When an author completes writing the manuscript, he faces the task of publishing it. One of the first steps in publishing is to decide on a formatting option: DIY or professional formatting. After all, this decision will play a key role in creating a professional and reader-friendly product. There are several advantages to both kinds of formatting. Which formatting suits the writer will depend on the writer’s skills and goals. To enable authors to make this crucial decision based on a careful analysis, we have drawn up a short guide discussing the pros and cons of professional formatting Vs DIY.
What are the Pros and Cons of DIY Book Formatting?
Pros:
- Cost-Effective: One main benefit of DIY book formatting is cost-saving. By handling all the major and nuanced formatting work, authors can avoid the expenses of hiring a professional formatter. This can help self-published authors working on tight budgets.
- Creative Control: DIY formatting empowers authors with complete creative control over their work. This is particularly appealing to an author with a vision for their book. They can execute the book layout design, and overall appearance exactly as envisaged by them, fostering a sense of control and confidence.
- Learning Opportunity: This could be a learning opportunity for authors who love challenging themselves and learning new skills. Authors willing to pick up valuable skills in book design and formatting software. This skill can contribute to future projects, too.
Cons:
- Time-Consuming: The process can be long and taxing if one does not have the required skills to format a book. One needs to spend countless hours just learning the guidelines of manuscript formatting and honing skills to use the book design software instead of focusing on writing and marketing their book.
- Technical Challenges: DIY formatting can be challenging for those new to software like Adobe InDesign, Vellum, or Scrivener. The final book design may not always be professional.
- Risk of Errors: For an author new to manuscript formatting software, errors in style, page numbering, and other formatting issues are highly likely. These issues can detract from the overall quality and readability of the book.
When Should I Consider Hiring a Professional Book Formatter?
Hiring a professional book formatter is a wise choice under certain circumstances:
- Lack of Time: Formatting your book can be time-consuming. Hiring a professional can save valuable time for a person pressed for time. Professionals are already well-versed in formatting guidelines and design nuances.
- Technical Skill Deficiency: If an author lacks the required skills to handle various software, does not know the nuances of book design and book formatting guidelines, and would like a polished final product, it makes sense to hire a professional formatter.
- Desire for High-Quality Results: If an author wants high-quality results, professional formatters have the experience and expertise to produce a book that meets industry standards. A well-formatted book enhances readability and leaves a positive impression on readers, making the author feel professional and committed to their work.
How Much Does Professional Book Formatting Cost?
The cost of professional book formatting can vary depending on a couple of factors, like the number of pages in your book. It also depends on the kind of manuscript you would like to get formatted. For example, the cost of a book formatting a book with equations or a mathematics book will be higher than a fiction book, as formatting a novel requires lower skill, simple software and is quicker to produce. Another cost of book formatting will be the experience and expertise of the formatter. In India, the cost can range from INR 5,000 to INR 20,000 for book formatting services.
To get the best quote, one must ask a couple of formatters for quotes and then ask a professional agency like a self-publishing company to assist with the task. Consider reading reviews and seeking recommendations from other authors to ensure you choose a reliable formatter. Compare cost, reliability and past experience before taking a call on the right formatter.
Which Software is Best for DIY Book Formatting?
Several software options are available for authors who prefer DIY book formatting:
- Adobe InDesign: This is a powerful and flexible tool used by professional designers. It offers many advanced features for creating intricate layouts and designs.
- Vellum: is a user-friendly software designed for formatting books. It is a great option for authors who want to create professional-looking eBooks and print books.
- Scrivener: is a writing and organising tool with basic formatting options. It is appropriate for authors who want one solution for writing and formatting their books.
- Microsoft Word: This is a tool that most writers will be familiar with for formatting a book. It is convenient, and its familiarity makes it easy for most authors to use. While it is not as advanced as some book formatting softwares, Word can handle basic formatting tasks for eBooks and print books.
With a booming self-publishing industry in India, companies like Amazon and Zorba Books are leading the way. Many Indian authors use the software these companies provide to format their books. Zorba Books goes a step ahead. As you write or paste the text on their software, it takes care of simple formatting. Authors are also empowered to enhance their formatting to suit their purpose.
Many Indian authors opt for DIY formatting to keep costs low. For example, popular Indian author Rashmi Bansal formatted her first self-published book using Microsoft Word and KDP’s free tools.
Professional book formatting services are becoming increasingly popular in India. Companies like Zorba Books Publishers offer comprehensive formatting services. A survey has revealed that authors who invest in professional formatting services report higher satisfaction with the final product and better sales.
Finally, whether you decide to go with DIY or professional book formatting will depend mainly on your budget, time, and the desired quality of the final product. DIY formatting can be cost-effective and provide creative control but requires time and technical skills. Professional formatting services can be expensive, time-saving, and deliver high-quality results. Whether you choose DIY formatting or professional book formatting services, the end result should be a well-formatted book, as this has a ripple effect on readability and market success.
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