10 guidelines in 10 minutes

​In this brief guide, I share the lessons I have learned about navigating the process of self-publishing several ebooks in a way that delivers minimal stress and professional results, using tools that most of us already have on our desktops.
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The mechanics of epublishing are not difficult. The process is affordable, too – you can use software that you already own.

The booklet includes recommendations and guidance on following basic publishing conventions regarding layout and design. Why? Because every deviation from convention disengages your reader from what your words say, and engages them with how those words look.
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This toolkit will help you, the self-publishing author, to deliver a professional-looking ebook to market. Even better, each of the 10 sections has been designed so that it can be read in only a minute, no more.

What you'll learn in the 10-minute countdown
  • ​Minute 10: Formatting your ebook: Microsoft Word
  • Minute 9: Golden rule of formatting I – keep it simple
  • Minute 8: Golden rule of formatting II – use the Styles palette
  • Minute 7: Golden rule of formatting III – have the Smashwords Style Guide to hand
  • Minute 6: Layout conventions – hyphenation
  • Minute 5: Layout conventions – block or run-on paragraph styles?
  • Minute 4: ​Layout conventions – first-paragraph indents
  • Minute 3: Layout conventions – double spaces
  • Minute 2: Eformatting snags
  • Minute 1: Digital distribution options
​For more self-publishing resources, visit the library on my Self-publishers page. Or join the library to get monthly updates.
Louise's Writing Library
Membership includes a free 26-page primer on audio-book production.

Fancy working with me?

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