Ebook formatting service from experienced book editor 

Format the layout of your book or novel ready for self-publishing on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

Ebook Formatting Service
I can professionally format the layout of your manuscript so it looks polished, improves reader engagement and is prepared for self-publishing on Amazon KDP, for example. My ebook formatting service applies to the layout of text-only documents.

Kindle Ebook Formatting Services
If you want to make a good impression, don't let poor presentation undo all your hard work of writing your book, novel, ebook, collection of short stories, etc. A professional layout is a must so your manuscript doesn't have irregular margins, inconsistent line spacing, or suffer from readability issues. Your book needs a great interior as well as a great exterior when selling on a self-publishing platform such as Amazon Kindle (KDP).

​​​​See more books on how to increase book sales and grow your author platform via Amazon.
As well as my book formatting service, Bookeditingservices.co.uk also provides book editorial services in UK English, so to check there are no spelling, grammar or punctuation errors before self-publishing or submitting to an agent / publisher, check out my Book Proofreading Service. If you require a more in-depth edit of your book to improve sentence structure, flow and the quality of wording, please see more information on my Book Copy-editing Service. ​
Table of Contents
Copy-editing service and book formatting for fiction novel
From the word go the full process in dealing with Alex for my editing requirements was so smooth. An informative website, a quick and efficient quoting procedure and excellent communications throughout. On my acceptance of the quotation, Alex kept me informed every step of the way regarding schedules and deadlines. Weekly updates during the actual editing were very useful and reassuring. The work Alex completed on my manuscript gave me a much more professional and polished finished product. I will not hesitate to use Alex for my next project or recommend her to any other existing or aspiring authors.
David Williams
This post contains affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. Learn more.

What is Ebook Formatting?


​Ebook formatting ensures your book's layout is professional and to publisher standard (front pages added, and margins, font, line spacing, chapter titles, etc. are amended and consistent), and that your book can be published as an ebook quicker and easier.

Please note that my book formatting service applies to the layout only and even though it is mainly to prepare for self-publishing as an ebook on Amazon Kindle (KDP), this service will help to polish the presentation of your book and remove any formatting inconsistencies. 

This service can form the foundation of a well-formatted document if you plan to sell your book through other self-publishing platforms or if you're submitting to literary agents / publishers (who usually have their own submission guidelines) as this ensures your book is free from formatting errors and irregularities.
​Why is the layout of a book important?
The layout of a book is important because your manuscript may not receive the kudos it should or consideration from potential buyers if it is not formatted to publisher standards. 
​
​This is essential to provide a seamless and consistent presentation of your book; therefore, a layout that doesn’t scream 'amateur' to your readers.
Signs when a book layout formatting service is needed
You will benefit from the layout checking and amending if any of the following apply to your document:
  • ​Margin indentations have been created by using the tab key or the space bar multiple times
  • Double spacing after a full stop
  • Inconsistent line spacing used to separate chapter titles from the main text, paragraphs, chapters, chapter breaks, etc.
  • The author has used different style fonts and/or different size fonts inconsistently or not intentionally
  • Multiple use of the Enter/Return key to move the next chapter to a new page
  • There is a mixture of left justified and justified text
  • The margin settings in Microsoft Word have been changed causing 'pesky margin' issues
  • Text has been centred but the margin hasn’t been set to zero
  • There is only one paragraph on each page
  • There is text in the headers and/or footers (these don’t translate when converting the document into a compatible ebook file to self-publish)
  • There are page numbers (these don’t apply to ebooks ​as separate pages don't exist. Instead, it is a continuous flowing text that automatically fits the various screen sizes of devices)

​Please note that this service DOES NOT include the ebook file format conversion service which is required when self-publishing on platforms such as Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, etc.

