Home   >   Book Marketing   >   Publishing Tips – 7 Easy Ways to Make Your Book Look Professional

Publishing Tips – 7 Easy Ways to Make Your Book Look Professional

By on April 27, 2025
Image showing a professional book layout and design setup

You've done it—you've finally finished writing your book! But wait, the marathon's not over yet. Now comes the crucial part: making your book look professionally done. Trust me, I'm right there with you. There are few things more thrilling yet nerve-wracking than holding your freshly written, unpublished book in hand and thinking, 'What now?'

The Cover - Your Book's First Impression!

Let's be real here, we all judge books by their covers, don't we? A captivating book cover can make a world of difference. Think about it. Would you pick up a book with a bland, uninspiring cover? I remember my first book cover design; I had to scrap my initial amateur design after realizing it looked like something from a generic Word template. Hiring a professional designer was a game changer; it elevated my book’s appeal instantly. So, if you’re not a graphic designer, don’t try to become one overnight.

Typesetting - More Than Just Pretty Pages

Ah, the mysterious art of typesetting. It's about more than just making your book 'look nice'; it's about ensuring readability and professionalism. According to Wikipedia, typesetting involves arranging text in a readable manner for printed media. Margins, line height, and font choice can subtly communicate the genre and feel of your book. I once tried doing this myself, only to later learn that my text looked cramped, making it hard for readers to dive in. Investing in a professional service to handle this assures you a polished final product.

Editing - Polish Makes Perfect

If content is king, then editing is the royal gown that clothes the king. Don’t let small errors pull your readers out of the story. During my first foray into self-publishing, I skipped a professional editor to save money. Big mistake! I was mortified when readers pointed out glaring typos. Hire a seasoned editor who can catch those blunders you’ll undoubtedly overlook. They'll not only check your grammar but also offer insights into structure, pace, and character development.

ISBN and Barcodes - The Necessary Evils

Getting an ISBN might sound bureaucratic and dry, but it's essential for distribution channels. It’s like your book’s social security number in the literary world. During my journey, figuring out ISBNs felt like deciphering tax forms, but it’s simpler than it seems. Multiple services can help streamline the process, leaving you with more time for the fun stuff—writing!

  • ISBNs help booksellers keep track of sales.
  • Essential for libraries and large retailers.
  • Facilitates cataloging and ordering efficiency.

Formatting for E-books - A Different Beast

Underestimating e-book formatting is a pitfall you want to avoid. E-book formatting—trust me—keeps looking deceptively simple until you see how your text distorts on various devices. My first e-book formatting attempt left my manuscript as jumbled text on anything that wasn’t a Kindle. Various platforms offer author-friendly tools to ensure compatibility across devices. It’s somewhat like making sure your website doesn’t break when viewed on phones.

Want to promote your book after it’s published? Check out our Book Marketing Articles.

Proofreading - A Fresh Set of Eyes

Your book's manuscript full stop isn't complete until you employ a proofreader to sieve out the last niggling errors. Proofreading is like the final spritz of perfume before you step out. It rounds everything off perfectly. Even if you’re diligent about editing, unfamiliar eyes can catch mistakes you're blind to. Trust me, by the time you’ve revised your book for the umpteenth time, you'll start becoming typo-blind.

Building the Perfect Book Resume - Your Author Bio

Your author bio is your chance to add a human touch and introduce yourself to the reading community. Let’s face it, people connect with people, not faceless words. Back when I first self-published, my author bio was as dry as stale bread. Spice it up! Share what makes you unique. Perhaps a quirky fact, or what inspired the book? Make it the kind of bio you’d want to read!

Frequently Asked Questions About Publishing Tips

Q: Why is a professional cover design important?
A: It’s the first thing potential readers see, and a captivating cover can strongly influence purchasing decisions.

Q: Do I really need to invest in an editor?
A: Yes, an editor will help refine your manuscript, catching errors and providing insights you might miss.

Q: What’s the easiest format for e-books?
A: Formats like ePub and Kindle's AZW3 are popular, ensuring compatibility across most devices.

If you're serious about growing your author career, don't miss out on these free tools and templates built specifically for writers. Access all 7 free resources here.

About Megan Matthews