Formatting Your Book
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How to Format Your Book Like a Pro
How to Self Publish Your Book Successfully
Proper formatting is the backbone of a successful book. A well-formatted manuscript looks professional, ensures a seamless reading experience, and meets industry standards. Follow these 7 steps to get your book publication-ready:
1. Set Up Your Document
Start with a clean DOCX file to minimize errors and ensure platform compatibility.
- Page size: Common options include 6″ x 9″ for paperbacks (Amazon KDP requires 24–828 pages).
- Margins: Leave enough space for binding and readability.
- Fonts: Legible choices like Times New Roman or Garamond.
- Line spacing: 1.15 or 1.5 for optimal readability.
2. Structure Your Content
Organize your book into clear sections:
- Front matter: Title page, copyright page, dedication.
- Body text: Consistent chapter headings and alignment.
- Back matter: Acknowledgments, author bio, references.
3. Format Headers and Footers
Add professional touches with page numbers (bottom center or outer corners) and headers (chapter or book title). Exclude headers/footers on the first page of each section.
4. Apply Consistent Styles
Use your word processor’s styles feature for headings, body text, captions, and quotes. Avoid manual formatting to maintain uniformity.
5. Optimize Readability and Aesthetic Appeal
Break up large text blocks with subheadings or white space. Use bold/italics sparingly. Maintain consistent paragraph indentation and avoid widows/orphans.
6. Review and Test Your Formatting
Use print previews and test digital formats (EPUB, MOBI) on multiple devices. Verify hyperlinks function correctly.
7. Export and Finalize Your Book
Export print-ready PDFs with correct resolution and bleed settings, and eBook files compatible with Kindle and other platforms. Backup your final manuscript in multiple formats.
Tips for Success
- Proofread thoroughly to avoid distracting formatting errors.
- Test print a single copy to confirm layout accuracy.
- Seek feedback from trusted readers or professionals.
Publishing Excellence Every Step of the Way
Book Cover Design
Custom Book Printing
Book Editing
Your Story Deserves a Global Audience
Book Formatting Made Simple: Expert Insights
How to Format Your Book: 10 Essential Tips for a Professional Finish
Top Tools for Formatting Your Book
Book Format Conversion: Simplifying the Process for Authors
Comprehensive Support, Every Step of the Way
Count on our dedicated 24/7 customer support to provide expert guidance and swift solutions, ensuring you’re never alone in your publishing journey.
2,800+ Authors Have Published Books With Spines
Spines can take the idea you are passionate about and facilitate bringing it into reality. Everyone was not only helpful but very encouraging in the entire creative process. I highly recommend Spines as the best publishing service available to all aspiring authors who would like to touch the world with their thoughts.
Author Deandre Jefferson
Isabel and the rest of the team were supportive and patient as I worked through the process. Ready to tackle book #2!!!
Author Glenn Diehll
OMG, Wardah has done it again!! My second book looks incredible on the inside and out! I love Wardah’s professionalism and how she constantly kept me in the loop and was quick to correct any changes necessary to make the book exactly what I envisioned.
Author Josanne Stewart
I am happy to recommend Spines and my project manager Wardah as the best in the industry! Authors, while considering publishing, STOP looking and choose Spines!
Author Kirk Anthony Floyd
I want to take this opportunity to thank the staff at Spines Publishing, especially Eli Nazari. You have made a lifelong dream come true: becoming an author. I look forward to working with you on my second book. God bless!
Author Terry Parker
I continue to be very impressed with Spines. From onboarding with Adriano to my account manager Wardah, they were very thorough and communicative every step of the way. They do set you up to succeed! I would recommend this team to anyone.
Author D Lawson
It was a true partnership. I couldn’t have asked for a better team to collaborate with on this journey. Thank you for championing my story and for the incredible work you do in amplifying diverse voices.
Author Leeora Benjamin
Blown away!! My mind is BLOWN. The process was so simple—from the vision being captured to the book now LIVE! Writing a book I thought was a dream, but now it’s a reality. THANK YOU, at a loss for words!
Author Natasha BarShalom White
Karla Leon at Spines could not have been more helpful. She was attentive and quick, turning around my comments in a day (if not in a few hours). I could not be happier.
