Now available as part of a
4-in-1 compilation. Get
4 books for the
price of 2. The ISBN of the 4-in-1 compilation is 150318420X.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION: This is a highly detailed guide with several
step-by-step instructions for how to format and publish your book both as a paperback book with Amazon (and other major online booksellers) and as an eBook with Kindle (and a variety of other eReaders).
The book is both
highly informative (like describing how to set the margins with bleed, including the gutter, and listing the pixel sizes of different brands of eReaders), yet also
focused on useful formatting and publishing skills.
With this reference as a guide, you can self-publish a quality manuscript with ease.
The paperback edition includes a comprehensive, 18-page
index to help you quickly find information.
AUTHOR: Chris McMullen has written and self-published over a dozen paperback books and eBooks. This book also was self-published using the same techniques that are described here. Chris McMullen shares numerous useful formatting tips in clear language with precise, detailed instructions.
NOTES: The formatting instructions of Volume 1 are geared specifically toward using Microsoft Word 2010 (which is similar to Word 2007 and 2013) for Windows. In contrast, Volume 2—sold separately—on marketing and marketability has very little to do with Microsoft Word. The paperback instructions are largely geared toward CreateSpace, while the eBook instructions accommodate Kindle and other eReaders.
DESCRIPTION: Find highly detailed try-it-yourself, walk-you-through-it tutorials for how to use Microsoft Word 2010 (which is similar to Word 2007 and 2013) specifically with Windows to publish your book both as a paperback book and as an eBook. This includes:
- How to use numerous formatting features (like page borders and bookmark hyperlinks). (A couple of more subtle formatting tips, like using different page headers or page numbering styles or how to avoid widows and orphans, are described in Volume 2—sold separately.)
- How to convert the content file for your paperback book into an eBook. (A couple of subtle formatting tips, like applying Word's Styles to achieve more reliable formatting or using very basic HTML to perfect the eBook, are described in Volume 2—sold separately.)
- How to format pictures and equations in an eBook with a variety of eReaders in mind.
- How to minimize the eBook's file size.
- How to draw your own pictures from scratch
- How to create your own cover. (Volume 1 discusses how to make the cover, while Volume 2—sold separately—discusses the art of cover design and its impact on marketability at length. Volume 2 also discusses the pros and cons of hiring a cover designer, including tips for doing so.)
- How to insert and format equations.
VOLUME 1 CONTENTS:
- Choosing a Publishing Service
- Formatting Your Book Interior
- Creating a Book Cover
- Self-Publishing Your Book.
Volume 2 (sold separately) covers editing your proof, marketability tips, cover design, creating author pages, useful tips about Amazon and other booksellers, and marketing strategies.
Updated September 28, 2014.
What Authors LikeHundreds of authors have shared feedback about Chris McMullen's books about self-publishing directly with the author via email or on the author's blog. Here are some things that many authors have enjoyed about these books:
- clear explanations, detailed instructions, packed with tips
- conversational tone and clear communication
- depth and range of knowledge displayed
- covers topics that authors really want to learn about
- practical and competent advice
- author comes across as caring and encouraging
Books about self-publishing by Chris McMullen:
Word to Kindle Formatting Magic (new release).
This book provides detailed instructions on how to format a Kindle eBook beginning with Microsoft Word, and also shows you how to go a quick step beyond Word to make a variety of subtle improvements. Learn how to use paragraph styles to control hidden formatting, create drop caps that work across all devices, build an active table of contents, which special characters you can use, how to format pictures, and a variety of Kindle design considerations. Handy checklists help with previewing, publishing, formatting, proofreading, troubleshooting, and even creating a paperback edition. This book is up-to-date with sections on how to setup the new X-Ray feature, improvements to KDP's new print-on-demand service, recent changes to the downloadable previewer (such as Auto-Advance), and more.
A Detailed Guide to Self-Publishing with Amazon, Volume 1.
This volume focuses on formatting the interior, designing a cover, and step-by-step instructions for how to publish. Formatting focuses on Microsoft Word 2010, including many tips to format the paperback and e-book. Discusses many important decisions authors must make, like setting the price and the pros/cons of enrolling in KDP Select. Covers both paperback and e-book formatting.
A Detailed Guide to Self-Publishing with Amazon, Volume 2.
A continuation of the first volume. This volume focuses on editing, cover design considerations, setting up author pages, helpful info about Amazon, and a detailed introduction to marketing. Includes numerous tips to perfect the formatting, cover design, marketing, and more. Discusses many popular topics, like reviews, rank, creating buzz, building a following, and more. Several authors have expressed that this book is easily worth it for the very detailed chapter on marketing.
How to Self-Publish a Book on Amazon.com.This guide is not as detailed, but covers a wide range of introductory topics. Includes chapters on pre-publishing (like writing, editing, research, and developing the concept) in addition to publishing (formatting, conversion to PDF, publishing, and marketing). Updated in 2014 to provide more formatting and marketing depth. Includes popular topics like formatting page numbers, Kindle formatting, and conversion to PDF.
Formatting Pages for Publishing on Amazon with CreateSpace.
Shows you how to format a Word document for publishing with CreateSpace. Includes page numbering, headers, drop caps, widows, and more. Discusses many formatting details, like tips for better justification and how to prepare a file with bleed.
Self-Publishing with Amazon (Boxed Set: 4 Books in 1).
Includes four full-length books (
over 600 pages). Also includes bonus content from the author's blog. Available in both paperback and for Kindle.
