Formatting Your Ebook
Self-Publishing & Ebook Files
If you’re self-publishing, you’re probably thinking about putting your work out there as an ebook. It’s how many people read these days — on their Kindles, their iPads, their Nooks, and all the other devices and apps.
Ebooks can be distributed as PDFs, but they are static, don’t allow for hyperlinks in the material, and can appear differently on different devices. Plus — PDFs don’t have the benefits of notetaking, highlighting, zooming, or other unique formatting and ebook features that readers love.
FACT: ePub files can now be read on all ebook and e-reader devices! Self-publishing authors can distribute their ebooks across most platforms as ePub files.
Converting MS Word Documents into Ebook Files
Converting from an MS Word doc into an .epub file is not terribly difficult. You can learn the tricks of the trade and spend a day or two practicing with trial-and-error, doing it yourself for free or for a lost cost. It helps if you know some HTML and are familiar with looking at code and working with .jpegs.
It’s not exactly difficult, but ebook file conversion is a specialized task.
Ebook formatting should include:
- including the book cover image with the front matter
- providing all appropriate information for the copyright/imprint page
- selecting final font and spacing options for book default
- making headings dynamic
- formatting the table of contents
- formatting all page breaks and section breaks
- adding/removing blank pages where necessary
- formatting all interior images, including captions
- formatting all bullet and numbered lists
- formatting references and citations
- formatting all back matter, including the About the Author, Acknowledgements, and other sections
What to expect with ebook formatting from SRD Editing Services:
With our practice and experience, SRD Editing Services has developed a fast, efficient way to integrate all the necessary steps so your “document” comes out looking and feeling “like a book.”
- Review of final, proofread MS Word document to confirm headings and subheadings
- A recommendation for fonts for body text and for headings, based on your genre.
- Addition of front matter: Title page, Copyright page, Acknowledgments, and/or Dedication page, and/or Reviews, etc.).
- Placement and standard appearance of book text, section breaks, indentation, spacing, images and captions, and notes and Bibliography matter.
- Review and standardization of back matter: Placement of author photo, bio, and contact information.
Not currently offering ebook formatting for image-heavy manuscripts such as:
- Graphic novels/comic books
- Illustrated children’s books
- Cookbooks
Average timeline for ebook formatting:
🗸 2 to 3 weeks
Ebook Formatting Pricing:
Steps After Ebook Formatting
Back Cover / Online Description Copy
Once you have a finalized manuscript, it’s time to prep the book for publication. For the back cover or online description, you need creative, engaging copy that includes a streamlined summary of the book.