Tag: formatting

Jodee Speaks

Top 7 Book Formatting Questions for Self Publishing Authors

For new self-published authors, properly  formatting a book can be a bit overwhelming.  There are many questions that arise in formatting a page:

  • Should I use double space or single space?
  • Do I indent and/or leave a space between paragraphs?
  • Should my manuscript include headers and footers?
  • How should I number my pages?
  • What should my page margins be?
  • What font and font size will be easiest to read?
  • What elements, other than the book content itself, should be included?

You may be wondering why these formatting variants even matter. Well, clear, consistent formatting creates a page that is visually appealing to readers. When formatted properly, a book should feel both familiar and fresh and should be easy for readers to follow.

Luckily, it is not necessary for you to become an expert in book formatting in order to create a professionally formatted self-published book.  Many full-service publishing companies work with you to ensure that your book is in tip-top shape before it is printed. For instance, at Outskirts Press, standard professional interior formatting that meets high-end industry specifications for your genre is included with all publishing packages.They also offer additional options to further address your specific ideas and concerns.

If you have book formatting questions, contact your self-publishing company. If you are still choosing a self-publishing company and formatting is a concern, be sure to pick a company that will assist you with this process. Best of luck!

ABOUT JODEE THAYER: With over 20 years of experience in   sales and management, Jodee Thayer works as the Manager of Author Services   for Outskirts Press. The Author Services Department   is composed of knowledgeable customer service reps and publishing consultants;   together, they all focus on educating authors on the self-publishing process in order to help them publish the   book of their dreams. Whether you are a professional looking to take your   career to the next level with platform-driven non-fiction or a novelist   seeking fame, fortune, and/or personal fulfillment, Jodee Thayer can put you   on the right path.
Jodee Speaks

Strike While the Skillet is Hot and Publish Your Cookbook

Do you love to cook? Now is a great time to publish a cookbook. Viewers and readers are loving food-related shows and books. You can take advantage of this booming market and share your recipes with the world.

If you decide to publish a cookbook, you need to understand that there are very specific formatting methods for this genre. You will need to decide how to layout all of the elements including lists, instructions, photos, and more. This is essential as you want the book to be appealing with consistent formatting and easy to follow.

If this all sounds confusing, don’t worry. Simply speak to someone at your self-publishing company to find out if they offer assistance with this task. For instance, Outskirts Press recently introduced the Cookbook Formatting Kit, which provides a simple process to help you design your cookbook. This low-cost kit can make your dreams of becoming a cookbook author come true.

ABOUT JODEE THAYER: With over 20 years of experience in   sales and management, Jodee Thayer works as the Manager of Author Services   for Outskirts Press. The Author Services Department   is composed of knowledgeable customer service reps and publishing consultants;   together, they all focus on educating authors on the self-publishing process in order to help them publish the   book of their dreams. Whether you are a professional looking to take your   career to the next level with platform-driven non-fiction or a novelist   seeking fame, fortune, and/or personal fulfillment, Jodee Thayer can put you   on the right path.
Cheri Speaks

Tips for Creating a Publishable Manuscript

The best way to ensure that your self-published book looks and sounds professional is to create a professional manuscript. This will make the publisher’s and your job easier when it comes time to creating and reviewing proofs, and it will lead to a finished product that is worthy of your reader’s time and praise. Here are easy ways to create a publishable manuscript.

  • Always run spell check and grammar check, but never rely on these tools alone.
  • Hire a professional copyeditor. Spell check and grammar check don’t catch all errors, and they don’t pick up style errors.
  • Turn on formating remarks so you can see where spacing may be off.
  • Only use hard returns at the end of paragraphs. Do not use them at the end of each line. Computers are not typewriters.
  • Change margin and page settings from “letter size” to “book size.” This will identify any areas that may need reformatting.
  • Do not use space or tab to indicate new paragraphs. Instead set paragraph settings to first line hanging .25″.
  • Use Microsoft Word to type your manuscript. This will prevent conversion problems.

If you have any other tips for fellow writers, feel free to share them by leaving a comment.

Cheri Breeding ABOUT CHERI BREEDING: Since 2005 Cheri Breeding has been working as the Director of Production for Outskirts Press. In that time, she has been an instrumental component of every aspect of the Production Department, performing the roles of an Author Representative, Book Designer, Customer Service Representative, Title Production Supervisor, Production Manager and, Director of Production. She brings all that experience and knowledge, along with an unparalleled customer-service focus, to help self-publishing authors reach high-quality book publication more efficiently, professionally, and affordably.
Uncategorized

Ask the Book Doctor – Writing Flashbacks

Q: My question has to do with formatting. Is there a

standard way to insert a flashback? For example, should I

have an extra line space before and after the flashback?

Should I indent the flashback five spaces on both sides?

 

A: Formatting is not the only way to indicate a flashback;

it must also be handled with a narrative transition from

the present to the flashback and from the flashback back to

the present at the end. You can, however, also add a line

space before and after the transition, but do not indent on

both sides, which is a formatting device reserved for long

quotations. Do indent the beginning of each paragraph,

through.

 

What’s your question for Book Doctor Bobbie Christmas? Send

it today to Bobbie@zebraeditor.com.