How to Prepare Your Manuscript for Ebook Formatting
You do not need a perfect file before sending it. But a few simple prep steps can save time, reduce revisions, and speed up delivery.
Authors often over-edit formatting before sending a manuscript. In most cases, that creates more cleanup work, not less.
Use this checklist to prep your manuscript for professional EPUB formatting without wasting time.
Step 1: Finalize the Text
Finish your content edits first. Formatting should happen after the manuscript is locked.
- Complete developmental edits and copy edits
- Decide final chapter order and titles
- Confirm front matter and back matter text
Small typo fixes are fine later, but major rewrites after formatting usually mean extra work.
Step 2: Keep Styling Simple
You do not need to manually force visual formatting in Word or Google Docs.
- Avoid tabs/spaces for indents
- Avoid manual blank lines between paragraphs
- Use basic heading styles where possible
- Do not manually build a linked TOC
Clean structure is better than heavy styling.
Step 3: Decide What You Want in Front and Back Matter
There is no single required template. Include what fits your book and goals.
Common front matter: title page, copyright, dedication, epigraph.
Common back matter: acknowledgments, about the author, mailing list, "also by" list, website/social links.
If you are unsure, send what you have and ask for recommendations.
Step 4: Gather Required Assets
- Final manuscript file (`.docx`, PDF, or Google Docs link)
- Book cover image (if you want it embedded)
- Author name and pen name details
- Retailer links (if you want platform-specific back matter)
Step 5: Share Preferences Clearly
In your email, include:
- Genre (romance, thriller, fantasy, non-fiction, etc.)
- Any style preferences for chapter headings
- Whether you want decorative scene breaks
- Your target platforms (Amazon only or multiple stores)
What You Do Not Need to Worry About
- Perfect spacing and manual cleanup
- Technical EPUB coding
- KDP validation details
- Navigation file structure
That is the formatter's job.
Quick Copy-Paste Email Template
Subject: Ebook formatting request
"Hi Marcus, attached is my manuscript. Genre: [genre]. Word count: [count]. Platforms: [Amazon only / Amazon + Kobo + Apple + Google Play]. Front/back matter notes: [notes]. Please confirm pricing and timeline."
Want done-for-you help now? Review pricing and FAQ details, then send your manuscript to hello@formatmyebook.com.
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