Layout a book in Word It may seem like a simple task, but if certain basic criteria and rules are not followed, the result can be messy and unprofessional. Although there are specific editorial design programs (such as Adobe InDesign), many writers use Word to prepare their books, whether for convenience or because they don't have more advanced tools.
In this article, we will explain in detail how to layout a book correctly using Word, from the document settings to application of styles and final exportIf you follow these tips, you can achieve a attractive and well-structured design without the need to resort to a professional. Let's go.
Preliminary step: Prepare the document before starting
Before starting the layout, it is essential that the manuscript is fully reviewed and corrected. Any changes once the layout process has begun may alter the document structure and force certain parts to be redone.
It's also important to consider that there are different versions of Word and that some options may vary slightly depending on the version you're using. If you have any questions, you can consult the official Microsoft documentation to make sure you find the necessary tools. Additionally, if you need a more advanced tool, you can explore Scribus, a free application to layout your publications.
Step 1: Set up the book format
The next step is to set the size the book will be when printed. By default, Word uses A4 format, but most books are printed in smaller sizes, such as A5 (i.e. size 15 x 21 cm).
To change the format of the document, do the following:
- first go to Page design.
- Choose Paper size.
- Then click More paper sizesHere you can enter custom dimensions for your book.
Step 2: Adjust the margins
Printed books have wider margins on the spine side to facilitate binding. It's recommended to set custom margins with the following approximate measurements:
- Top margin: 1.7 cm
- Lower margin: 1.7 cm
- Inner margin (spine): 2 cm
- Outer margin: 1.5 cm
To configure them in Word, you have to go to Page design, then select Margins and finally click Custom margins where we can introduce appropriate measures.
Step 3: Set up page numbering
In books, numbering usually doesn't start on the cover, but rather from the main content. To avoid numbers appearing on the first introductory pages, follow these steps:
- Go to the tab Insert.
- There click on Page number and select the location where you want to place them.
- Make sure you activate the option Different odd and even pages.
- If you want to hide numbers on some pages, use the option Section jump before the main content.
Step 4: Using the appropriate typography
The choice of font is key for the readability of your book. It is recommended to use fonts with serif, as they make reading on paper easier. Some recommended options are:
- Garamond
- Times New Roman
- Palatino Linotype
The text size should also be adequate, generally between 10 and 12 points for a printed book. Furthermore, the ideal line spacing is usually between 1.2 and 1.5.
Step 5: Paragraph Alignment and Indentation
When laying out a book in Word, it's important to maintain a uniform and professional look. That's why it's essential justify the content throughout the document. To do this, select the text and go to Paragraph > Alignment > Justified.
In addition, paragraphs must have a indentation on the first line. In Word, you can configure it from Paragraph > Special indentation > First line and define a value of 0.5 cm.
Step 6: Creating titles and headings
Using styles in Word allows you to structure your content more easily. For titles and headings, use the Word predefined styles and customize them according to your format.
This will make it easier automatic generation of a table of contents and will ensure that the chapters look uniform.
Step 7: Add page breaks
It's important that each new chapter starts on a new page. To do this without messing up the layout, use Insert > Page Break instead of pressing the Enter key several times.
Final step: Export the document to PDF
Once you've finished your layout, the final step is to export the document to PDF for printing or digital distribution.
To do so, go to File> Save As and select the PDF format. Make sure you set the correct settings. options to maintain print quality.
By following these steps, you can create a well-designed, print-ready book without the need for advanced tools.
