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Format Your Paperback
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Format Your Paperback
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Contact UsPaperback and Hardcover Manuscript Templates
To help you format your manuscript, we created templates in Microsoft Word. For the best results, follow the instructions in this guide.
Depending on your book, some steps may be unnecessary (for example, if your book doesn't have images).
Video: Templates for paperback formatting:
Depending on your book, some steps may be unnecessary (for example, if your book doesn't have images).
Contents
- Choose a template
- Customize front matter
- Customize chapter pages
- Add page numbers to table of contents
- Pre-publication checklist
Video: Templates for paperback formatting:
Choose a templateDecide what kind of template you want and find your trim size. You can download blank templates or templates with sample content. The blank templates have the page size and margins set. The templates with sample content include formatted front matter (e.g., title page, table of contents) and chapters with placeholder text. Customize the parts you want to keep, and delete the sections you don't.The most common trim size for paperbacks in the US is 6" x 9" (15.24 x 22.86 cm), but you have several trim size options. If you're unsure which size to pick, find books with content similar to yours to get an idea of what readers expect. To find your template, click Download and open the ZIP folder. Choose your language and trim size. Important: Make sure to remove any template sample text from your final manuscript. If there is remaining template text in your manuscript, you may receive an error on upload, or your manuscript may be rejected on review. Download (Blank templates) Download (Templates with sample content) Note:
If your manuscript contains images or graphics that bleed to the edge of the page, you’ll need to increase the trim size. Visit Set Trim Size, Bleed, and Margins for more information. ^ Back to top | |
Customize front matterTips for formatting front matter:
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Customize chapter pagesTips for formatting chapter pages:
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Add page numbers to table of contentsAfter you finish customizing the rest of your book, find the page numbers on which each chapter begins. Then add them to the table of contents page.^ Back to top | |
Pre-publication checklist
Want to preview your paperback before making it available to customers? Order a proof copy. ^ Back to top |