Meta Description: Formatting your book for self-publishing can be tricky. Use these free book formatting templates to create a professional-looking manuscript in minutes.

Alright, let’s talk book formatting.
You’ve finished your manuscript, and now it’s time to get it ready for self-publishing. But let’s be real: formatting a book can feel like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded.

Here’s the good news: templates.

Book formatting templates are the ultimate hack for making your manuscript look polished and professional without spending hours tinkering with margins and fonts. Whether you’re publishing on Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, or another platform, these free templates will save your sanity.

Let’s dive into how to use them, where to find them, and why they’re a self-published author’s best friend.

Why Use Book Formatting Templates?

Formatting your book is more than just making it pretty—it’s about giving your readers a smooth, enjoyable experience. Templates make this easier by:

  • Saving Time: Skip the trial-and-error formatting process.
  • Looking Professional: Templates are pre-formatted to meet industry standards.
  • Avoiding Headaches: No need to mess with page numbers, headers, or alignment.

What Should a Good Book Formatting Template Include?

A professional formatting template typically includes:

  1. Correct Page Size: For paperback and hardcover formats (e.g., 5×8, 6×9).
  2. Font Recommendations: Easy-to-read fonts like Garamond or Times New Roman.
  3. Chapter Layouts: Including title pages, drop caps, and consistent spacing.
  4. Headers and Footers: Properly aligned with page numbers.
  5. Front and Back Matter: Ready-to-use sections for acknowledgments, dedications, and author bios.

Best Free Book Formatting Templates

1. Reedsy Book Formatting Templates

Reedsy offers free templates for fiction and nonfiction books, formatted for print and eBooks.

2. DIY Book Formats for Word

These templates are perfect if you’re using Microsoft Word to format your manuscript.

3. Kindle Create Templates

Amazon’s Kindle Create tool offers templates designed specifically for KDP eBooks.

4. Canva Book Templates

Canva isn’t just for graphic design—it has great templates for formatting print books and eBooks too.

  • Pro tip: Use these templates for visually rich books like cookbooks or photo-heavy projects.
  • Get it here: Canva Book Templates

5. Vellum for Mac Users

If you’re on a Mac, Vellum is a game-changer. While the software itself isn’t free, you can download free sample templates to try it out.

  • Why it’s amazing: Gorgeous formatting with minimal effort.
  • Get it here: Vellum Templates

How to Use Book Formatting Templates

  1. Choose the Right Template:
    Make sure the template matches your book’s trim size (e.g., 5×8, 6×9) and platform requirements.
  2. Input Your Manuscript:
    Copy and paste your text into the template, replacing placeholder text.
  3. Tweak the Details:
    Adjust headers, fonts, and spacing to match your style or genre.
  4. Add Front and Back Matter:
    Include sections like your title page, copyright info, acknowledgments, and author bio.
  5. Export and Test:
    Save your file as a PDF or ePub, then preview it to make sure everything looks perfect.

Pro Tips for Formatting Like a Pro

  • Keep It Simple: Don’t overcomplicate things with fancy fonts or layouts.
  • Follow Platform Guidelines: Each publishing platform has specific formatting requirements—double-check them before uploading.
  • Use High-Quality Images: If your book includes images, make sure they’re at least 300 DPI for print quality.
  • Test on Different Devices: If you’re publishing an eBook, preview it on a Kindle, tablet, and phone to ensure it looks good everywhere.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Ignoring Margins: Always leave enough space for binding, especially for print books.
  2. Overloading Fonts: Stick to 1-2 fonts to keep your layout clean and professional.
  3. Forgetting Page Numbers: Double-check that page numbers are properly formatted and consistent.
  4. Skipping a Proofread: Mistakes in your formatting can distract readers and hurt your credibility.

Final Thoughts: Make Formatting Easy

Formatting your book doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With the right templates, you can create a professional-looking manuscript that’s ready to publish—without the stress.

So grab one of these free templates, customize it to fit your book, and get ready to share your story with the world.

Explore Free Book Formatting Templates Here

You’ve got this. Now go turn that manuscript into something beautiful.