Get Your Manuscript Publishing-Ready
Most manuscript formatting problems come from using a word processor for a job it wasn't designed for. The requirements are clearer than they seem: EPUB for ebooks (a specific file format, not a renamed document), standard manuscript format DOCX for agent submission (12pt Times New Roman, double-spaced, 1-inch margins, running header with name/title/page), and print PDF with the correct trim size and bleed settings. Write in a Click exports all three correctly in one click from a single source manuscript.
The Real Cost of This Problem
How to Publishing Formatting Pain: What Actually Works
Know the three formats and what each is for
EPUB goes to ebook retailers and e-readers (Amazon KDP, Apple Books, Kobo). Standard manuscript format DOCX goes to literary agents and traditional publishers. Print PDF goes to print-on-demand services (IngramSpark, Amazon KDP Print). Each has completely different requirements — using the wrong format for the wrong destination causes rejection or poor results.
Never submit to an agent without a proper running header
Standard manuscript format requires a running header on every page (except the title page and first page): Last Name / Title Keyword / Page Number in the top right corner. Submissions without this look unprofessional regardless of the quality of the writing.
Validate your EPUB before uploading to retailers
EPUB Validator (free, online) catches common structure errors before Amazon KDP's upload system does. A valid EPUB reduces rejection, display problems on e-readers, and customer complaints about formatting. It takes two minutes and saves hours of troubleshooting.
Set your print trim size before designing the interior
The trim size (the physical dimensions of your printed book) affects page count, which affects spine width, which affects cover design. Decide early: 6x9 trade paperback is standard for most adult fiction and non-fiction. Designing the interior before the trim size is set creates unnecessary rework.
How Write in a Click Makes This Easier
Publishing formatting shouldn't require a separate tool, a steep learning curve, or hours of manual work. Write in a Click handles formatting as part of the export process.
One-Click EPUB Export
Generate valid EPUB files ready for Amazon KDP, Apple Books, Kobo, and all major e-book retailers.
Professional PDF
Export PDF formatted for print-on-demand services with proper margins, page sizes, and typography.
Agent-Ready DOCX
Export DOCX with standard manuscript formatting for literary agent and publisher submission.
Multiple Formats, One Source
Your manuscript is the single source. Export to any format without maintaining separate files.
What You'll Achieve
Frequently Asked Questions
What format do literary agents want manuscripts in?
Literary agents want standard manuscript format: 12pt Times New Roman or Courier, double-spaced, 1-inch margins on all sides, running header with Last Name / Title Keyword / Page Number, title page with contact information. Most agents specify their exact requirements in their submission guidelines — always check before submitting.
What is the difference between EPUB and PDF for ebooks?
EPUB is a reflowable format — text wraps to the reader's screen size and font preference. It's the standard for most ebook retailers including Apple Books, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble. Amazon KDP accepts both EPUB and DOCX (converting to their own format). PDF is fixed-layout — it looks identical on every screen, which is good for picture books and textbooks but poor for prose fiction on small screens.
Do I need Vellum or Atticus for formatting?
For basic publishing, Write in a Click's export handles EPUB, PDF, and DOCX. Vellum (Mac-only) and Atticus produce beautiful interior designs with custom chapter headers, drop caps, and ornamental breaks that professional readers associate with quality. They're worth using for print editions of books with physical sales ambitions. For ebook-first or quick publishing, the difference matters less.
How do I format a manuscript for Amazon KDP?
Amazon KDP accepts EPUB (preferred), DOCX, and several other formats. For ebooks: export a valid EPUB and upload directly. For print: export a PDF with your trim size margins (commonly 6x9 with 0.5-inch inside margin, 0.25-inch outside), embed all fonts, and set the PDF to print quality. KDP's cover calculator tool generates the exact spine width once you have your final page count.
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