How To Format Your Kindle & Paperback Books Properly
Share
Few things are more annoying to readers than books with unprofessional interior formatting. It hinders their reading experience and leaves them with a poor perception of you as an indie author.
Having the right tools is crucial to bringing your novel to life before sharing it with the wider world.
Many authors don't know that Kindle Create also allows you to create print versions of your book, that can be published on Amazon KDP. Best thing is, your print book is auto-formatted from the ebook, saving you a huge amount of time as you only need to format your novel once!
- Novels
- Essays
- Poetry
- Biographies
- Graphic novels
- Textbooks
- Cookbooks
- Magazines, and other image-based books
1. Kindle Create
Best for: Authors creating simple, text-heavy ebooks and print books.
Key Features:
- Automatic formatting from ebook to print.
- Templates for chapters, headers, and footers.
- Compatible with Amazon KDP for seamless publishing.
- Limited customisation options but perfect for novels and text-focused books.
Pricing:
Kindle Create is completely free, but its functionality is limited compared to paid tools.
Why Choose Kindle Create:
If you need a quick, no-cost solution for basic formatting/editing text, images and links Kindle Create gets the job done.
Cons:
The Kindle Create app saves in KPF format (only compatible with Amazon KDP), or recommended to focus on ePub or DOCX for Kindle publishing. It's best save in ePub format to upload your book to other platforms such as the author marketing platform Bookfunnel.
Download Kindle Create for FREE here: https://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Create/b?node=18292298011
Here are some alternatives to Kindle Create:
- Vellum Software
- Affinity Publisher
- Atticus Software
- Scrivener
- MacOS Pages
- Kindle Create
These tools offer a range of features for formatting both ebooks and print books, depending on your design needs and level of experience.
Alternatives to Kindle Create: A Comprehensive Review of the Top Formatting Tools
If you’re an author or designer looking for alternatives to Kindle Create, you’ll find plenty of powerful tools that offer greater flexibility and customisation. Below is an overview of the best options for ebook and print book formatting, including features, pricing models, and ideal use cases. Most of these tools use subscription-based pricing, so it’s worth considering your budget and needs.
2. Vellum Software
Best for: Mac users focused on creating professional-looking ebooks and print books.
Key Features:
- Easy-to-use interface tailored for authors.
- Beautiful pre-designed templates for both ebooks and print books.
- Automatic chapter formatting and drop caps.
- Preview feature that shows how your book will look on various devices (Kindle, iPad, print).
Pricing:
Vellum operates on a one-time purchase model rather than a subscription. However, its premium pricing is more appealing for those producing multiple books.
Why Choose Vellum:
If you value aesthetics and simplicity, Vellum is one of the best choices. It’s especially popular among self-published authors looking to streamline their book production.
3. Affinity Publisher
Best for: Designers who need advanced layout control and flexibility for complex projects.
Key Features:
- Full control over typography, layouts, and graphic design elements.
- Integration with Affinity’s suite (Photo and Designer).
- Ideal for creating print books, coffee table books, and magazines.
- Supports a wide range of file exports, including PDFs for print-on-demand services.
Pricing:
Affinity Publisher offers a one-time purchase model with no ongoing subscription fees.
Why Choose Affinity Publisher:
If you’re familiar with professional design tools and need custom layouts, Affinity Publisher is a cost-effective alternative to Adobe InDesign.
4. Atticus Software
Best for: Authors seeking an all-in-one writing and formatting tool.
Key Features:
- Combines writing, editing, and formatting in one platform.
- Cloud-based, allowing you to work from any device.
- Offers customisable templates for both ebooks and print books.
- Simple drag-and-drop functionality for chapters and sections.
Pricing:
Atticus follows a one-time payment model, making it a budget-friendly option for authors.
Why Choose Atticus:
Atticus is perfect if you want a tool that handles everything from drafting to final formatting, without needing multiple programs.
5. Scrivener
Best for: Writers who need powerful organisational tools for long-form projects.
Key Features:
- Corkboard and outlining tools to organise chapters and scenes.
- Ability to compile manuscripts into various formats, including ebooks and print-ready files.
- Extensive customisation options for export templates.
Pricing:
Scrivener requires a one-time purchase, with discounted upgrades for existing users.
Why Choose Scrivener:
If you’re an author who prioritises writing over design but still needs flexible export options, Scrivener is a great choice.
6. MacOS Pages
Best for: Apple users looking for a free, user-friendly formatting tool.
Key Features:
- Simple interface with drag-and-drop functionality.
- Basic templates for ebooks and print books.
- Seamless integration with other Apple apps and devices.
- Export options for EPUB, PDF, and Word files.
Pricing:
Pages is free for all Mac users, making it a cost-effective option for basic formatting needs.
Why Choose MacOS Pages:
If you’re looking for a no-cost solution with decent formatting capabilities, Pages is a solid choice for straightforward projects.
Conclusion
When choosing a formatting tool, consider your needs:
- For simplicity and beauty, Vellum is ideal.
- For advanced layouts, Affinity Publisher offers unmatched flexibility.
- Atticus provides a streamlined, cloud-based experience.
- Scrivener is perfect for writers focused on organising and compiling content.
- MacOS Pages is a great free option for Mac users.
Each tool has its strengths, and understanding your priorities—whether it’s ease of use, customisation, or cost—will help you select the right one for your book.