E-Book formatting is the most stressful and confusing step involved in publishing.
Authors frequently become sidetracked by the technical requirements of formatting the book for publishing when they should focus on crafting an excellent book that would benefit their audience.
In this post, we’ll go over six accessible eBook formats and how to format eBook in Word to make it look professional.
By following these instructions, you may relax knowing that your eBook will be flawlessly formatted for all common devices without hassle, confusion, or stress!
What are the eBook Formats for Publishing?
Several popular eBook formats are available. Given that each is best for viewing on a specific device, there is no better or worse option than the others.
Here are the 6 eBook Formats You Need to be Familiar with:
Ebook Formats
1. PDF Format
This ebook format is best read on a computer but may be difficult to view on mobile devices. Since you can instantly convert a document into a pdf with Word and Pages, this is typically the simplest and least expensive format to produce. Are you not using Pages or Word? No worries. Use a free PDF converter online, such as Small PDF.
2. EPUB Format
EPUB is an acronym for “Electronic Publication.” Except for the Kindle, this is the most popular eBook format and can be read on almost any device. You’ll also need this format if you want your eBook to be viewable on a NOOK.
3. MOBI Format
The Mobipocket Reader program, which Amazon bought in 2005 but later discontinued in 2016, gave rise to the MOBI file format. But the MOBI file extension continues to be a widely used ebook format compatible with the main e-readers (except the Nook).
Although the format has several restrictions, such as the inability to handle audio or video, it does support DRM, which prevents protected content from being illegally duplicated or watched.
4. AZW Format
If you intend to sell on Amazon, stick with this format since it is their exclusive one. This format is compatible with the Kindle, the Kindle app, and most desktops and mobile devices.
5. ODF Format
The primary application for the ODF file type, which stands for OpenDocument Format, is OpenOffice, a collection of open-source content production products comparable to Microsoft Office.
6. IBA Format
IBA is the exclusive ebook format for the iBooks Author App from Apple. This format is exclusively used for books created in iBooks; however, it does enable video, sound, images, and interactive aspects. Other e-readers cannot use it.
There are no correct or incorrect formats, as you can see. The ebook format you pick will vary based on how and where you wish to sell it.
How to Format eBook in Word Doc
You’re most likely wondering how to format an eBook using a word processing tool such as Word.
Even if you’re an expert with these tools, formatting your document for an eBook is a little different, so read on!
It’s a good idea to maintain your eBook formatting as straightforward and consistent as possible, whether you plan to format it yourself or send it to a conversion service.
First, when formatting ebooks, simplicity is crucial. One of the best things about ebooks is that they can be read on various devices, from smartphones and tablets to desktop PCs.
As ridiculous as this may sound, never center text by pressing the tab or space bar. E-reader devices do not recognize multiple space-bar keystrokes or tabs; therefore, your text will appear on the left again. Click the Home tab’s “Center Text” button to center text in Word.
Ensure sure your document is complete and ready. The title page, introduction, preface, and other necessary components must be present.
Many authors are so ecstatic when their manuscript is finished and edited that they overlook the seemingly unimportant details that can significantly impact readers.
Composing your document in Word typically involves the following:
Font
Start by using a standard font size such as 12-point and a style like Times New Roman or Arial. Whether your readers are reading your print book or your Kindle book, these will make it easier for you, and they will appreciate it.
Once you’ve arranged your manuscript to include every section of your book and selected your text size and style, it’s time to start formatting.
Setting Paragraphs and Spacing
For an ebook to look professional, it’s crucial to get the paragraph spacing and indentations right. You will help any platform you plan to sell on by ensuring everything is within the acceptable parameters. To navigate correctly, be sure to be in the Home tab.
Go to the top of your screen and click the Paragraph bar first. Be sure to set the Outline Level to Body Text and to align the text to the left.
Next, to the right of the Indentation header, there is a Special column. Choose First Line and set the indentation to 0.2.
After that, you should confirm that Line Spacing is set as Single.
Chapter Headings
When your work is converted into an ebook, the reader can tell when a new chapter begins because you appropriately formatted your chapter headings to set them apart from the rest of the text.
Put your cursor on the title of a chapter. Next, select the Styles tab. You should see a window appear on the right side of your screen.
