Self-publishing offers authors complete control over their work, but it also requires attention to detail—especially when it comes to formatting. A well-formatted manuscript ensures readability, professionalism, and a seamless transition from draft to published book. In this guide, we’ll cover essential formatting elements to give your manuscript a polished, professional look.

Why Formatting Matters

Proper manuscript formatting is crucial for several reasons:

• Improved Readability – A well-structured document makes reading effortless for your audience.
• Professional Presentation – A polished look enhances your credibility as an author.
• Seamless Conversion – Formatting consistency ensures a smooth transition to print and eBook form

Standard Manuscript Formatting Guidelines

Before diving into specific formatting details, here are the standard guidelines most self-publishing platforms and editors expect:

Basic Formatting Requirements

Page Setup

• Page Size: Use 8.5″ x 11″ (standard letter size) for your manuscript.
• Margins: Set 1-inch margins on all sides.
• Line Spacing: Double-space your text for easy readability.
• Paragraph Indentation: Use a 0.5-inch first-line indent, not tabs or spaces.

Font and Typography

• Font Type: Stick to professional, readable fonts like Times New Roman, Garamond, or Georgia.
• Font Size: Use 12-point font for the body text.
• Avoid Fancy Fonts: Unusual fonts may cause issues when converting to eBook or print format.

Structuring Your Manuscript

Title Page and Copyright Page

The title page should include:

• The book’s title (centered, bold, larger font size)
• The author’s name
• Optional: subtitle, edition number, or publisher’s logo

The copyright page typically contains:

• Copyright notice (© Year, Author Name)
• ISBN (if applicable)
• Publisher or self-publishing imprint
• Disclaimer (if needed)

Chapter Formatting

Each chapter should follow a consistent format to maintain a professional layout.

Chapter Titles

• Center-align chapter titles.
• Use a larger font size (14-16 pt) and consider bold or all-caps for emphasis.
• Leave a few blank lines before starting the chapter text.

Scene Breaks

• Use three asterisks (***) or a blank line to indicate scene breaks.
• Avoid excessive spacing, as it can disrupt the flow.

Headers, Footers, and Page Numbers

• Start page numbering on the first chapter, not the title or copyright pages.
• Place page numbers at the bottom center or top right.
• Consider adding a header with the book title (left) and the author’s name (right).

Formatting for eBooks vs. Print

Manuscripts for eBooks and print books require different formatting considerations.

eBook Formatting Considerations

• Use single-spacing instead of double-spacing.
• Avoid manual indents; use styles to format paragraphs.
• Use page breaks instead of extra blank lines between chapters.
• Avoid headers and footers, as they don’t display well on eReaders.

Print Formatting Considerations

• Ensure that all images are high-resolution (300 DPI).
• Use justified alignment for a clean, professional look.
• Pay attention to widows and orphans (single lines at the top or bottom of pages).
• Set proper gutter margins to accommodate bookbinding.

Proofreading and Final Checks

Before finalizing your manuscript, do the following checks:

• Spell check and grammar check using tools like Grammarly or ProWritingAid.
• Print a sample copy to check formatting before submitting for publication.
• Test your eBook on multiple devices to ensure proper formatting.

Formatting your manuscript correctly can make a huge difference in how your book is received. By following these guidelines, you’ll ensure a professional, polished look that enhances the reader’s experience and boosts your credibility as an author. Whether you’re publishing in print or digital format, consistency and attention to detail are key to success!

Don’t wait to start your creative journey. Inquire today to learn how our coaching services can help you turn your ideas into impactful works of art. Contact us now and take the first step towards achieving your creative dreams.

Let’s Get Started