The path to your own eBook: an overview of the most important steps
The process of creating an eBook can be divided into three areas:
- Creating text - writing, editing, structuring
- Formatting - in Word, Pages or another editor
- Converting & exporting - to the ePUB format
eBooks thrive on a clear structure, correct formatting and technically clean implementation. In this guide, we will show you step by step how to meet these requirements.
Step 1 - Create and structure your manuscript
Before the actual eBook creation begins, the manuscript must be properly prepared. A clear structure makes formatting easier later on and ensures that the eBook is displayed correctly on all readers.
Important basics:
- Consistent chapter structure
- Clear subheadings (H1, H2, H3)
- Uniform paragraphs, no manual indentations
- Placeholders for images and graphics
- Include a table of contents (particularly important for eBooks)
Tip: eBooks work better with simple, clear structures. You should avoid elaborate layouts, tables and nested graphics wherever possible.
Step 2 - Formatting the eBook
Formatting is the most important step - this is where you decide whether your eBook will look professional later on. It ensures that content is interpreted correctly and is later displayed stably on readers.
There are many free tools that you can use to format your eBook.
Formatting with Word
Word is ideal for formatting an eBook. The use of style sheets is particularly important.
Formatting rules:
- Use style sheets (heading 1, heading 2, etc.)
- No justified text for eBooks (results in unsightly gaps on some readers)
- No tabs or spaces for indentations
- Page breaks with Ctrl + Enter instead of multiple use of Enter
- Images in sufficient resolution (however, most stores recommend a maximum height of 500px)
- Anchor images in the text
Export options:
- DOCX (standard for conversion tools)
- Direct ePUB export (Word 2019+)
With a cleanly structured Word file, you lay the perfect foundation for your eBook to be easily converted later and optimally displayed on all common readers.
Formatting with Apple Pages
Apple Pages is an excellent choice for many Mac users when it comes to creating clean and technically stable eBooks. The program offers a clearly structured workspace, intuitive operation and, above all, a particularly high-quality ePUB export.
Formatting rules:
- Use paragraph and heading styles
- Automatically generate table of contents
- Include images in "Move with text" mode
- Use page breaks instead of blank lines
- Avoid complex layouts, columns and text fields wherever possible
Pages is particularly suitable if you want your eBook to appear later on Apple Books or if you want a visually appealing, modern layout.
Other free formatting tools
In addition to Word and Apple Pages, there are a number of other tools that you can also use to create professional eBooks for free.
- Google Docs: Cloud-based solution with offline functionality, ideal for collaborative writing and editing.
- LibreOffice Writer: Open source alternative to Word that works reliably with DOCX files and is well suited for basic formatting.
- Reedsy Editor: Free online tool specifically for books that offers automatic formatting, chapter management and export to professional ePUB or print layouts.
These alternatives are particularly suitable if you want to work platform-independently or do not have access to Word or Pages.
Free tools are completely sufficient for most eBook projects, as they already offer professional formatting options, enable direct export to ePUB format and do not incur any monthly costs. At the same time, they are designed in such a way that even beginners can use them intuitively.
Step 3 - Convert eBook
As soon as your manuscript is properly formatted, the decisive step follows: converting it into a real eBook format.
The most important eBook formats
Before you create your eBook, you should know the most important formats:
| Format | Format description | Use |
|---|---|---|
| ePub | The standard format for almost all modern eReaders. It is flexible, adapts dynamically to different screen sizes and is ideal for flowing texts. | Tolino, Kobo, Apple Books |
| Not a true eBook format, as it retains a fixed page layout. PDFs are particularly suitable for content where graphics, tables or worksheets should remain in their exact position - ideal for visually structured documents. This format can only be published with fixed layout eBooks, but it is a must here. | Workbooks, checklists |
eBook conversion with Calibre
Calibre is one of the most popular tools for converting and organizing eBooks - free and platform-independent. Calibre is suitable for both beginners and advanced users, as it has a clear interface but also allows detailed settings.