Select Heading 1 as the style. The header will modify. You can choose any font style after it has been changed without erasing the Heading 1 style from the chapter heading.
Make sure to repeat this step for each chapter heading in your book.
Once you’ve changed them all, head to the View tab and check the Navigation Pane box. Your headings will then be visible on the left side of your screen. Alternatively, you can jump to a chapter by selecting it in the Navigation Pane.
Table of Contents
The next step is to develop a table of contents (TOC).
Place the table of contents where you want it. Following the title and copyright pages should be a page for it. Set your cursor there, select the References tab, and click on Table of Contents. Choose Automatic Table 1.
Go to the Table of Contents and choose Custom Table of Contents from the menu at the bottom. Set the Show Levels option to 1 in the appearing box. Then uncheck the Show Page Numbers box above.
It will inquire as to whether you wish to replace your present TOC. Click OK.
Next, the TOC needs to have a bookmark added to it. At the top of the table of contents, highlight the word Contents. Go to the Insert tab and choose Bookmark from the Links heading. Label the TOC bookmark.
That’s all! It’s not the easiest thing in the world, but we can’t say it’s tough either. The .docx MS Word document can then be uploaded to Kindle Direct Publishing, where Amazon will automatically convert it to an EPUB file.
Formatting for Print
As soon as you have your font size, paragraph spacing, chapter headings and TOC ready to go, you can move on to the print formatting instructions that are provided below.
Using a fresh blank document into which you may paste your manuscript is the simplest way to do this. To prepare your fresh blank document for your manuscript, perform the following actions.
Book Size and Page Setup
Prior to taking any action, you must choose the size of your book. There are numerous choices accessible. Pick a book from your bookshelf that appears to be a reasonable size for your book and measure it if you’re unsure of the page size to use. Most likely, it is one of the three sizes listed above.
Another way is to visit the print-on-demand company you want to upload to, to confirm the size they support.
Make your way to the Layout tab in your blank document. To input the size you want, click on the Size option and then choose More Paper Sizes at the bottom.
Check Your Work Again!
Upload your completed work and cover to Amazon, then check out their printed book preview option to make sure it appears okay and that no text is missing.
Margins
Next, select the Margins tab from the Layout toolbar‘s left side. Select Custom Margins from the dropdown menu at the very bottom by clicking on it. You could have a little room to make them smaller depending on the word count of your book. It’s crucial to avoid making them too small because doing so could result in some text being omitted when the book is bound.
In general, you shouldn’t go any smaller than 0.325. You can be sure that no text is lost by the binding by previewing your book before sending it off to be printed. We used 0.75 above as an example.
Copy and Paste Your Book
Copying and pasting your content into the prepared document is a smart idea right now. This will enable you to create separate documents for print books and ebooks. Additionally, when you can understand what you’re doing and where your various sections begin, the following section is simpler.
Other Important Tips
- Line spacing should be between 1 to 1.5
- No complicated graphics (or none at all)
- If you want to emphasize certain words, phrases, or sentences, use simple formatting features such as bold and italic
- Margins should be standard
- There should be page breaks between pages.
- Begin each chapter with section breaks
- No headers/footers or page numbers
- Use a single space after each paragraph.
- No sophisticated components, such as text boxes or several columns.
Additionally, it would be best if you were sure to include some components that you want in the finished eBook. These comprise:
- Making use of headings as chapter titles.
- Both a copyright page and a title page.
- Author’s contact information page
- Table of contents ( This is why it is crucial to use headings as chapter titles)
Even though it’s not technically necessary to follow these suggestions, doing so will ultimately make the conversion of your Word doc a lot quicker, simpler, and perhaps even less expensive.
Double-Check Your Work
Making sure the finished products appear decent is crucial. One disadvantage of formatting in Word is that Kindle ebooks frequently have formatting difficulties, so you must read through it carefully, paying close attention to the text and formatting. Read our how to publish an eBook post to learn how publish on Amazon.
Check Your Work Again!
Upload your completed work and cover to Amazon, then check out their printed book preview option to make sure it appears okay and that no text is missing.
There are several eBook Formats to choose from, which depends on how and where you intend to sell them. We hope this article helps you conclude which eBook format for your ebook publishing.
