How to Write the Appendix in a Book: A Complete Guide
You can think of the appendix as a place for “bonus material” that doesn’t make it into the main body of the book. Learn more.
Formatting
How to Make a Table of Contents for Your Book (The Easy Way)
Need to make a table of contents for your book? This guide shows you how to do it (using Atticus, Microsoft Word, or Google Docs) in just a few clicks.
How Long Should a Novel Be? Word Counts by Genre
How many words are in a novel? See average novel word counts by genre, plus tips for deciding if your manuscript is too short, too long, or just right.
Book Title Page: What to Include (and How to Format It)
A book isn’t a book without a title (even if it’s “Untitled”). And, a book’s title page is essential for a professional-looking work. Whether you’re publishing in ebook, print book, or both, it’s important to include a title page.
Book Copyright Page: Examples, Templates, and What to Include
Not sure what belongs on a book copyright page? Here’s what authors typically include, along with clear examples and simple templates you can use for print books or ebooks.
How to Create Beautiful Chapter Headings for Your Book
Looking to really stand out from the competition and engage readers? Creating dynamic chapter themes is a great way to do just that.
How to Format Your Manuscript for Agents & Editors
Your manuscript format can make or break your chances with editors, agents, and beta readers. Here’s how to achieve industry standard manuscript formatting.
Comparing Atticus & Lacuna (and Why I Wouldn’t Go Back)
Atticus and Lacuna can both format books, but the biggest differences show up in backups, device access, exports, and refund policies.
5 Best Book Formatting Software Options for Authors in 2026
The best book formatting software for you depends on your budget and level of design skill. My favorite is Atticus.
EPUB vs. MOBI vs. PDF: Which File Format Should Authors Use?
When I published my first book, I remember getting stuck on something that felt way more confusing than it should have been: What file format was I supposed to use? Amazon talked about one thing. Other stores wanted something else. Then there were EPUBs, MOBIs, PDFs, AZW files, and a bunch of formatting terms that … Read more
How to Format a Book with Word (Step-by-Step Guide for Authors)
Formatting a book can be difficult, but thankfully Word has all the capability you need (even if there are a few drawbacks).
How to Write a Foreword for a Book Readers Will Trust
Writing a foreword? This guide breaks down what to include, how to format it, and tips to make it shine — with examples and expert advice.
