A Guide to Book Formatting for Aspiring Authors by Peculiar Medinus

Proper book formatting plays a vital role in ensuring your manuscript looks professional and is easy to read. After self-publishing my first book in 2007, I realized how crucial formatting is. Gaining this knowledge has been invaluable—not only for improving my manuscripts but also for helping others format theirs. I’m especially grateful to the Shine Christian Writers Group for allowing me to lead a session on book formatting. However, I must admit my presentation wasn’t up to par due to a lack of preparation, as I was juggling multiple commitments at the time.

Today’s blog aims to simplify the fundamentals of book formatting, offering a practical step-by-step guide for authors who want to create polished, reader-friendly manuscripts.

Good formatting ensures your book looks professional and meets industry standards. It affects how your readers engage with the content and, for authors looking to submit their manuscripts to publishers, demonstrates attention to detail.

Here are the key steps to follow when formatting your book:

1.    Set the Right Font and Font Size

Choose a clean, professional font such as Times New Roman, Garamond, or Arial. For most manuscripts, a font size of 12 pt is the standard.

2.    Left-Align Your Text

Always left-align your text. This ensures a picture-perfect layout that’s easy to read, while keeping those all-important ragged edges on the right-hand side.

3.    Double-Space Your Manuscript

Double-spacing provides enough room for editors and reviewers to make notes. It also gives the manuscript a more open and inviting appearance.

4.    Indent Your Paragraphs

Indent the first line of each paragraph, typically by half an inch (1.27 cm). Avoid using tabs or spaces for this; instead, use the indentation settings in your word processor.

5.    Create the Front Page

The front page should include essential details such as:

·       Title of the book

·       Subtitle (if applicable)

·       Author’s name

·       Contact information (if submitting to a publisher)

This page sets the tone for your manuscript’s professionalism.

6.    Add Headers and Page Numbers

Insert headers that include your surname, the book title (or a short version), and page numbers. This helps with organisation and navigation, especially for longer manuscripts.

7.    Insert Page Breaks

Use page breaks to separate chapters or sections. This maintains consistency and prevents accidental changes to formatting when editing.

8.    Set Margins

Standard manuscript margins are typically set to 1 inch (2.54 cm) on all sides. These provide enough space for binding and notes.

Book formatting might seem like a meticulous process, but it significantly impacts your manuscript's presentation and readability. By following these simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to creating a professional manuscript that stands out to readers and publishers alike.

For further guidance, get the eBook, Mastering Book Formatting with Microsoft Word by P.B. James. It's available on Amazon.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Peculiar wears many hats—writer, mentor, and strategic leader—all with a singular focus on nurturing creativity, forging meaningful relationships, and inspiring success. Her dedication resonates deeply, leaving an indelible mark on everyone she works with. Her latest book, "What Do You Think Ugly Means?", uncovers the unfiltered beauty of humanity with raw, compelling honesty.