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Book Formatting
    “A Great book deserves a great layout.
You’ve written the book — now let us make it print-ready. Our self-publishing and book formatting service takes your finished manuscript and transforms it into a professionally laid out, beautifully produced publication that looks every bit as polished as anything on a bookshop shelf. From interior layout and typography to cover construction and print-ready file preparation, we manage every technical detail from start to finish — so you can focus on what you do best, and leave the rest to us.
I wrote my book, but now what?
Your manuscript might be finished, but before a single copy can be printed it needs to be properly formatted for the page — and this is where many self-publishing authors run into difficulty. Book formatting goes far beyond adjusting margins and choosing a font. Interior layout involves setting the correct trim size, establishing consistent heading styles, managing chapter breaks, controlling widow and orphan lines, handling page numbering, and ensuring the text flows cleanly and readably across every page. Get it wrong and even the most compelling writing can feel amateur and uncomfortable to read — undermining the effort you’ve put into every word.Cover design and layout presents its own set of challenges.
A print-ready cover isn’t simply a front face — it’s a precisely calculated file that includes the back cover, spine, and bleed areas, with a spine width determined by your exact page count and chosen paper stock. A miscalculation here means a cover that doesn’t wrap correctly, text that sits off-centre on the spine, or files that are rejected at the prepress stage entirely. These are technical details that are easy to overlook and costly to correct once a proof has been produced.
How Intertype Helps You Get It Right
Working with a professional print and publishing service removes these headaches entirely. Our team understands the precise requirements for print-ready book files — from interior layout and typography to cover construction and file preparation.  Key considerations include:
- Book Trim Size
- Margins and page geomertry
- Typography and paragraphs settings for readability
- Widow and Orphan Page Layout and Control
- Images and graphics positioning and resolution
- Spine Calculation
- Cover file layout and construction
- File format and export
We will ensure your book is formatted correctly before it ever goes to press. The result is a finished publication that looks polished, reads beautifully, and reflects the quality of the work inside. Because the difference between a book that feels self-published and one that sits confidently alongside traditionally produced titles almost always comes down to formatting.
Book formatting Common Questions
Here are frequently encountered questions we get asked by authors who are looking for help with taking their manuscript to the next step:
What file format should I provide my manuscript in?
A Microsoft Word document (.docx) is the most common and widely accepted format for manuscript submission. Plain, clean formatting is preferable — avoid complex styles, multiple fonts, or elaborate layout attempts.  Our formatting engine and process will apply a professional formatting style and layout. The simpler your submitted document, the smoother the process.
Do I need to have my editing finished before formatting begins?
Yes — Your manuscript should be fully edited and proofread before it goes ahead to formatting. Significant text changes made after formatting is complete can disrupt the layout and require additional work, which may incur extra cost. Minor corrections are usually manageable, but a finished, polished manuscript is always the best starting point.
Can I make changes after the formatting is complete?
Minor text corrections are generally straightforward to accommodate. However, significant changes — such as adding or removing large sections of text, inserting new images, or altering the trim size — can affect the layout substantially and may require additional work. We recommend finalising your content as completely as possible before formatting begins to keep the process smooth and cost-effective.
What trim size should my book be?
Trim size depends on your book type and your target market. Common sizes for novels are 6″ x 9″ and 5″ x 8″. Non-fiction titles often suit a slightly larger format with reference titles typically A4. Coffee table books and illustrated titles vary considerably with A4 and A5 landscape being common. Â Children’s books tend to be 210mm x 210mm square. If you’re unsure, we can advise on the most appropriate size for your genre and book type.
Can I supply my own cover design?
Yes, we encourage authors to provide their own ideas, concepts and even base image if they have one. Â Our designer will incorporate your cover into the correctly setup design that suits your book size, style and design. Â Cover design is handled in the broader self-publishing service.
How do I know how many pages my book will be?
Page count depends on your word count, chosen trim size, font size, line spacing, and margin settings — all of which are determined during the formatting process. We can provide an estimated page count based on your manuscript before work begins, which is also necessary for calculating spine width and print costs.
What about images and illustrations inside the book?
Interior images need to be supplied at a minimum of 300dpi at their intended print size and in the correct colour mode — greyscale for black and white interiors, CMYK for full colour. Low-resolution images sourced from the web are not suitable for print and will need to be replaced with higher quality versions.
Will I get to see a proof before printing?
Yes — we provide a digital proof for your review and approval before any copies are printed.  It is important to review proofs carefully, as this is your final opportunity to catch any errors before the job goes to press.
How long does formatting take?
Turnaround time depends on the complexity and length of the manuscript. A straightforward novel with no images typically takes less time than a heavily illustrated non-fiction title. We’ll provide a clear timeframe when you submit your manuscript, and we’ll always confirm your deadline before work begins.
How to Get Started
When you are ready, simply book a free consultation with Intertype to talk to a real person about your book. Â You will receive a detailed proposal of relevant service options so you can make an informed decision. Â And when you are ready, simply forward your material and Intertype will guide you the rest of the way.Â
Step 1:
Free Consult
Book a Free Consultation to discuss your book, explore the best approach  and service options that make sense for you.
Step 2:
Proposal
We provide a detailed proposal based on our discussion for you to make an informed decision.
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Step 3:
Begin
Submit your manuscript and concept ideas and Intertype will lead you through the process and bring your book to life.
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