Proper manuscript formatting is one of the most important — and often overlooked — steps in the publishing process. Whether you're preparing your book for print, eBook, or both, formatting affects everything from readability and user experience to the overall professionalism of your final product.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the essential formatting steps for both print and digital publishing. You’ll learn the key differences between the two formats, the industry standards for layout and structure, and practical tools you can use to streamline the process.

At Aspire Book Publishers, we know that formatting can be overwhelming — especially for first-time authors. That’s why we provide the guidance and support you need to turn your manuscript into a polished, publication-ready file. Whether you're going DIY or working with a professional team, this guide will help you avoid common mistakes and ensure your book looks great on every platform.

Key Points to Cover:

1. Understand the Difference Between Print and eBook Formatting

  • Print books require fixed layouts with page numbers, headers, and trim sizes.

  • eBooks use reflowable text for compatibility with multiple devices and screen sizes.

  • Formatting must be optimized separately for each format.

2. Choose the Right Trim Size for Print

  • Standard sizes: 5" x 8", 5.5" x 8.5", 6" x 9"

  • How trim size affects cost, layout, and reader experience.

3. Use Standard Formatting Guidelines

  • Font: Use legible fonts like Times New Roman or Garamond (11–12 pt for body text).

  • Line spacing: 1.15 to 1.5 is common for readability.

  • Margins: Set consistent margins (typically 0.75"–1") with mirror layout for print.

  • Paragraphs: Indent first lines (avoid extra space between paragraphs).

4. Title Page and Front Matter

  • Elements to include: Title page, copyright, dedication, table of contents.

  • What changes for eBooks (hyperlinked ToC, no page numbers).

5. Use Section Breaks and Styles Properly

  • Apply heading >

  • Avoid using tabs or multiple spaces for alignment.

  • Use page breaks and section breaks instead of hard returns.

6. Add Visual Elements Thoughtfully

  • Print books: High-resolution images (300 DPI), black-and-white or color based on printer specs.

  • eBooks: Use smaller file sizes (72 DPI), and ensure images display correctly on mobile and tablets.

7. Formatting Tools You Can Use

  • Microsoft Word (with >

  • Adobe InDesign (for professional layout)

  • Scrivener (writer-friendly formatting/export tool)

  • Vellum (Mac-based tool for clean eBook formatting)

8. Exporting Your Manuscript Correctly

  • Print: Export as high-quality PDF with embedded fonts.

  • eBook: Export as EPUB (standard), MOBI (for older Kindle), or use platforms like Draft2Digital.

9. Test Before You Publish

  • Preview eBook files on Kindle Previewer or other apps.

  • Order a proof copy of your print book to catch formatting issues.

10. Get Professional Help When Needed

  • Working with publishers like Aspire Book Publishers ensures your book is professionally formatted for both print and digital platforms.

  • Professional formatting saves time, reduces errors, and enhances the reader experience.