Publishing your book on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) can be exciting. But before you hit publish, one important step you cannot skip is book formatting. A poorly formatted book can ruin the reading experience, while a well-formatted one makes your book look professional and increases your chances of getting positive reviews.
In this guide, we will cover everything beginners need to know about KDP book formatting. From manuscript setup to formatting tools, eBook vs. paperback layouts, and common mistakes to avoid, this article will help you publish with confidence.
What is Amazon KDP Book Formatting?
Book formatting means arranging your text, headings, spacing, and images properly so that your book looks neat and professional on Kindle devices or in print.
Good formatting ensures:
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Readers enjoy a smooth experience.
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Your book meets Amazon’s publishing guidelines.
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Your content looks professional on all devices (Kindle, tablet, phone, or paperback).
Related: Step-by-Step Guide to KDP Keyword Research
Why Formatting Matters for KDP Success
Some beginners think formatting is not important, but here’s why it’s a big deal:
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Professional look: A well-formatted book attracts positive reviews.
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Better readability: Readers won’t struggle with messy text.
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Amazon approval: Poor formatting can lead to rejection.
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Boosted sales: Readers are more likely to recommend a polished book.
Think of formatting as the packaging of your book. Just like a beautiful cover attracts buyers, neat formatting keeps them reading.
Step 1: Preparing Your Manuscript
Before formatting, start with a clean manuscript. Here’s how:
Use a Standard Document
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Write your book in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or Scrivener.
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Stick to a standard font (like Times New Roman or Arial).
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Font size: 11 or 12 pt.
Organize Your Content
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Add chapter titles.
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Use page breaks after each chapter.
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Keep consistent spacing (1.15 or 1.5 line spacing).
Save in Correct File Format
Amazon accepts:
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DOC/DOCX (Word)
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EPUB
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KPF (Kindle Create format)
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PDF (for print books)
Related: KDP Niches That Sell Fast
Step 2: Choosing eBook or Paperback Formatting
Amazon KDP allows two main formats: eBooks and paperbacks. The formatting process is slightly different for each.
Formatting for Kindle eBooks
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Reflowable text: The text adjusts to any screen size.
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Avoid fixed layouts (unless for children’s books or cookbooks).
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Add clickable Table of Contents (TOC).
Formatting for Print (Paperback/Hardcover)
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Fixed page size (e.g., 6x9 inches).
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Include page numbers.
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Pay attention to margins and bleed for images.
Step 3: Tools for Formatting KDP Books
You don’t need to be a designer to format your book. Here are some tools for beginners:
1. Kindle Create (Free)
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Amazon’s free tool for formatting.
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Works with DOCX files.
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Creates a professional look with templates.
2. Microsoft Word / Google Docs
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Simple for writing and formatting.
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Save as DOCX or PDF for KDP.
3. Scrivener
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Great for long manuscripts.
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Exports directly to EPUB.
4. Canva (for PDF Interiors)
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Best for journals, planners, and low-content books.
5. Professional Software
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Adobe InDesign (advanced users).
Related: Guide to Selling Printables Online
Step 4: Formatting Guidelines for Kindle eBooks
Here’s how to format your eBook step by step:
Set Paragraph Styles
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Use normal style for text.
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Use heading styles for chapters.
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No tabs or extra spaces.
Add a Clickable TOC
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In Word: Use “Insert → Table of Contents.”
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Kindle Create automatically generates TOC.
Insert Images Correctly
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Use high-resolution images (300 DPI).
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Keep file size under 50MB.
Check Font & Size
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Default Kindle fonts work best.
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Don’t use fancy fonts that may not display well.
Step 5: Formatting Guidelines for Print Books
Formatting print books requires extra attention:
Trim Size
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Popular sizes: 6x9, 5x8 inches.
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Choose based on your genre.
Margins and Bleed
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Set at least 0.25 inches margin.
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Use bleed for full-page images.
Page Numbers
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Start numbering from Chapter 1.
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Don’t number title and copyright pages.
Chapter Layout
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Each chapter starts on a new page.
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Use consistent headings.
Step 6: Uploading to Amazon KDP
Once formatting is done:
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Go to your KDP dashboard.
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Create a new Kindle eBook or Paperback.
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Upload your manuscript file (DOCX, EPUB, or PDF).
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Upload your cover (JPG or PDF for print).
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Preview using Amazon’s Previewer Tool.
Check for:
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Blank pages.
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Misaligned text.
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Image errors.
Common Formatting Mistakes to Avoid
Beginners often make these mistakes:
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Using tabs instead of paragraph settings.
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Uploading low-quality images.
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Forgetting page breaks.
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Inconsistent font sizes.
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Not checking the Kindle Previewer.
Avoiding these mistakes will save you rejection headaches.
Step 7: Proofreading and Final Checks
Before publishing:
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Read your book on different devices (Kindle, phone, tablet).
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Check headings, spacing, and images.
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Ask a friend to proofread.
Related: How Bloggers Can Earn Daily with Monetag
Should You Hire a Formatter?
If you find formatting too technical, you can hire a professional on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork.
Pros:
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Saves time.
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Ensures high-quality output.
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Handles both eBook and print versions.
Cons:
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Extra cost.
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Less control over the final look.
Conclusion
Formatting is not just about making your book “look pretty.” It’s about giving readers the best possible experience. A professional layout increases your chances of positive reviews and repeat readers.
If you’re a beginner, start simple with Kindle Create or Word. As you grow, experiment with advanced tools or hire professionals.
Remember: Your book is your brand. A clean format shows readers you care about quality.
Next, check out KDP Niches That Sell Fast to pick the right genre for your book.
