Easy Steps to Convert an Ebook: Simplified Version
Ready to transform that manuscript of yours into an ebook? Let's dive in!
First, do a quick info-check:
- The process involves two primary actions: A) Formatting your .docx file, then B) Uploading it to a conversion software (like our free ebook converter).
- After converting, you can publish your ebook through platforms such as Amazon KDP, Google Play Books, Apple Books, and more.
- Our website offers print, audiobook, and ebook formatting services, plus distribution to hundreds of stores. Youcan publish your first ebook for free or try a paid plan, with a money-back guarantee if you're not satisfied.
Let's call this our warm-up. Now, let's format like a pro!
Now, let's tackle the formatting steps right:
Open up your manuscript using Microsoft Word or Google Docs (both are free).
Step 1: Get rid of all the extra jazz
First things first, we need to clear off any existing formatting. Here's how to do it:
In Word, select your entire document by pressing CTRL+A, then go to the top panel and choose Clear all formatting.
In Google Docs, make sure to select Normal.
To save your italics and bold, select Normal, then check your Font and Font size on the top panel. If the fields are blank, you might still have some local formatting to remove. For this, choose a regular font like Arial and a 12pt size. Fear not, this isn't the final look for your book; we'll polish it up later.
Now, let's dive into the nitty-gritty and give your manuscript a thorough cleaning:
Step 2: Tidy up your manuscript
Time to eliminate the clutter:
Remove Automatic numbering
Turn off automatic numbering so that you can manage it yourself. Switch it off by clicking the numbers icon.
Now, enter your numbers manually.
Delete Automatic bullet lists for dialogs
Instead of using automatic bullet lists for dialogs, use traditional quotation marks. Remember that bullet points may not display correctly on e-readers, causing inconsistencies.
Page numbers, sayonara!
Delete page numbers from headers and footers. Click the top or bottom of the page to open the Headers and Footers menu, then select Remove Page Numbers.
Wipe out any references to page numbers in your content too. To do this, click CTRL+F and search for "page" or any terms you may have used to reference pages.
No Table of Contents
The table of contents you insert at the start of your document won't work. Auto-generated tables of contents are not clickable or don't line up with page numbers correctly in the ebook format. Remove it by clicking References and then Table of Contents. Click Remove at the bottom. Fret not, we'll create a new, functional table of contents later.
Forced Line Breaks
Delete any forced line breaks that shouldn't be there by finding and replacing ' ' with ' '.
Double Spaces
Fix any double spaces with a single space by using CTRL+H and typing ' ' in the Find field, then ' ' in the Replace field.
Extra Paragraph Breaks
Don't add extra breaks between paragraphs; just hit Return once at the end of each paragraph. If you need extra space, we'll add that later using Styles. If you need to signal a break within a chapter (e.g., scene break), insert one line with three asterisks.
Start chapters on new pages
It's common to begin a chapter on a new page. But don't add additional paragraph breaks to push the chapter onto the next page; this messes up the layout on e-readers. Instead, simply click CTRL+Enter to create a page break. You can also use the Insert Page Break function.
Tabs
Remove any tabs used for aligning paragraphs. Click the ❡ sign to show hidden characters. The little arrows show tabs.
Image Wrapping
For any images that you have added to your manuscript, place them between two paragraphs on a separate line. Remember to turn off the image wrapping function to keep your images correctly formatted in e-books. To turn it off, click on your image and select In Line With Text.
Image Pixels
Aim to use high-resolution images for optimal display on e-readers.
Footnotes
If you have any footnotes, consider converting them into endnotes to ensure proper formatting. You can find a detailed guide on how to do this here.
Direct Store Links
You can include links that direct to your own sites, such as your social media or website. However, ebook stores do not allow links that point to competitors' sites. This means if you plan on self-publishing to Google Books, you can't have a note that says "add a review on my Amazon page." Instead, use generic language such as "Review my book on the store where you purchased it."
Step 3: Bring Back the Good Stuff
Congrats! Your manuscript is now squeaky clean. It's time to add some formatting back in using Styles.
The Body
Your manuscript should already be styled as "Normal." Remember to maintain consistency in your formatting and make an informed choice about how you'd like to separate your paragraphs – use either indents or spaces, but avoid using both.
If you choose indents, use the top ruler instead of clicking the tab in front of a paragraph. For spaces, use the Add Space Before / After Paragraph option under the Format menu.
The difference between indents and spaces:
After making your decision about paragraph formatting, right-click "Normal" and choose Update Normal to Match Selection. This updates all "Normal" paragraphs to the new formatting style.
To give the first paragraph of each chapter a different look, make your desired changes to the first paragraph. Then create a new Style, give it a name, and save it.
Headings
We're almost there! You should now mark your chapter titles and subtitles as headings. This helps the conversion software generate a proper table of contents. Click your first chapter title and select "Heading 1" under Styles.
From here on out, go ahead and format as desired. Just remember to update the style once you're done. Repeat the process for all your chapters.
Step 4: Time to Bring it All Together
Go ahead, save your file with the fresh formatting!
Add Front and Back Matter
Add a cover design, title page, copyright page, and table of contents at the beginning of your book. At the end, you may include your author bio and a list of "other books by the same author."
For more information on front and back matter, check out this guide.
Now, it's time to upload your .docx file to our website's free ebook converter!
*Go to free ebook converter*
If you're not ready to convert just yet, make sure to bookmark the page. You're now ready to format your ebook for Kindle and all that jazz! Are you feeling excited to go further? Learn how to create a print-on-demand format and how to create an audiobook.
And there you have it! You're now fully equipped to format an ebook for publishing.
But how to self-publish? Our website can assist:
*Start publishing*
- As you progress with formatting your manuscript, consider enhancing your home-and-garden by creating a captivating cover design for your ebook.
- While learning how to create an ebook, further your education-and-self-development by exploring our technology offerings, such as our print-on-demand and audiobook formatting services.
