Publishing your eBook on Smashwords can open doors to a wide audience across various platforms, but proper formatting is crucial to ensure your book is accepted and looks professional. Smashwords has specific guidelines that must be followed, and by adhering to them, you’ll increase your chances of reaching a broader audience without technical hiccups. This article provides essential tips for formatting your eBook for Smashwords, ensuring a seamless publishing experience.
Understand Smashwords Style Guide
Before diving into formatting, familiarize yourself with the Smashwords Style Guide, a comprehensive document outlining their requirements. The guide provides step-by-step instructions, covering everything from proper font usage to navigation tips. Reading this guide will save you time and frustration, as it ensures your manuscript aligns with Smashwords’ stringent formatting rules.
Start with a Clean Manuscript
A clean manuscript is the foundation of successful formatting. This means stripping unnecessary elements, such as extra spaces, tabs, or hidden codes. The easiest way to do this is by copying your text into a plain-text editor (like Notepad), then pasting it back into a Word document. This removes formatting quirks that can cause errors during the conversion process.
Choose the Right File Format
Smashwords primarily accepts Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) files for submission. Avoid using PDFs, as they often lead to unpredictable results during conversion. Ensure your document is saved in one of these recommended formats before uploading.
Use Standard Fonts and Styles
Stick to basic fonts like Times New Roman or Arial in a readable size, typically 12-point. Avoid decorative or script fonts, as they may not render well on all devices. Use consistent styles throughout the manuscript, including bold and italics, but avoid underlining, which can be mistaken for hyperlinks.
Set Up Proper Paragraph Formatting
Proper paragraph formatting is essential for a professional look. Use:
- Line Spacing: Single or 1.5-line spacing for readability.
- Indentation: Use the “First Line Indent” feature in your word processor instead of tabs. Tabs can create issues during conversion.
- Alignment: Stick to left-aligned text instead of justified text to avoid uneven word spacing on eReaders.
Include a Table of Contents
For longer eBooks, a Table of Contents (TOC) is a must. Smashwords requires a navigation-friendly TOC created using Word’s heading styles. Assign chapter titles the Heading 1 style, and use Word’s TOC generator to create a clickable list. This ensures readers can easily navigate your eBook on any device.
Optimize Images and Graphics
If your eBook includes images or graphics, ensure they are optimized for digital viewing. Use JPEG or PNG formats with a resolution of 300 DPI or lower to balance quality and file size. Place images inline with the text rather than floating, as floating images can disrupt the layout during conversion.
Format Your Front and Back Matter
Front and back matter are critical components of your eBook.
- Front Matter: Include a title page, copyright page, and dedication or acknowledgments.
- Back Matter: Add an author bio, call-to-action (e.g., “Follow me on social media”), and any relevant links.
Both sections should be formatted consistently and professionally to leave a lasting impression.
Use Smashwords’ Meatgrinder-Friendly Practices
Smashwords uses an automated system called the Meatgrinder to convert your manuscript into various eBook formats. To ensure your manuscript is Meatgrinder-friendly:
- Avoid complex formatting like tables, text boxes, or multi-column layouts.
- Use Word’s built-in features for headings, lists, and page breaks.
- Check for and remove unnecessary bookmarks and hyperlinks.
Validate Your Formatting
Before submitting, thoroughly proofread your manuscript. Use Smashwords’ AutoVetter tool to check for common formatting errors. Preview your eBook in different formats (EPUB, MOBI, PDF) to ensure it displays correctly across devices.
Test on Multiple Devices
Download your formatted eBook and test it on various devices and apps, such as Kindle, iBooks, and Adobe Digital Editions. This step ensures a consistent reading experience for your audience, no matter how they access your book.
Conclusion
Proper formatting is the cornerstone of successful publishing on Smashwords. By following these tips and adhering to their guidelines, you can create a professional eBook that appeals to readers and meets platform requirements. Invest the time to format your eBook meticulously, and you’ll set yourself up for a smooth publishing journey and a wider reach.