Free Ebook & Paperback Formatting for Amazon KDP with Reedsy

Opening: Self-publishing on Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) is a growing trend. However, formatting books to meet Amazon’s requirements can be a significant hurdle. This guide will show you how to format both ebooks and paperbacks for free using Reedsy, simplifying your Amazon KDP publishing journey.

Reedsy Book Formatting: A Free Solution for KDP Authors

Reedsy is an online platform offering free, simple, and user-friendly book formatting tools. While the results may not be as polished as professional formatting services, Reedsy remains an excellent option for new authors or those on a budget. You can use Reedsy to format both ebooks (ePub format) and paperbacks (PDF format).

Steps to Format Your Book on Reedsy

1. Prepare Your Manuscript in Google Docs:

  • Format Headings: Use the built-in heading styles in Google Docs.
    • Book Title: Heading 1 (H1).
    • Chapter Titles: Heading 1 (H1).
    • Subheadings (if applicable): Heading 2 (H2) or Heading 3 (H3).
  • Insert Page Breaks: Use the “Page Break” function to start new pages, avoid pressing Enter multiple times.
  • Insert Links (if applicable): Use the “Insert Link” function to create hyperlinks.
  • Add Images (if applicable): Insert images directly into Google Docs.
  • Download as .docx: Once finished, download your manuscript as a Microsoft Word (.docx) file.

2. Sign Up for a Reedsy Account:

  • Visit the Reedsy website and sign up for a free account as an “Author.”

3. Create a New Book on Reedsy:

  • Log in to your Reedsy account.
  • Go to “My Books” -> “Add New Title.”
  • Enter your book title and upload the .docx file prepared in step 1.

4. Configure Book Information:

  • Go to “Manage” -> “Book Settings.”
  • Fill in all the necessary information: Book title, author name, book description, cover image, etc.

5. Format Your Book on Reedsy:

  • Delete Reedsy’s default chapter (if any).
  • Review the formatting of your entire book content.
  • Add a table of contents automatically by selecting the heading levels (Heading 1, Heading 2, etc.).
  • Generate a copyright page automatically with your information.

6. Export Your Book:

  • Select “Export Book.”
  • Choose either ebook (ePub) or paperback (PDF) format.
  • Customize settings like book size, font, etc.
  • Download the formatted book file.

Alternative Option: Outsourcing Formatting Services

If you require more professional formatting, consider hiring a formatting service on freelance platforms like Fiverr. The cost for this service is often quite affordable.

Conclusion: Proper book formatting is crucial for successful publishing on Amazon KDP. Reedsy is a valuable free tool that simplifies this process. This guide empowers you on your self-publishing journey. Start formatting your book with Reedsy today!

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