formatting Archives

ALLi’s Best Self-Publishing Advice Posts 2022 – General

We're on the last stretch of our annual round up of the best posts from 2022. The Alliance of Independent Authors AskALLi team's aim is to bring you the best, most comprehensive content on every aspect of the publishing journey. We want our content to be helpful and applicable no matter whether you're a beginner or an established author. Today, we're bringing you a selection of the best general indie author blogs from 2022.

The Ultimate Guide to Formatting Your Print Book

The book is done. Hurrah. You've finished a draft, even had it edited. Now you need to format it and get the thing printed. But how? The Alliance of Independent Authors is pleased to welcome Dave Chesson, creator of Kindlepreneur and Atticus to explain how you can format your book for print. This is the ultimate guide to formatting your print book.

TwitterChat: Should you format a book yourself?

On the ALLi Twitter chat (#indieAuthorChat) this week we asked questions about Should you format a book yourself?

How to Publish an eBook

While print books have been the backbone and primary format for traditional publishing for... well, forever, that's not the case for indies. Typically, indie authors are digital first, focused on ebook sales and then audio and print next. So how do you actually publish an ebook? The Alliance of Independent Authors extends thanks to Linh Thoi for her contributions to this post. This is how to publish an ebook.

Encore Month: Simple Tips for Formatting Your Book Blurb

If you've ever pulled out your hair trying to figure out how to add spaces between paragraphs, or to bold or italicize your font when formatting book blurb on your Amazon KDP dashboard, you'll appreciate these HTML (hypertext markup language) tips from Rob Johnson.

How to DIY a Nonfiction Index (Part One)

We spend months or even years thinking about the content of our book. But how much time do we spend thinking about the front and back matter? I'm betting barely more than a few minutes. But perhaps you should. Indexes can be extremely useful for your readers. Denise Gaskin is here to explain how to DIY yourself a nonfiction index.

Book Production: How to Self-publish Large-Print Books

Ever thought of publishing large-print editions of your books? There's much more to it than just increasing font size - but with Russell Phillips' handy guide here, you'll find it an easy way to build your inventory and readership.

Diagram Of Open Book Showing Verso On Left And Recto On Right

Production: Typesetting Terms that Indie Authors Need to Know and Understand

Can you tell your recto from your verso? Know your serif from your sans serif? Make sure you're familiar with these essential typesetting terms that all indie authors need to know to make their books look the best they can - by professional typesetter Amie McCracken

Book Production: 7 Top Tips for Formatting Self-published Books

How many of these 7 bad formatting habits do you have? Save yourself from avoidable problems by following these 7 top tips! Courtesy of Patricia Marshall, owner of Luminare Press, drawing on years of experience.

Self-published Book Production: 10 Typesetting Rules for Indie Authors

Want to ensure your self-published books have the professional finish? Follow these 10 top tips for formatting their interior - it's easier than you might think, once you know the basic rules!

How to Format Your Ebook and Paperback Like a Pro – Ask ALLi Beginners’ Self-Publishing Salon with Iain Rob Wright and Jyotsna Ramachandran

In this month's Ask ALLi Beginners' Self-publishing Salon we introduce two new hosts, Iain Rob Wright and Jyotsna Ramachandran, talking about how to format ebooks and print books like a pro

Image Of Dictionary Definition Of Editor With Pencil Pointing At A Dash

How to Format Dashes Correctly

Did you know there are three kinds of dash in punctuation? Not sure how to use them all correctly? Help is at hand here with a succinct and helpful summary by editor Richard Bradburn.