The Rule: Good Formatting is Invisible
Readers don't notice good formatting. They definitely notice bad formatting.
The Reality:
- • Broken TOC = 1-star review
- • Text disappearing into spine = 1-star review
- • Orphaned words = "looks unprofessional"
- Perfect formatting = invisible = no complaints
eBook Formatting Essentials
The TOC: Must Be Clickable (NCX)
Your Table of Contents must have clickable links. Readers tap "Chapter 5" and jump to Chapter 5.
How to Create:
- • Vellum/Atticus: Automatic
- • Word: Use Heading Styles (Heading 1, Heading 2)
- • Calibre: Generate TOC from headings
Chapter Breaks
Each chapter should start on a new page. Use page breaks, not 20 blank lines.
In Word: Insert → Page Break (Ctrl+Enter)
Indentation
First line of each paragraph should be indented 0.3-0.5 inches. Don't use Tab key.
In Word: Format → Paragraph → Indentation → First Line → 0.3"
Print Formatting: Margins & Gutters
The Gutter: Inside Margin
The "gutter" is the inside margin (where pages bind). If it's too small, text disappears into the spine.
Recommended Margins:
Trim Sizes
Choose a standard trim size. Custom sizes cost more to print.
6" × 9"
Most common for fiction & non-fiction
5" × 8"
Compact novels, memoirs
8.5" × 11"
Workbooks, journals
Widows & Orphans
A "widow" is a single word at the top of a page. An "orphan" is a single word at the bottom. Both look unprofessional.
Fix: In Word, Format → Paragraph → Line and Page Breaks → Check "Widow/Orphan control"
Formatting Tools: Free vs Paid
Free Tools
Microsoft Word
Manual formatting, steep learning curve
Calibre
eBook conversion, TOC generation
Reedsy Book Editor
Free online editor, exports to EPUB
Paid Tools
Vellum ($250)
Mac only, best-in-class, one-click formatting
Atticus ($147)
Windows & Mac, Vellum competitor
Scrivener ($49)
Writing + formatting, exports to EPUB
Recommendation
New authors: Start with Reedsy Book Editor (free) or Word.
Serious authors: Invest in Vellum (Mac) or Atticus (Windows). They pay for themselves in time saved.
5 Formatting Mistakes
❌ Broken TOC
Non-clickable TOC = instant 1-star review. Always test on a Kindle device.
❌ Using Tab for Indents
Tab key breaks on different devices. Use paragraph formatting instead.
❌ Tiny Gutter Margins
Text disappears into spine. Use minimum 0.875" inside margin for print.
❌ Inconsistent Spacing
Some chapters double-spaced, others single. Pick one and stick with it.
❌ Not Testing on Devices
Looks perfect on computer, broken on Kindle. Always test before publishing.
Formatting Checklist
Perfect Formatting is Invisible
Readers don't notice good formatting. They definitely notice bad formatting. Get it right.