Is it Worth Tackling Book Formatting Yourself or Opting for a Professional Designer?
When it comes to formatting a book, authors have two main options: doing it themselves or hiring a professional. Each approach has its own advantages and disadvantages, and choosing the right one depends on factors such as control, cost, quality, and time.
Formatting Your Book Yourself
If you're looking to have more control over the design and formatting decisions, and you're willing to invest time in learning the ropes, formatting your book yourself could be the way to go. There are several software options available, ranging from free or low-cost tools like Kindle Create, Reedsy Book Editor, or Canva, to premium tools like Vellum and Adobe InDesign.
While these tools offer a learning curve, they can also serve as valuable learning opportunities, building skills for future projects. However, if you're not experienced, there's a risk of amateurish results, which can harm readability and credibility. Moreover, the process can be time-consuming, potentially distracting from other priorities like marketing or writing.
Hiring a Professional Formatter
On the other hand, hiring a professional formatter can ensure a polished, consistent, and professional book interior and cover design. This can significantly improve first impressions and reader experience. It can also save time and potentially avoid costly formatting errors. Professional support can help navigate publishing complexities, including print and digital formatting needs and distribution requirements.
However, hiring a formatter comes with additional expenses, which vary widely depending on the formatter’s reputation and services. There's also the need to find and vet a reliable formatter/designer. Despite this, the expertise of a professional can make a noticeable difference in the final product.
Recommendations for Formatting Software
For DIY authors, popular software options include Vellum, Adobe InDesign, Kindle Create, Reedsy Book Editor, and Canva. Vellum is a premium tool tailored to book formatting, highly regarded for print and eBook layouts, but it's only available on macOS. Adobe InDesign is industry-standard professional design software, excellent for complex layouts, but it comes with a significant learning curve and a subscription cost. Kindle Create is a free, Amazon-provided software for eBook formatting, simpler but limited in customization. Reedsy Book Editor is a free online tool suited for eBooks and print, user-friendly for beginners. Canva is easier for cover and some interior elements, more graphic-design oriented but less focused on full book formatting.
Recommendations for Hiring a Formatter
When hiring a formatter, it's important to consider professionals specializing in book formatting and design with a portfolio of published books. Services ranked in current year compilations, such as the "Top 10 Book Formatting Services in 2025," can be a good starting point. Hiring through freelance platforms with clear reviews and samples can also be effective. Collaborate closely to communicate your vision and requirements clearly to ensure the final product meets your expectations.
In summary, hiring a professional book formatter can significantly enhance your book’s presentation, credibility, and market appeal. However, authors with limited budgets willing to invest time can produce good results using recommended book formatting software to learn and format themselves. Before deciding to hire a formatter, doing introspection and seeking external feedback is recommended. The most common places to find book formatters are Fiverr, Upwork, Reedsy, Word-2-Kindle, Ebook Launch, and Damonza. A guide on how to hire a formatter is also available.
- For those interested in maintaining control over the design and formatting of their book, considers software such as Kindle Create, Reedsy Book Editor, or Canva, offering a balance between cost and learning opportunities.
- Those seeking a polished, professional result may benefit from hiring a book formatter, whose expertise can greatly improve readability and credibility.
- For DIY authors, Vellum and Adobe InDesign are premium and professional tools, respectively, but come with higher learning curves and costs.
- When hiring a formatter, it's crucial to research professionals with experience in book formatting and design, checking portfolios and industry rankings, and collaborating closely to ensure the desired outcome.