Author Lawrence Bloom
I sent my book to 17 different publishers and got rejected every time, and vanity publishers quoted me between $11k-$17k. With Spines, I got my book published in less than 30 days!
Author Carlos Andromeda
I’ve paid over $3,500 for editors in the past, and I felt like they changed my book! With Spines, I had complete creative control over how my book turned out.
Author Joshua Holton
I’m a total beginner when it comes to computers, but I managed to design a professional-looking cover with Spines in just 3 minutes!
Author Valerie Price
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Author Bradley Matthews-Middleton
Frequently Asked Questions
What services does Spines offer for authors?
Spines offers a complete range of publishing services to help bring your book to life. Our offerings include book formatting, professional editing, custom cover design, digital ebook creation, audiobook production, ghostwriting, and print-on-demand (POD) publishing.
We also provide copyright certification, global book distribution, and built-in marketing tools to support your launch and ongoing promotion.
Every author gets access to a customizable landing page and an easy-to-use dashboard to manage their book and track progress. For special requests or guidance, our publishing consultants are ready to assist at any stage.
How does the self-publishing process work with Spines?
Publishing with Spines is a simple and straightforward way to self-publish your book. Just upload your manuscript, polish it using our AI-powered editing tools, and format it for professional print, ebook or audiobook distribution. You can also create marketing campaigns using our built-in tools to help promote your book.
Everything is managed through a single, intuitive dashboard, giving you full control over your publishing journey, while our team is always available if you need extra support.
Can I try Spines for free?
Yes! Anyone can sign up for a free account by clicking the “Get Started” button at the top of the page. Try out our platform tools and see how easy it is to proofread, design your cover, and publish your book with Spines.
Can I use only some services instead of a full package?
At Spines, we offer three publishing packages, each designed to meet different author needs and publishing goals. Individual services aren’t available separately, but each package includes a range of features, such as editing, formatting, audiobook creation, and marketing support, depending on the level you choose.
You can select the package that best fits your project, and you always have the option to upgrade if your needs grow over time.
How long will it take to publish my book with Spines?
With Spines, the entire publishing process typically takes around 30 days, from the moment you choose your plan until your book appears on Amazon.
Keep in mind, the timeline can vary depending on your needs. If you choose to work with our professional team for additional services—like translation, line editing, illustration, ghostwriting, and more—your publishing journey may take a bit longer to ensure top-quality results.
How much does publishing with Spines cost?
Spines offers three standard publishing plans, plus two specialized plans for authors focused on children’s literature. Each plan is designed to fit different publishing goals, budgets, and book formats.
The cost depends on several factors, including the length of your manuscript, the formats you choose to publish (ebook, audiobook, softcover, or hardcover), the level of personal support you prefer, and any additional services you might need.
Wherever you are in your publishing journey, there’s a plan built to meet your needs. To find the best fit for your project, explore our pricing page or connect with one of our publishing experts for personalized guidance.
Does Spines provide a copyright certificate for my book?
Yes. When you upload your manuscript to Spines, we automatically generate a digital copyright certificate, giving you official proof of ownership and protecting your rights from day one.
Can I create an audiobook with Spines?
Yes! Spines makes it easy to turn your book into a professionally produced audiobook. Our platform guides you step-by-step through the creation process, from narration to final production, ensuring high-quality results.
Once completed, we handle distribution across major listening platforms like Audible and Spotify, helping you expand your reach and connect with new audiences around the world.
Does Spines offer marketing services for books?
Yes. Spines provides built-in book marketing tools to help you promote your book across major platforms like Amazon, Facebook, and Instagram. You can easily create targeted ad campaigns, launch promotional strategies, and track their performance directly from your dashboard.
Our tools are designed to simplify book marketing, helping you reach the right readers, boost visibility, and grow your sales.
Does Spines distribute my book?
Yes. Spines handles distribution for your book in both print and eBook formats across major online retailers like Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and more. We make it easy for your book to be available to readers worldwide, while you maintain full ownership and control over your work.
Does Spines offer eBook publishing services?
Yes. Spines provides professional eBook creation, formatting, and publishing services, making it easy to create a high-quality digital version of your book. Your eBook can be distributed across major platforms like Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, Kobo, and more, helping you reach readers worldwide.
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