Course Content
Manuscript Preparation and Formatting for Major Platforms
Welcome! Formatting your book is like getting it ready for its big debut—it needs to look great and meet the rules of platforms like Amazon or bookstores. This self-paced lesson, designed for busy writers like you, teaches you how to format your manuscript (your book’s text) for major self-publishing platforms: Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), IngramSpark, Apple Books, and Kobo. You’ll learn with free tools, practice hands-on, and discover future trends like artificial intelligence (AI) in formatting. Expect to spend 2–3 hours on this lesson, but go at your own pace! What You’ll Learn: How to format your book for eBooks (digital) and print books. What each platform needs (e.g., file types, page settings). How to use free tools to make formatting easy. A peek at AI tools shaping the future of publishing.
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Manuscript Preparation and Formatting for Major Platforms
Formatting Knowledge Check
Roles in Publishing – Professional Publishers vs. DIY
Publishing Roles Knowledge Check
Marketing and Selling on Major Platforms
Marketing Knowledge Check
Future-Proofing Your Author Career
Future-Proofing Knowledge Check
Course Conclusion
Future-Proof Self-Publishing: From Manuscript to Market Success

Part 1: What Each Platform Needs

Each platform has specific rules for your book file, like a recipe for a perfect dish. Here’s what you need to know:

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

Amazon KDP is the top platform for eBooks and print books.

  • File Types:

    • ePub: A digital format that adjusts to screens (e.g., Kindle, phone).

    • PDF: For print books, like paperbacks.

  • How to Set Up:

    • Font: Use simple fonts like Times New Roman, size 12.

    • Margins: For print, set page edges to 0.5–1 inch. eBooks adjust automatically.

    • Trim Size: The book’s physical size (e.g., 6×9 inches for novels).

    • Metadata: Details like your book’s title, author name, and keywords (e.g., “mystery novel”) to help readers find it.

  • Tip: Try Amazon’s free Kindle Create tool to preview your eBook.

IngramSpark

IngramSpark helps get your book into bookstores and libraries.

  • File Types:

    • PDF: For print books, using a special format (PDF/X-1a:2001) to ensure quality.

    • ePub: For digital books.

  • How to Set Up:

    • Bleed: If images reach the page edge, add a 0.125-inch extra border.

    • Margins: Set the inner edge (where pages bind) to 0.5 inches, outer edges to 0.75 inches.

    • ISBN: A unique book ID, like a barcode. Buy one at myidentifiers.com.

  • Tip: Save your PDF with fonts “embedded” (locked in) to avoid printing issues.

Apple Books and Kobo

These platforms sell eBooks for iPads or Kobo e-readers.

  • File Types: ePub (EPUB 3 is best for accessibility).

  • How to Set Up:

    • Table of Contents: Add a clickable list of chapters.

    • Accessibility: Include image descriptions (alt text) for readers using screen readers (software that reads aloud).

    • Fonts: Use standard fonts or save them in the file.

  • Tip: Use EPUBCheck (free tool) to ensure your ePub works.

Part 2: How to Format Your Manuscript

Follow these steps to prepare your manuscript for eBooks and print. It’s like tidying up your document for a professional look.

  1. Clean Your Manuscript:

    • Open your book in Microsoft Word or Google Docs.

    • Remove extra spaces (e.g., double spaces after periods) and tabs (use paragraph settings).

    • Use “styles” (e.g., Heading 1 for chapter titles, Normal for text) for consistency.

  2. Set Up for Print Books:

    • Choose a trim size (e.g., 6×9 inches).

    • Set margins: 0.75 inches all sides, plus 0.5 inches for the inner edge (gutter).

    • Add page numbers and headers (e.g., your name or book title).

  3. Set Up for eBooks:

    • Keep it flexible: eBooks adjust to screens, so avoid fixed layouts.

    • Add a clickable table of contents (in Word: Insert > Table of Contents).

    • Use clear images (high quality, under 500 KB).

  4. Save Your Files:

    • For print: Save as PDF (in Word: File > Save As > PDF, high quality).

    • For eBooks: Convert to ePub with a free tool (see below).

Part 3: Free Tools for Formatting

These free tools make formatting simple, even for beginners:

  • Reedsy Book Editor (Free):

    • A website where you upload your Word file, apply styles, and download ePub or PDF.

    • How to Use: Sign up at reedsy.com, import your file, pick a template, and export.

    • Why It’s Great: Formats for KDP, IngramSpark, and more in one go.

  • Calibre (Free):

    • Free software to convert Word files to ePub.

    • How to Use: Download at calibre-ebook.com, import your file, add metadata (e.g., title), and convert.

    • Why It’s Great: Works for all platforms and is free.

  • Draft2Digital Auto-Formatter (Free for formatting):

    • Upload your manuscript, choose a design, and get ePub files.

    • How to Use: Sign up at draft2digital.com, upload, select a style, and download.

    • Why It’s Great: Easy and can distribute to Kobo or Apple Books.

Part 4: The Future of Formatting

New tech is making formatting easier and better for readers:

  • AI Tools: Programs like Atticus (affordable software) use AI to suggest margins or fonts and make books accessible (e.g., larger text for older readers).

  • Accessibility: AI can add image descriptions for readers with visual impairments, which platforms like Apple Books encourage.

  • Why It Matters: As publishing grows, AI will help you format faster and reach more readers, keeping you ahead.

What’s Next?

  • Take the quiz to check your understanding.

  • Complete the assignment to practice formatting.

  • Join the forum (if available) to share your experience.

  • Download the resources to guide you.

Resources:

  • Formatting Checklist (PDF) – Lists settings for KDP, IngramSpark, Apple Books, Kobo.

  • Sample Word Template (DOCX) – Pre-styled document for practice.

  • Reedsy Guide (PDF) – Instructions for using Reedsy Book Editor.

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