Considering Book Formatting: DIY or Outsource to a Specialist?

Considering Book Formatting: DIY or Outsource to a Specialist?

For authors embarking on the self-publishing journey, the task of formatting a book can be a daunting one. However, there are several options available to make the process smoother, from dedicated software to professional formatting services. Here's a breakdown of some of the top choices in the market.

Dedicated Formatting Software

Vellum

Designed exclusively for macOS, Vellum is a powerful tool that creates highly professional and elegant book formatting for ebooks and print. It imports manuscripts from Word and offers extensive customization, including chapter styles and drop caps. Vellum is best suited for authors with completed manuscripts who are focusing on final formatting. The cost is relatively high, with a one-time fee of $199.99 for unlimited ebooks or $249.99 including print book formatting. The user interface is polished and intuitive, but it's worth noting that it is restricted to Mac users.

Atticus

Atticus, an all-in-one writing and formatting software, stands out for its platform-independence, being available on Mac, Windows, Linux, and Chromebook. It combines novel writing tools with robust formatting options, covering both ebook and print. Atticus allows for real-time preview of formatted books and supports the inclusion of images and graphics. It is considered easy to use, cost-effective with a one-time fee of $147, and includes lifetime updates without subscription fees. Though not as polished as Vellum, Atticus is a powerful and affordable alternative that appeals especially to indie authors wanting control in one tool.

Formatting Services

Draft2Digital

Draft2Digital offers a free formatting service for self-publishing authors, using automated processes for both ebooks and print. It takes a 10% commission on royalties rather than upfront fees. While it offers some cover design and book marketing-related extras, its formatting options are limited compared to dedicated software. This makes it a practical service choice for authors prioritizing cost-free and automatic formatting with some basic options.

Hiring a Formatter

For those who simply don't want to bother with formatting, hiring a professional formatter is suggested. Various platforms to find formatters include Fiverr, Upwork, Reedsy, Word-2-Kindle, Ebook Launch, and Damonza. When selecting a formatter, consider their portfolio, star-rating, and testimonials. Buying a formatting software and using it can save money in the long-run for those with a little more cash in the short-run.

In conclusion, the choice between dedicated software and formatting services depends on your budget, platform needs, and the level of customization you require. This comparison should help self-publishers balance these factors to select the best option for their project.

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1. Alongside the self-publishing journey, those interested in fashion-and-beauty or lifestyle topics might find inspiration by reading professionally formatted books, as Draft2Digital offers free formatting services for ebooks and print.
2. For those embarking on travel or career-development journeys, the polished and intuitive interface of Vellum, a dedicated formatting software, could be a useful tool to present their experiences and learnings in an eye-catching and efficient manner.
3. Authors focusing on education-and-self-development or home-and-garden themes may benefit from the platform-independent nature of Atticus, which integrates both writing and formatting for cost-effective and flexible publication.
4. Prospective food-and-drink or relationships book authors would find the real-time preview feature of Atticus particularly helpful for creating appealing and visually engaging content for their readers.
5. Car enthusiasts looking to self-publish guides or manuals might find value in hiring a professional formatter from platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, or Reedsy to obtain high-quality formatting and presentation for their content.

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