You’ve written your book! Congratulations! That’s a huge achievement. But before you press publish, there is one important step you don’t want to miss: formatting.
It’s not the sexiest step in the publishing process, but formatting is what makes your book feel real. Having a good-looking book is visually clean and easy to read, and also has that “wow, this is legit’ factor.” A poorly formatted one? It can alienate readers before they reach chapter one.
Whether you are looking into how to self-publish a book for the first time or are already published and want to improve your self-publishing, professional formatting is a key ingredient in your success. Let’s discuss why formatting is an issue, what you can do about it, and how to choose the best book formatting services for your project.
So What Is Booking Formatting, Anyway?
Book formatting (also known as interior layout design) is how you make your book look good on the inside. That means:
- Clean margins and line spacing
- Chapter headings that make sense
- Page numbers in the right spot
- Fonts that are easy on the eyes
- And a smooth reading experience from start to finish
It’s the stuff that keeps readers focused on your words, instead of being distracted by weird spacing or inconsistent alignment.
Print Book vs. eBook
Print books and eBooks need different kinds of formatting. Print is more precise—you’re working with trim sizes, page counts, and fixed layouts. eBooks, on the other hand, have to flow across different screen sizes and devices. If you’re self-publishing a novel (or any book) and planning to publish in both formats (which most authors do), you’ll need a version for each.
Should You Do-It-Yourself or Hire a Pro?
Some authors like to do their own formatting using tools like Word, Vellum, or Atticus. That can work—especially for simpler projects—but it also comes with a learning curve and can be time-consuming (and frustrating).
Doing it Yourself Might Be Fine If:
- You’re working with a basic fiction manuscript
- You’re tech-savvy or enjoy design
- You’ve got time to figure it out
Hiring a Pro Is Usually Worth It If:
- You want your book to look as polished as traditionally published ones
- You’re planning to publish on multiple platforms
- You want to spend your time writing and marketing, not troubleshooting fonts and margins
If you’re comparing self-publishing firms or considering professional help, don’t underestimate the value of clean, professional formatting—it can elevate your book from amateur to polished.
What Makes a Great Formatting Service?
If you decide to hire someone, here’s what to look for:
- They’ve worked with self-publishing platforms like Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, and Barnes & Noble
- They understand your genre and what readers expect
- They offer formatting for both print and eBook
- They listen to your goals and communicate clearly
- They’ll send you files that are ready to upload—no extra tech stress
- They’re transparent about pricing, turnaround, and what’s included
Bonus points if they also help with things like choosing trim sizes, fonts, or organizing your front and back matter.
Some Formatting Services to Check Out
Here are a few solid options, depending on what you’re looking for:
1. Sprig Publishing Solutions
(That’s us!) We help self-published authors like you get from a messy manuscript to a polished, professional book. Our book formatting services are tailored, affordable, and designed to take the stress off your plate. We know what platforms like Amazon and IngramSpark require, and we make sure your files are ready to go. Need both print and eBook versions? No problem, we’ve got you covered.
2. Reedsy Marketplace
This is a great place to find vetted freelancers. You can browse profiles, check out portfolios, and request quotes. Just be ready to compare and communicate directly with freelancers.
3. Ebook Launch
Well-known in the indie author space, they offer print and eBook formatting services. Their pricing is straightforward, and they’ve worked with various genres.
Before You Hire a Formatter, Ask These Questions
To make sure you’re getting what you need, here are a few things worth asking:
- Do you format for both print and eBook?
- Can I see examples of your past work?
- Will my files be ready to upload to Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, etc.?
- What’s included—front matter, back matter, clickable table of contents?
- How many revisions are included?
- Will copies of the final book files be provided?
Final Thoughts: Don’t Skip the Details
Formatting might not get all the attention, but it has a big impact on how your book is received. Readers do notice. And when your book looks clean and professional, it gives the reader a better experience—and keeps readers reading.
At Sprig Publishing Solutions, we’re here to help your book look its best. If you’ve got questions about how to self-publish a book or need help choosing between self-publishing firms, we’re happy to chat. We’ll walk you through everything, keep it stress-free, and make sure your book is ready for the world.
Ready to get started? Reach out to us at contact@sprigpublishingsolutions.com for questions or a quote.