There are different file types (ebook file formats) required depending on which self-publishing platform you are using to sell your book, which are then read on various e-readers and other devices. The ebook file type ensures compatibility to be read on specific devices. Further details on how to convert your document into an ebook file format for free are provided below.
Copy-editing and ebook formatting service for sci-fi book
Alex has provided a friendly, prompt and professional service. She kept me informed with regular updates throughout the process, and always replied to any queries quickly. I would have no hesitation in recommending her to others, and I intend to make further use of her skills in the future.
Stephen Darnell
Copy-editing service and ebook formatting for romantic / historical novel
Alex is polite and friendly and easy to work with. I really appreciated her attention to detail - after editing, my manuscript looked professional and smart, ready for publication! She shares tips and comments along the way which are very useful. Alex will get back to you quickly if you have a query or problem.
Heidi Gallacher

Ebook Formatting Process

The formatting process is carried out once the client's work has been edited and/or proofread. See my Proofreading and Copy-editing pages for more information on these services.
​
Once the manuscript is complete and finalised, here is a full breakdown of the ebook formatting service I provide:

Create Front Matter (Front Pages)
​

  • Title page
  • Copyright information
  • Acknowledgements
  • Dedication
  • About the author
  • Also by the author
  • Clickable table of contents listing the chapters (links are checked to make sure they navigate to the correct location in the book).
  • Preface/Prologue as required​

Format Chapters Titles and Page Breaks

  • Format chapter titles to make sure they are consistent
    • Font size
    • Centre alignment
    • Line spacing
    • Capitalisation
    • Heading style applied, etc.
  • Format chapter breaks ​so they are clear and consistent
    • These are breaks within chapters to indicate a lapse of time or change of scene, for example
  • Ensure Microsoft Word ‘page breaks’ are used correctly and consistently to separate chapters
    • Or they can be removed as they're not essential for ebooks​

Amend Layout and Presentation of Text

  • Check the main text of the document so it's to publisher standard and formatted consistently throughout the book
    • Font (size and style)
    • Line spacing
    • Margin indentations
    • Text justification
  • Remove any inconsistent formatting 
    • I delete the use of the tab key or space bar for margin indentations, for example, as they don't translate well to being viewed on an e-reader
What happens next?

  1. ​Once you have set up your author account on whichever publishing platform you decide to use (check out my Self-Publishing Resources page for a list of publishing services)
  2. Your manuscript is converted into an ebook file format (see details on how you create a compatible file below) and uploaded
  3. Along with your book cover 
  4. And then you publish your final and complete book!
Copy-editing and ebook formatting service for fiction book
Alex has been absolutely fantastic. She's edited my debut chick lit book, provided regular updates, finished it earlier than expected, and provided great feedback. I will definitely be using her services in the future.
Linsey Cross
Ebook formatting service for fiction book
Alex formatted my Word document and got it back to me within 72 hours. She also gave me good advice on writing for e-book format. I would have no hesitation is using Alex again.
Kevin Simpson
Get in touch if you would like your book layout amending to a professional standard, to discuss the editorial requirements for your book, ebook or novel, or to receive a no-obligation quote.

Ebook Formatting Rates

The price to amend and correct the layout of your manuscript up to 80,000 words* is:

Please note:

  • This services does not include converting your document into an ebook file format – see below how to create yours for free.
  • This service does not involve the formatting or insertion of photographs, images, illustrations or tables. If publising on Amazon, how to format images for your ebook can be found on the Amazon KDP Resources page. Or see the 'More Self-Publishing Resources' section below to hire a professional book interior designer.
  • Once the formatted manuscript has been returned, any additional work required thereafter (formatting of further changes made by the author, etc.) is charged at £25 per hour (minimum charge £25).
  • If you only need proofreading or copy-editing without the ebook formatting service, any inconsistencies such as different font sizes, non-uniform line spacing and uneven margin indentations will be amended. The cost for this will be included in the quote provided for my editorial services.

​How to make payment:
I accept payment by debit card, credit card, PayPal account and bank transfer. Payment is required in advance of the work commencing and within 48 hours of receiving the payment request or invoice. See my Terms and Conditions for more information.

