Fiction Formatting
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is formatting?
A. Formatting is the process of transforming the final version of your Word manuscript into a 'proper' book interior, and then generating EPUB (ebook) and PDF (print) files for you to upload to your preferred platform(s) so your readers can access them.
Q. What software do you use for formatting books?
A. I use Vellum software to format fiction books.
Q. What format should my manuscript be in when I send it to you?
A. Always on a Word document please, and only after proofreading. My blog post 'Penning and Planning – The Formatting Process' outlines everything you need to know.
Q. How do I choose my book interior preferences?
A. I will send you a simple but comprehensive checklist to complete before your formatting slot. The checklist includes: book styles available, chapter heading backgrounds available, font choices available, book sizes available, text layout preferences, and what front and back matter you would like to include, as well as space for any other requests you may have (software permitting).
My blog posts Is Vellum formatting suitable for my book? and What are the pros and cons of Vellum formatting? and 5 reasons NOT to choose Vellum formatting are good places to start if you are considering my formatting service.
Q. What does 'from just £99' mean in terms of pricing?
A. Formatting prices are structured as follows:
- £99 for a text only manuscript which contains up to 50,000 words
- £109 for a text only manuscript which contains between 50,000–70,000 words
- £119 for a text only manuscript which contains between 70,000–90,000 words
- £129 for a text only manuscript which contains between 90,000-100,000 words
- £139 for a text only manuscript which contains over 100,000 words
It then costs an extra £10 to add up to 3 interior images/graphics/illustrations. An extra £20 for 4-6 images/graphics/illustrations. An extra £30 for 7-9 images/graphics/illustrations, and so on.
A 10% deposit will secure your formatting slot.
Q. Does formatting come before or after proofreading?
A. My formatting service is always done after the book has been proofread. Although I do a page by page quality check on the interior layout, including correcting the odd missed typo if I spot one, a thorough proofread should be done first (including all front and back matter). After the formatting has been done (including any revisions needed), the book will ready to publish immediately!