Google Docs is an incredibly powerful tool for writing and editing, but it’s also an invaluable resource for formatting your book. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to format a book in Google Docs.
Set Up Page Size and Margins
Your first step in formatting your book is to set up the right page size and margins. Most books use a 5.5″ x 8.5″ format. You can set this up in Google Docs by going to the File menu and selecting Page Setup.
In the Page Setup window, you can enter your preferred width and height. For the margins, a standard is to use a one-inch margin on all sides. Once done, click OK.
Choose Your Font and Font Size
Next, you should select the font and font size for your book. This can be done by first highlighting the text and then choosing a font from the drop-down menu in the toolbar. For font size, 11 or 12 is typically used in most books.
Apply Paragraph Formatting
Paragraph formatting is critical to making your book readable and professional-looking. Here are a few tips:
- First-line Indent: This makes your book look professional and easier to read. To do this, go to Format, then Paragraph styles, then Indentation, and finally Special indent.
- Line Spacing: To change this, go to Format, then Line spacing. You can experiment to see what looks best, but a good starting point is either 1.5 or Double.
Creating Chapters and Headers
Breaking your book into chapters is essential. Each new chapter should start on a fresh page. To create a page break, place your cursor at the end of the chapter and click Insert, then Break, and then Page break.
You’ll also want to use headers to distinguish chapter titles. Highlight your chapter title, then go to Format, then Paragraph styles and select the header style you prefer.
Inserting Page Numbers
Lastly, you want to number your pages. To do this, go to Insert, then Page numbers. You have several options here, but one common method is to choose the option that places the page number at the bottom of the page, centered.
These steps should help you format your book in Google Docs. Remember, the key is to maintain consistency throughout your book. Happy Writing!
