and affect the overall perception of your work. Don't underestimate the importance of formatting! 

Choosing the Right Format

Before you format your book, it's important to decide which format you want to use and reasons for this. There are several formats available, such as PDF, EPUB, MOBI, etc. and the choice depends on where you plan to publish your book. For instance, if you're self-publishing on Amazon, you'll want to opt for the MOBI format, while EPUB is widely accepted on many other platforms.

PDF Format

PDF is a popular format for both digital and print books. It preserves your layout and design, making it a great choice for books with complex formatting or a lot of images. However, it's not easily reflowable, which means it may not provide the best reading experience on smaller screens.

EPUB and MOBI Format

EPUB and MOBI are reflowable formats, meaning they can adapt to different screen sizes and devices. This makes them a better choice for text-heavy books, like novels. They also support interactive features and multimedia, which can enhance the reader's experience.

Formatting the Interior of Your Book

Formatting the interior of your book involves several elements, including margins, line spacing, font type and size, headers and footers, page numbers, and more. It's crucial to pay attention to these details to ensure your book is easy to read and looks professional. I've come across so many books that were printed on Amazon that look horrendous! In fact, they look like they've been set up by toddlers with spacing issues throughout the books, inconsistent spelling moving between British/Irish and US spelling, drops downs changing every chapter, etc. 

Text Layout

So, following on from my above observation, for text layout, consistency is key. Use the same font type and size throughout your book. A common choice is a 12-point serif font for the main text and a sans-serif font for the headings. Line spacing should be set to 1.5 for ease of reading.

Headers, Footers, and Page Numbers

Headers and footers are used to display information like the book title, chapter title, and author name. They add a professional touch to your book and help guide the reader. Page numbers are also important for easy navigation, especially in print books. I've added in little flourishes in some books I've worked on including, for example, an outline image of a running man on each right-hand page for a book that had a theme of a gruelling desert race (check out 'Baby Dara And The Sahara' by Barry Loftus/Book Hub Publishing/2023). 

Formatting the Cover

Last but not least, don't forget about your book cover. The cover is the first thing potential readers see, so it needs to be eye-catching and professional. It should also reflect the content and tone of your book. You can design your own cover or hire a professional to do it for you.

Final Thoughts

Formatting your book might seem like a daunting task, but it's a crucial step in the publishing process. With careful attention to detail and a bit of patience, you can create a well-formatted book that will impress your readers and enhance their reading experience.