Publishing a book on Smashwords is a great way to distribute your work to a wide audience. However, ensuring your book meets Smashwords’ formatting standards is crucial for success. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to properly format your manuscript and boost your Smashwords review rating.
Understanding Smashwords Formatting Requirements
Before diving into formatting your book, it’s important to understand what Smashwords expects. Smashwords supports a variety of formats, including ePub, PDF, and Kindle, but requires a clean, polished manuscript that adheres to their style guide.
Key Elements for Smashwords Formatting
- Document Setup
- Use a standard 12-point font (e.g., Times New Roman or Arial).
- Set the page size to 6×9 inches.
- Ensure your manuscript is in .doc, .docx, or RTF format, as these are acceptable for upload.
- Formatting the Title Page
- Your title, subtitle, and author name should be centered on the page.
- Include the copyright notice below the author’s name, followed by any acknowledgments or dedications.
- Headings and Subheadings
- Use styles for headings. This includes using Heading 1 for main sections, Heading 2 for subsections, and so on. This helps Smashwords correctly structure your book for distribution.
- Table of Contents (TOC)
- Automatically generate a TOC using Word or other document editors. This feature helps readers navigate through your book efficiently and is necessary for a Smashwords review.
- Chapter Formatting
- Each chapter should start on a new page. Ensure that the beginning of chapters is aligned to the left without unnecessary spaces or indentations.
- Images and Graphics
- Ensure images are in appropriate formats (JPG, PNG, etc.) and are properly aligned within the text. Avoid overloading your manuscript with excessive images, which may negatively affect your Smashwords review.
- Special Characters and Formatting Issues
- Remove extra spaces and tabs between paragraphs and sections. Smashwords enforces a clean manuscript structure for successful uploads.
Inserting Metadata
Metadata plays an important role in Smashwords success. Properly fill out the metadata section with details such as genre, keywords (relevant to your book), and description. A well-optimized description and accurate keywords help increase visibility, which is critical for your Smashwords review rating.
Final Touches for Success
Before submitting your book, review it thoroughly. Ensure that:
- Spelling, grammar, and formatting are consistent.
- Your book adheres to Smashwords’ formatting guide.
- Your cover image (if included) matches the theme and size specifications.
By following these steps, you’ll enhance your book’s chances of success on Smashwords and garner positive Smashwords review feedback from readers.
