The Ultimate Checklist For EBook Formatting!

 The truth about writing a book is that even after writing the first draft, your work doesn’t end there! If anything, the real work starts from here. As we move towards the digital world, ebook formatting has become more critical than ever. From formatting the cover page to finding the right ebook publishing platform, there are many things you need to do to enhance your book’s readability. Find the below checklist to help you through the formatting process.

3 Formatting Steps to Help You Optimize Your EBook!

Choose a Format

There are many ebook formats that you can choose from. However, understand that, unlike traditional print books, ebooks are responsive. This means that the content, images, and flow may look different on various e-reader devices.

Let’s look at the different types of ebook formats:

PDF Ebook: This format is readable on computers but may be hard to read on smartphones and tablets. Ebook formatting in this format is cheaper and easy to make changes.

EPUB Ebook: One of the most popular formats for self-publishing ebooks, ePUB ensures smooth text flow on any device.EPUB is the industry standard that leading companies use. It also supports interactive features for the best reading experience.

MOBI and AZW Ebooks: If you are thinking about self-publishing your ebook on Kindle devices, MOBI files and AZW are the standards. You can use this format across all kindle smartphones and computers.

Formatting Your Ebook Book Design

Let’s break down each essential element of your ebook for a consistent structure

Front Cover
Whether you are thinking about self-publishing a graphic novel or a thriller, your front cover should be attractive to help you gain visibility and enhance sales.

Here are the best ebook formatting tips for your front cover:
Align all the elements consistently. Most authors keep the text and image in center alignment.

For front covers, clarity is better than persuasion. Hence, keep all design elements simple and do not complicate things.

Avoid putting page numbers and footers on your cover page and copyright page.

Table Of Content

Keeping your book content organized is essential for readers. Here are the two types of TOC for your ebook.

Navigational TOC: Best self-publishing companies use navigational TOCs for ebooks. They are similar to the menu of a website, where the content can be accessed through buttons. It may also have sub-chapters and sub-sections.

Linked TOC: In this format, the chapters are hyperlinked. This helps the users to go to the start of the chapter by clicking on the link.

Back Matter

The pages at the back of your ebook must have an epilogue, appendices, endnotes, final call-to-action, and index.
Instead of footnotes, incorporate endnotes.
Ensure that you format your logo and final call-to-action in a way that pleases the reader.

Pay Attention to the Visuals

Images and book illustrations can be overwhelming to format in an ebook.

Here are some ebook formatting guidelines that you can follow:

Avoid wrapping around the images. In-line text is more suitable.

You should convert non-image materials such as stats, artworks, or book illustrations into jpeg or png format.

Depending on the purpose and target screen size, adjust your image size to make them clear and visible.

Make Your Ebooks Interactive With Professionals!

Whether you are new to digital self-publishing or want clarity about the formatting process, ebook formatting services can help you make your work more accessible and engaging.