eBook Design Tips

A poorly designed and produced eBook is an instant “turn-off” for a reader and will not reflect positively on you as an author. The influx of independent authors writing and selling eBooks without the assistance of a professional editor or publishing team to support them has become one of the hottest issues with self-publishing. Major publishing houses have a team of experts that carefully review and correct all design details within an eBook. Many self-publishers neglect this very important component and just focus on their content.

There are various styles for eBooks and most are acceptable. However, be sure to at least follow these tips when designing your eBook to ensure that the design doesn't end up becoming the “fatal flaw” that destroys your eBook and writing career.

Your Title Page:

You title page is what the reader sees first and it must impress! If you are going to use a graphic, image or photo on this page then make sure it is of professional quality and is appropriate for the content of your eBook.

On This Page You Should Include:

1. Your eBook title

2. The author's name

3. Publishers name if there is one

Fatal Design Mistakes to Avoid Are:

1. There is no need to place “By” on this page in front of the author's name

2. You don't place the copyright notice on this title page

Copyright Page - On This Page You Should:

1. Place the information on the left side of the page, not the right side

2. Copyright © Year by Authors name

3. Include the publisher's name

4. Publisher address

5. Website address

6. Where published

7. Year of publication / or if Edition

8. ISBN number

9. Message documenting terms of copyright

Pages Following Copyright Notice Page:

This is where you have a bit more freedom with regards to where you place information but the following is a good guideline to follow:

1. Dedication to a Person or Group of People

2. Acknowledgments of those who contributed or helped you out with the eBook

3. Epigraph (or a quotation)

4. Table of Contents

5. Foreword by a reputable person in your field

6. Preface

7. Introduction

Page Numbers:

1. Can start on the Foreword or Introduction pages

2. Many eBook formats do no require page numbers

3. If you do use page numbers, don't start them on the Title, Copyright or Contents pages.

(many people judge the value of a book or eBook by page numbers)

New Chapters:

1. Start a new chapter on a new page with its own title

2. Don't start a new chapter mid way in a page

3. Consistency for success! Be consistent throughout your eBook with page titles, numbers, font styles, size, colours and chapters.

Style of Headers:

There is quite a lot of freedom when it comes to your headers but it is very important to take note of those headers that do not look good.

1. Avoid fancy fonts

2. Do not use too big a font size

3. Use one colour for all headers, too many colours can often make your eBook look “amateurish.”

4. Check out eBook headers you like and copy that style

Fonts:

1. Too many fonts are not recommended

2. Do not use “Times New Roman” as this is the sign of a school project not a professionally written eBook

Proof Read Your eBook!
You must have several people review and proof read your eBook. I personally struggle with grammar so I have to rely on several proof readers to read and edit my manuscripts.

Remember, the best and often easiest way to learn is to learn from those authors who are successful within your field. Get your hands on one of their eBooks and then use the same format for your eBook.

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