What Format Does an Ebook Need to Be In?​

The format an ebook needs to be in is MOBI to publish on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) – Amazon automatically converts EPUBs to MOBI files. EPUB file for Apple iBooks, Barnes & Noble (Nook), Kobo Writing Life, and Google Play. Microsoft Word for Smashwords (EPUB for complex interior).

If you'd like an in-depth review of the different ebook file formats available, EPUB, MOBI and also when a PDF may be your best option, check out the article EPUB vs. MOBI vs. PDF: Which Book Format Should You Use? from Kindlepreneur.com for a full breakdown.

Create Ebook and Paperback Book Formats for FREE

Unfortunately you can't upload a Word document on a self-publishing platform to sell your book as it is not 'reflowable'. Reflowable means that the text and fonts resize and reorganise when an ebook is viewed on devices with different screen sizes – from a smartphone, e-reader such as a Kindle or iPad, or a PC – without affecting the book's readability or layout.
 
Therefore, you will need to convert your manuscript into a compatible ebook file format – MOBI (for Amazon Kindle) and EPUB (for Barnes & Noble, Kobo, etc.) as discussed in the 'What Format Does an Ebook Need to Be In?' section above. Fortunately, you can do this for free. 
​
Once you have your finalised manuscript and front cover, you can create free ebook and paperback formats through Draft2Digital.
Who are Draft2Digital?
Draft2Digital is a FREE book conversion service and also a book distribution service.
 
After uploading your Microsoft Word document, you can create the following:
  • A MOBI file (to be viewed on Amazon Kindle).
  • An EPUB file (for Nook, Kobo and iPad devices).
  • And/or a PDF file (so you can print/send to others to read before it’s published).

This service has so many advantages, including when you create your ebook through Draft2Digital, you can list your book on many distribution outlets, including Amazon, Apple, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Scribd and more with just one click. ​
  • Update Feb 2021: This service now also includes the distribution of paperback books.​
How Much Does it Cost?
There is no charge for using this service and no costs up front to convert your manuscript into an ebook or paperback book.

​If you choose to use this platform to sell your books, you receive one royalty payment each month from all the distribution channels, from which Draft2Digital takes a 10% commission.

It’s not compulsory to sell your book through this provider to receive a free book conversion. You can just choose to create the ebook and/or paperback version for no charge.
Does Your Book Layout Need Amending before Publication?
If you would like the front pages adding to your book and/or the layout of your book amending to publisher standard (see my Ebook Formatting Process above for more information) before converting your manuscript into an ebook and/or paperback book, contact me for a quote or to ask any questions.
Find Out More about This Service
Check out this video by Draft2Digital which starts the step-by-step process showing how to upload your manuscript and create your ebook and paperback versions for free (also an audible book version where payment is required for a narrator), as well as quickly and easily setting up the selling of your book through multiple distribution channels.

​Also, the article Self-Publishing with Draft2Digital: 12 Reasons Every Indie Writer Should Do It at inkwelleditorial.com discusses how easy it is to use Draft2Digital.

​If you use the Draft2Digital links to distribute and sell your book, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. There is no affiliate commission when using Draft2Digital to create ebook and/or paperback formats as this is a free service. See my affiliate disclaimer for more information.
Copy-editing service and ebook formatting for fiction novel
I was unsure at the start how the process worked but found Alex unfailingly helpful. I ended up with a thoroughly professional text that I could take forward with confidence.
Janet Hutcheon
Edited and formatted fiction novella
Alex did a wonderful job of editing and formatting my book for release, very friendly and easy-going manner. I will definitely use Alex's services for my future projects.
Nicholas Plumridge

Self-Publish a Book Resources

See the articles below for self-publishing authors. My 60+ self-publishing resources post details how-to videos on self-publishing via Amazon, how to increase book sales on Amazon, a list of print-on-demand companies, legalities when writing and publishing, and more. My article on how to self-publish your book on Amazon is a step-by-step guide, from setting up your author account to publishing both ebooks and paperbacks. How to get a literary agent will help if you want to look at getting a publishing deal. 