Calibre offers you the following options, among others:
- Conversion of your files (DOCX etc.) into ePub format
- Inserting a cover
- Maintenance of metadata (title series, ISBN, tags etc.)
- Validation of ePUB files
- Preview on simulated eReaders
Tip: For Amazon Kindle, you should also use the Kindle Previewer. It shows you exactly how your eBook will be displayed in the Kindle app and on real devices.
Further tools for converting your eBook
- Sigil - free, powerful ePUB editor that allows you to edit, structure and export ePUB files directly; particularly useful for fine-tuning and corrections.
- CloudConvert (Online) - fast, browser-based conversion without installation; supports numerous formats and is ideal for occasional conversions.
- Zamzar (Online) - easy-to-use online tool that supports many file formats and is suitable if you want to quickly create an eBook format without installing software.
Quality test: Why you should check your eBook on multiple devices
eBooks are now read on a wide range of devices - from small smartphones to high-resolution e-ink readers. That's why you should test your eBook thoroughly before you publish it. Many errors only show up on real devices: an image is suddenly too large, a paragraph slips unexpectedly, a headline appears twice.
The best test environments include:
- Kindle Previewer
- Apple Books (iOS and macOS)
- Tolino Webreader
- Calibre Viewer
A professional eBook is only finished when it is displayed correctly in all of these environments.
Typical mistakes - and how to avoid them
Many authors make similar mistakes that are easy to avoid:
| Mistake | Cause | Solution |
| Too much manual formatting | Tabs, spaces, manual indentation or font styles | Consistently use style sheets and remove manual formatting |
| Distorted or blurred images | Resolution too low or inconsistent | Ensure sufficient resolution of images, but with a maximum height of 500px to ensure acceptance in all stores |
| Table of contents does not work | Headings not defined as real heading styles | Label all chapters with heading 1, subheadings with heading 2/3 |
| Conversion error | Incorrectly formatted or damaged source document | Prepare the manuscript in DOCX in a structured manner and clean up unnecessary formatting |
| Complex layouts cannot be transferred | Print layout was transferred directly | Choose a clear, minimalist eBook layout and simplify layout elements |
| Errors only become visible to the reader | eBook was only tested on a single device | Check eBook on multiple devices and apps (Kindle, Tolino, smartphone, Apple Books, Calibre Viewer) |
Other important aspects of eBook creation
In addition to text, formatting and conversion, there are other factors that significantly influence how professional your eBook looks and how well it sells later on.
Professional cover
The cover is one of the strongest incentives to buy. It often decides within seconds whether a book is clicked on.
Important are:
- Easy-to-read title (also in thumbnail size)
- Clear, genre-typical design
- Professional image quality
Clean metadata
Metadata influences the visibility of your eBook in stores such as Amazon or Tolino.
This includes:
- Title and subtitle
- Author:inside name
- Blurb / book description
- Tags & keywords
- Series details
- ISBN (optional)
The more precise and attractive the metadata, the easier it is to find.
Accessibility
An increasingly important quality factor, as accessibility improves both the user experience and store acceptance.
Important are
- Clear heading structure
- Alternative texts for images
- Easy-to-read font sizes
- Avoidance of unnecessary formatting
Legal aspects
You should ensure early on that the content of your eBook is clean and legally correct.
This is important:
- Image rights and licenses
- Correct source citations
- Imprint (depending on the platform)
- Observe the rights to quotations
Legal errors can be expensive - it pays to be careful here.
Conclusion: Creating an eBook is easier than many people think
With a clear structure, clean formatting and the right tools, you can turn your manuscript into an eBook quickly and professionally. Whether Kindle, Tolino or Apple Books - good preparation ensures that your work is optimally displayed everywhere.
When your eBook is ready and you're ready to publish it, FEIYR is your reliable partner on the road to self-publishing. The platform supports you in placing your book in the entire digital book trade.
Register now on the FEIYR platform and get started with your own eBook.
Do you have questions or need support? The FEIYR support team will be happy to assist you.
