Book Publishing >> Manuscript Preparation

Manuscript Formatting for Self-Published Authors

Preparing your manuscript for self-publishing is a crucial step in producing a professional-looking book. While the formatting process may seem intimidating, most authors can format their own book with the right tools and guidance.

At InstantPublisher, we provide everything you need to correctly format your manuscript and get it print-ready. If you need assistance, our professional layout and typesetting services are also available.

Manuscript Formatting Guidelines

  • Use standard fonts like Times New Roman or Arial, 11–12 pt
  • Set page size to match your chosen trim size (e.g., 6”x9”, 5.5”x8.5”)
  • Maintain 0.75”–1” margins on all sides
  • Use consistent paragraph spacing and avoid tabs for indents
  • Include section breaks between chapters and a title page at the beginning

Important Note on Bleeds

If your book includes images, graphics, or background colors that extend to the edge of the page, you must add a 1/8" (0.125") bleed area on all sides of your layout. This ensures your artwork extends past the trim line and avoids unwanted white borders after cutting.

For example, a 6”x9” book with bleed should be sized at 6.25” x 9.25” including the bleed margin.

Our system accepts Microsoft Word and PDF files. We also recommend reviewing our cover template guidelines to ensure your layout and spine size match.

Need help? Visit our Layout and Typesetting Services page or contact us to get expert formatting support.