From a Master Craftsman
When it comes to Formatting Manuscripts, I've a career spanning decades producing Books and Magazines in most all technologies.
Just some general information for those coming at this for the first time. When we go from our finished book file, be it MS Word, Mac or whatever word processing system you use (I still like that phrase: word processing), it’s because of what you’ve done to it through changing the layout of the text. Fonts, sizes, paragraphs — to mention just a few — all need replacing for the new EBook.
What is an EBook? An EBook is an EPUB Format and follows the standard of the IDPF (International Digital Publishing Forum). Having reflowable content means an EPUB reader ( for instance, Kindle, Onyx Boox, or a Kobo) can optimize the text for display so that it can be read.
MS Docx. Fact is there are approximately 72k XML codes in front of just one full-point in an MS Word Docx. Add all that together with an entire manuscript and you have a massive payload of useless coding getting in the way; that is not going to be of any use when it comes to producing our EBook.
Someone mentioned to me that if you take out all these pieces of code from my document how is it going to be displayed in the way that I want it to read?
Replacement like-for-like, that's how. Having all those XML codes in is not to anyone’s advantage when overlaid for Epub File Formatting for here we are going to revert to HTML and CSS for display. CSS will describe it. I should have perhaps mentioned how an EBook is enabled. Running ahead of myself, sorry! If you didn't already know an EBook is composed of website pages. When I Format your book I make each chapter a section (a single file). All composed the same way as a website is using HTML and CSS Coding. Technically neither of which are codes. In the case of HTML it is what it says on the tin lid. Hyper Text Mark-up Language. That's the main content of your written work; while Cascading Style Sheets are the driving and controlling part for what the text is to do. Put the two together correctly and you have an EBook that will stand out on the digital shelf.
Quick word here. When moving documents from one computer to another, PC to PC, PC to Mac, Mac to Mac, and Mac to PC. Microsoft Word is a word processor that has text that flows. Any difference in font, spacing, breaks, widows and orphans, paragraphs, etc are nothing to do with any interchange of the documents, they are caused by computer-to-computer differences. Office Open XML, as it’s officially named, was established by an international standards body. Mac uses an iWork system created by the late Steve Jobs, Microsoft Office applications cannot open iWork documents, but iWork applications can open Office documents for editing, and export documents from iWork’s native formats to Microsoft Office formats as well as to PDF files. So using an Apple Mac shouldn’t create any problems when it comes to Formatting your files for EBooks.
When you submit your book files, I will peruse them checking for anything that may cause issues or questions that I would need to speak to you about. These would normally be paragraph breaks or highlighting text or type face. I will spend time on this before beginning to format for good reason. I don't want to have to go back altering CSS code. As the saying goes, 'Measure twice, cut once'. As for typeface fonts, keep in mind that unless you're an expert in typographic layout keep to three fonts. Bear in mind, if there is a typeface you have a desire for outside of the list below then you will need to purchase a licence from a type founder supplier.
Differences between a Platform and an Aggregator.
An Aggregator is a company that makes your work available in multiple EBook stores simultaneously. Many also offer print-on-demand services to sell hardcover and/or paperbacks to your readers.
Platforms are EBook or Paperback storefronts where the reader can see and purchase your book.
Confused!
Draft2Digital is an Aggregator that will distribute your book to many retailers. Amazon is a Platform that will sell your book through their own Amazon Book Store.
Sorry! I do not currently Upload Book Files to Aggregators or Platforms on your behalf. For information on Platforms and Aggregators on How to Self Publish that accept EBooks and Paperbacks for uploading see below. Among them are links to articles by me on How to Do-it-Yourself EBooks for those with ambitions.
ONE FOR HEADINGS | ONE FOR BODY TEXT | ONE FOR SPECIAL ELEMENTS
Just some of the fonts optimized for E-ink display; that will reduce eye strain during long reading sessions by ensuring high clarity and comfort below:
If you have any questions you can simply click the contact button below. This will put you through to my email account without filling out the Submission Form. Although I have fixed prices I recognise not all work is the same and as such I will always quote first. The Return Submission Form should give me all the information about your book I need. As I say a full quotation will be sent to you for your approval should you go ahead. Should any problems arise that need your approval while I am working on any of your projects then I shall let you know immediately.
| Fiction | Author/Publisher supplies cover | Up to 70k words | £180.00 |
| Fiction | Author/Publisher supplies cover | Up to 80k words | £200.00 |
| Fiction | Author/Publisher supplies cover | Up to 90k words | £225.00 |
| Fiction | Author/Publisher supplies cover | Up to 100k words | £250.00 |
| Non-fiction | Author/Publisher supplies cover | Up to 70k words | £200.00 |
| Non-fiction | Author/Publisher supplies cover | Up to 80k words | £225.00 |
| Non-fiction | Author/Publisher supplies cover | Up to 90k words | £250.00 |
| Non-fiction | Author/Publisher supplies cover | Up to 100k words | £275.00 |
Notes to the above
All Formatted EBook Files uploaded to you on completion should not be taken as Read and Correct. While all efforts to Correct the manuscript as I go, there can be no guarantees that the book will be correct before uploading to the Platform of your choice and are at the author's responsibility. Any alterations to the Formatted EBook File will be charged at my hourly rate as per my Terms and Conditions. Any additional alterations will be taken as Author's Corrections (AC's) and charged accordingly.
You are advised that you have your manuscript read and corrected before submitting files for EBook Formatting. The manuscript can be Proofread by me before formatting if you choose. See the relevant page at Proofreading for details of my rates.
If you are supplying your own cover you should have an aspect ratio of 1.6:1 height to width for the image. Example: 2,560 pixels high by 1,600 pixels wide. If you would like me to create an EBook Cover for your book details are on the page, Graphics. If you are having your EBook Formatted by me add £40 and I will create a basic cover for you.