How To Format eBooks for Amazon KDP

As independent authors, we always have to watch our bottom line...

eBook formatting is one of the easiest aspects of self-publishing. If you know how to use Google Docs or Microsoft Word, then there will be almost no learning curve for you. So, save a little cheddar and format your eBooks yourself with this tutorial.

Okay, let's get cracking on formatting your eBook.

First off, let's talk about WHEN you should format your eBook. You are ready to format your eBook once everything else is done. Formatting is the last step before publishing. So, your manuscript should be written and edited. If you're including any images in your book, those should be ready to go as well.

This tutorial applies whether you decide to use Google Docs or Word although Google Docs will suffice and has less moving parts than Word.

Without further ado...

Formatting eBooks

1. Open your edited manuscript in the software of your choice.

2. Highlight your title and select the Title style. (If you need help to find Styles,

use Google or YouTube to help you.)

3. If you have a subtitle, highlight it and select the Subtitle style.

4. Format any other text on this page using the Normal style and configure the font and font size accordingly. Don’t exceed 16pt font size.

5. Insert a page break (Ctrl+Enter).

6. Insert another page break to create a blank page. We'll put the Table of Contents here when we're done.

7. Proceed to your first chapter. Highlight the chapter heading text and select the Heading 1 style.

NOTE: Don't bother using fancy fonts or a font size more than about 16pt because the device the reader is using will dictate the look.

8. Highlight the body text of your chapter, justify it, and make sure it's set to the Normal style. If you have any subheadings, highlight them, and select the Heading 2 style.

9. When you reach the end of the chapter, insert a page break.

10. Repeat steps 7 through 9 for each chapter in your book.

If you have images, insert them in your book using the software interface (Insert>Image>From file). Click the image and drag the anchor points to resize it on the page or to move it. Images may appear really small, but readers can tap the images to view larger versions. Color images will appear in color on tablets and phones, but in black and white on eReader devices.

11. If you have any front or end matter where you are sharing links to your books, social media, website, or email opt-in, then put a Heading 1 and insert a page break at the end.

Click Insert>Table of Contents in Google Docs and select the one on the right with the blue links.

In Word, click Reference>Table of Contents.

NOTE: Google Docs really does this part better, so even if you use Word, you could open your document in Google Docs to add the TOC and then download it.

That's it. It's really easy. For eBooks, you don't need page numbers or anything fancy and you'll save yourself a decent amount of money by doing this step yourself.

I'd love to hear from you if you found this helpful!

Looking Forward,

Dale