How to Format Your Book for Amazon KDP, Kindle, Barnes & Noble, Draft2Digital, and EPUB

Finalizing Your Book — Print Formatting, PDF, EPUB, and Kindle

In this lesson, author Jonathan David demonstrates the final stages of preparing his manuscript for publication: creating separate editions, adjusting the print layout, updating the table of contents, exporting a PDF, and using Kindle Create to prepare ebook files.

Lesson Summary

The manuscript contains the original podcast material alongside summaries and practical instructions. With the main content assembled, the next task is to prepare versions suitable for different reading formats and production methods.

• Keep a primary manuscript and create clearly named copies for each edition.
• Adjust page dimensions, margins, headings, and front matter for the intended print format.
• Update the entire table of contents after the layout changes.
• Export and inspect the print PDF.
• Prepare a separate reflowable ebook and review its navigation.
• Use the accompanying video library for platform-specific publishing demonstrations.

1. Create Separate Files for Each Edition

1. Save the primary manuscript. Keep a complete working version containing the assembled book.
2. Duplicate the manuscript for each planned edition. Jonathan creates copies for textbook size, handheld size, tiny book size, and third-party printing.
3. Name each copy clearly. Include the edition or production method in the filename so you can identify it immediately.
4. Add the final material to every applicable edition. Include the last chapter, closing message, and instructions for accessing the accompanying lessons.
5. Check page breaks. Make sure the final sections begin where you intend them to begin.

The handmade editions use Jonathan’s own production layouts. This demonstration focuses primarily on the edition intended for third-party printing.

2. Set the Print Page Size and Margins

1. Choose the intended trim size. Jonathan uses 5.5 × 8.5 inches in this demonstration and also discusses 6 × 9 inches as another option.
2. Open the page-layout settings in Word. Set the document’s page dimensions to match the planned edition.
3. Open Layout → Margins → Custom Margins. Review the margin and gutter settings for the print copy.
4. Apply the demonstrated layout if appropriate for your project. Jonathan enters 0.75-inch top, bottom, and left margins; a 0.5-inch right margin; and a 0.13-inch gutter, then selects mirrored margins.
5. Check the resulting facing pages. Confirm that the text has enough room near the binding and that the outer margins look consistent.

3. Adjust the Title, Headers, and Front Matter

1. Review the headers after resizing the pages. Text that fitted a textbook page may need to be shortened or reduced for a smaller edition.
2. Resize the title as needed. Jonathan reduces the title from approximately 41 points to 30 points to improve its fit.
3. Check the title-page arrangement. Review the spacing and placement of the title, author name, and publishing information.
4. Add the copyright page. Jonathan uses ChatGPT to help draft this page. Review the finished wording and confirm that the names, year, website, and other details are correct.
5. Confirm the front-matter sequence. Check that the title page, copyright information, table of contents, and introduction appear in the intended order.

4. Update the Table of Contents

1. Select the table of contents. Open its update option in Word.
2. Choose “Update entire table.” Refresh the headings and page numbers after completing the layout changes.
3. Review the entries. Confirm that the podcast sections, summaries, and instructional sections appear in the intended order.
4. Test navigation. Click several entries to check that they lead to the correct sections.
5. Check the final page count. The demonstrated smaller print edition reaches approximately 357–358 pages. Your page count will depend on your content and layout.

5. Export and Inspect the Print PDF

1. Save the Word document. Preserve the editable manuscript before exporting.
2. Export or save a PDF copy. Use a clear filename that identifies the print edition.
3. Allow the export to finish. Larger manuscripts may take longer to process.
4. Open the exported PDF. Inspect the title page, front matter, chapter openings, headers, footers, and final pages.
5. Review the mirrored layout. Facing pages can appear offset because the inside margin allows space for the spine.
6. Test the table-of-contents links. In the demonstration, the exported PDF retains clickable navigation.
7. Check the submission requirements. Confirm that the PDF matches the specifications of the printer you plan to use.

6. Prepare an Ebook in Kindle Create

1. Open Kindle Create. Jonathan demonstrates this application as one way to prepare the ebook.
2. Create a new project. Choose the project type that suits the content.
3. Select reflowable for this prose-based book. This allows the text to adapt to the reader’s display and reading settings.
4. Import the manuscript. Select the Word file prepared for the ebook workflow.
5. Review the detected headings. The heading structure established in Word helps organize the imported book.
6. Inspect the ebook layout and navigation. Check chapter starts, section titles, paragraphs, and the table of contents.
7. Save the editable project. Keep it available for future corrections and exports.

7. Export the Appropriate Ebook File

• KPF: Kindle Create exports this format for submission to Kindle Direct Publishing.
• EPUB: Kindle Create also exports EPUB for reflowable projects. KDP accepts EPUB, and other ebook services may accept it as well.
• Print PDF: Keep this separate from the reflowable ebook. It preserves the fixed page layout prepared for printing.
• Editable manuscript: Retain the Word document and project files so you can revise the book later.

Check each service’s upload requirements before submitting your files. Preparing a file and completing publication are separate steps.

Review KDP’s supported ebook manuscript formats.

8. Continue with the Publishing Video Library

This lesson concludes the manuscript-formatting portion of the project. Cover design, platform-specific uploads, audiobook production, and physical printing are addressed in accompanying or subsequent video lessons.

The book combines spoken transcripts, summaries, and practical instructions. The video library lets you watch the demonstrations and see how Jonathan applies the process.

Thank You for Reading

Thank you for reading and purchasing my book. To watch the accompanying lessons and see me work through the process, visit authorjonathandavid.com. Follow the access instructions supplied with your purchase to reach the included video library.

If you are a monthly or annual member, you can submit questions and request topics for future lessons and podcasts. Questions are addressed in the order received. This request service is separate from a one-time book or course purchase.

Explore my fiction, educational books, podcasts, and other work while you are there.

Disclaimer: My videos and podcasts express personal opinions and are intended strictly for entertainment. Commentary may include speculation, hearsay, satire, or fictional material and should not be treated as verified fact or professional advice. Publishing requirements vary by platform and may change. Fictional works may contain mature themes and are recommended for audiences 18 and older.