Last Updated on August 19, 2020 by Jordan Alexo

Formatting a book for Kindle publishing isn’t the most exciting thing on planet earth. But if you are a publisher, then there comes a time where you just got to do it. Besides, by following what I teach here, you can do this process quickly and effortlessly. After publishing about 50 books, I still format them both for Kindle and paperback.

Although, formatting books for Kindle is straightforward compared to paperback. Later on, if you prefer, you can outsource this process to a virtual assistant in Upwork. It’s always a fantastic way for you to save some time for an extra cost.

How To Format Your E-Book For Kindle Publishing [VIDEO GUIDE]

 

What Tools Do You  Need?

You can either use Microsoft Word or WPS Office. I prefer to use the WPS office because it’s free. This text editor is remarkably similar to Microsoft Office but completely free. Just click here to download it.

Now open your book file inside the text editor.

STEP 1 ) Activate, “Show Hide Paragraph Marks”

 

STEP 2) Justify All Your Content

Select all your book content by using “ALT+A.” Afterward, choose to justify alignment; this makes your content fill the entirety of the page, making everything look clean and professional.

 

STEP 3) Font Family

I’m not very complicated when it comes to this, and I also recommend you to do the same. Sometimes a few new publishers get caught up with their font family, and it’s a waste of time. As long as you use a clean and readable font, then you are okay! The best fonts are Arial, Times New Roman, Verdana, or Georgia.

My preferred option is Georgia size 14 pixels. I nearly use this font for all my books. Also, because many people don’t know how to increase their font size in their Kindle device. This font size looks good in most devices, and you don’t run the risk of having readers leaving negative reviews.

You may go to your paragraph, headlines, and change each one individually.

Afterward, select the section where you want to change your font and click on the “normal” paragraph option. You can also change your book headlines the same way.

STEP 4) Remove Unnecessary Formatting Marks

You should scroll down your book, remove all the unnecessary formatting marks, and, when needed, add page breaks. In case this is the first time looking at your book, you may want to read it to make sure your writer did an excellent job.

What should you look for?

You might be wondering what exactly is unnecessary formatting marks…

1st) Remove excessive “enters.” Sometimes writers don’t know how to add a page break; instead, they pass to the next page by adding “enters.” Just delete them.

Instead, pass to the next page by adding a page break. You should format each similar page in the same way. You probably will see the same issue before each new chapter.

2nd) Format your title page. You may increase the book title and subtitle font size. Also, make sure to add your pen or author name. Once everything looks great, then it’s time for you to format the rest of your book.

3rd) Read through your book and remove any extra space and enter marks. You should do this process until your book file is completely clean. This way, you will avoid any awkward issues with your Kindle book formatting. Examples:

STEP 5) Check Headings

Click on your book headings and see if they are correctly formatted. Sometimes the headings may be wrongly defined. The chapter should be a heading 1, and the ones inside it should be a heading 2.

If you find headings not correctly formatted, then select the right ones for them.

STEP 6) Add a Table of Content

Once you have cleaned your entire file and properly formatted your headings, then it’s time for you to add a table of content. It is hyperlinked, letting your readers quickly access their chosen section, and without pagination. For this, follow the example shown below:

1st) Head over to the page after your copyright one. In case you don’t have one, simply create a new page. Here write the table of content, make it a heading 1 and add a page break.

2nd) Click on the middle of your page. Go to the references tab, click on the table of contents and, “insert a table of contents” as you want to add a custom one.

Choose to show levels 1 (heading 1). If you want your readers to get a better idea of the content in your book, you may select to show levels 2.  As a result, they may then see the heading 1 and heading 2 appearing in the table of content. Furthermore, remove “show pages” and “right align page numbers.” Just keep the “use hyperlinks” option.

Take a look at your table of content and see if everything looks right. You should remove any unnecessary headings like the “Table of content.” For this, select the heading and press delete on your keyboard.

Hover one of your headings and shift+left mouse click to see if it’s appropriately linking to the right section.

Frequently Asked Questions

Like always, I enjoy ending my posts by replying to several common questions.

1 – What Is The Best Font Family For Kindle Books?

I wouldn’t get too caught up with your font family. I know some beginners who may spend days trying to decide this small issue. But the most important thing is to have a clean looking font. My preferred ones are Arial, Georgia, Times New Roman, and Verdana.

I also recommend you to use the same font family and other formatting options for all the books belonging to one author.

2 – What Is The Best Font Size For Kindle Books?

I suggest between 12 to 14 pixels. Although Kindle devices or mobiles allow you to increase the font family size, many readers aren’t aware of this option.

3 – Can I Outsource My Kindle Book Formatting?

I always suggest you format your first few books. At least, this way, you have an idea of the process in case one day you need it. Although, doing this process may be time-consuming, especially when you have multiple books requiring formatting. The easiest way to outsource this process is to head over to Fiverr.com.

You may find people doing this service for about 5 dollars a pop. Just go to their website and search for “Kindle book formatting.” Afterward, select one of the gigs in the following listing.

By the way, you can also use one of these services to format your Kindle book to paperback.

Last Thoughts

Now you know how to format your book for Kindle Direct Publishing quickly. If you have any questions or tips and tricks you’d like to share, then leave it in the comment section right below. Also, make sure to subscribe to my newsletter so that you may receive your free Kindle publishing guide. Thanks for reading!