Also, find out how to write a book blurb and use the template provided to write yours. Check out the list of book cover designers for hire if you want a professional designer to create your cover. And finally details on how to get an ISBN for your book, and a glossary on book publishing terms to steer you through some of the jargon.

How to Market and Promote Your Book

Find out how to market and promote your book with these simple guides, including how to promote your book online for free, a list of top book marketing companies in the UK, and how to promote your book on Amazon by using Amazon's promotional tools, most of which are free, to use as part of your marketing strategy to maximise your book's exposure to as many readers as possible.

More Self-Publishing Resources

For Authors Wanting a Decorative Interior or Books with Complex Layouts
(this includes books that include images, illustrations, charts or tables, etc.)

If your layout is more than just straightforward text or you would like ornate typography, for example, I would recommend using a professional book interior designer: 
  • Miblart – Book interior formatting packages for both ebook and print book formatting.
  • Book Design Templates – Choose from various fiction and non-fiction pre-made designs, and your formatted book is returned within a week.
  • Becky’s Graphic Design – A bespoke interior design company for self-publishing authors.
  • 99Designs – Choose from a list of designers at various price points to design the interior of your book.
  • Julie Karen – Julie works with both publishing houses and self-publishers to provide professional interior design and typesetting for fiction and non-fiction books.

More Free Ebook File Conversion Websites
  • Please note that the following are all third-party sites, so I don’t have any control over the quality or performance of the services provided. If you need help using any of the following software or file conversion sites, contact the site’s owner or customer service.
  • See the section “What Format Does an Ebook Need to Be In” above for information on which file type you need depending on which self-publishing platform/book distribution site you’re using.

For straightforward file conversion from Word that is free and you can use straight from your browser (no software download required): ​
To alter the layout of your book before converting it into a compatible ebook file, you can download free software:
  • ​​If you would like to format your book to sell via Amazon, you can find out more on getting started with Amazon KDP and how to prepare and format your ebook and paperback. 
    • This Amazon help page discusses Amazon Kindle Create (free) to amend the layout of your book, allows some customisation and offers (basic) themes, and you can apply drop caps, for example.
    • Also, Amazon Kindle Previewer (free) to preview your book before validating and converting prior to publication.
  • Calibre is a free ebook management software that allows you to alter EPUB files (works on both Windows and Mac)
  • Sigil is an open-source multi-platform software for editing EPUB files (also works on both Windows and Mac). 

Validation required for EPUB files
  • If you’re creating an EPUB file and validation isn't automatically applied, you will need to validate it so it’s fully formed and the contents are rendered correctly, so use a site such as EPUB Validator (free) to do this for you.
 
Amazon Templates for Paperback Books
  • To produce a paperback version of your book, use the Amazon templates. Your book will then be ready to sell as a paperback on Amazon, or you can produce a PDF (print-ready format) if selling via a book distributor such as Lulu, Ingram Spark, or when using a print-on-demand printing company.

Kindle Kids' Book Creator
  • Use Kindle Create (free) to create illustrated children's books and turn them into Kindle ebooks. Kindle Kids’ Book Creator enables authors to import artwork, add text, and preview their book on Kindle devices before publishing.

Contact Book Editing Services

If you would like to get in touch, let me know about your book and which service you're interested in by using the secure Contact Form. You can also use the form to discuss your editorial requirements, request a no-obligation quote or check availability.

Please read my Terms and Conditions if you would like to use my editorial services so you are familiar with how I work and the requirements of both parties. I look forward to hearing from you.
Bookeditingservices.co.uk contains affiliate links, which means I may receive compensation when you click on a link to a third-party site. I am also a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn commission incomes by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk and affiliated sites. See my disclaimer for more information.
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