Book Formatting

Many writers are able to begin and finish their work with little difficulty. Yet, when the manuscript is completed, having to format a book into it’s layout for final print to obtain ‘book quality’ can be an intimidating process. Many authors are surprised when they become aware of the in-depth and detailed method that is involved.

Trust Publishing simplifies all this by creating the entire book layout. From the title, copyright, and dedication page as well as organizing the table of contents to the designing of the body, the notes, index, and reference pages (if applicable), our professionals will help you bring your book to print-ready format.

To utilize this service at Trust Publishing, check the box marked, ‘Book Formatting’ on the information form and it will be added to your purchase package. Prices for this service will vary depending on the length and set-up of text.

Guidelines and Instructions for Submitting a Manuscript

1. Submit your manuscript in MS Word form (WordPad or WordPerfect is not accepted). Also, do not submit your work in a PDF file as changes and additions will eventually need to be made.
2. Submit the following documents, in order as you would like them to appear in the book. Leave the first 5 pages blank. Do not number any of the pages including Table of Contents as this is completed in the final typeset galley. The Index portion is also completed during the final typeset galley, so, again, do not submit with page numbers. Submit the following:
1. Front matter such as the Table of Contents, Dedication page (if applicable),
2. Acknowledgements
3. Introduction
4. Body of text including any tables or illustrations to be included within the text. Graphics require a jpg  format and will need to be submitted separately and clearly labeled as to where it is to appear in the book. Also, make sure to clearly label each chapter of your manuscript.
5. Notes
6. References
7. About the Author (optional). This will be on back cover as well.
3. As stated in the previous guideline, the manuscript should include at least 5 blank pages before the Dedication and Table of contents pages appear. These will eventually include a Half-Title page, Testimonials (if applicable), Title page, Copyright page, and Previous Works page (if applicable).
4. If you need to cite some of your text, use in-text citations or endnotes. Simply type in the endnote number by using the MS Word superscript and input endnote in text manually on the Notes page. Do not use footnotes.
5. Make sure your manuscript is spaced at 1.5 with the Times New Roman 12-point font size. This pre-format allows for simple editing where changes and additions can be marked easily should you choose to purchase the Editorial package. Use Enter/Return key for paragraph breaks.
6. Most fiction and non-fiction work is trimmed to fit a 5 x 8 or 5.5 x 8.5. The length of your manuscript in final ‘book’ format will help determine the size of the book. Mark for now the size you may prefer and know that this may change to a larger or smaller size. If it is a Children’s or Poetry book, sizes will be discussed with a professional at Trust Publishing as these will vary.
7. You may use bold, italics, and bold italics in your text. If using bullets or numbers, use the MS Word components of this format.
8. Final reviews will take place between the professional team at Trust Publishing and the author. Do not hesitate to ask questions. If you have time-sensitive material, mark this on the information form so deadlines can be established.

Print this document for your records.
Use as a guide when submitting materials to Trust Publishing.