How to Use Vellum to Format Your Novel
If you’re a self-published author, you know that formatting your book can be one of the most daunting steps in the publishing process. Luckily, Vellum software makes this task so much easier, allowing you to create beautifully formatted eBooks and print books without needing to master complicated design software. As a fellow technologically challenged girl, I am SO grateful for that! Now let’s dive into why Vellum is my go-to recommendation for so many indie authors and how you can use it to streamline your self-publishing journey.
Why Choose Vellum for Book Formatting?
Vellum is specifically designed for authors who want professional-quality book formatting with minimal effort. Here are some key reasons to choose Vellum:
User-Friendly Interface: Vellum’s intuitive design allows you to drag and drop your manuscript and see instant previews of your book.
Customizable Styles: Choose from a variety of elegant templates and tweak the details to match your book’s genre and tone. Make it uniquely yours.
Multi-Format Output: With just a few clicks, you can export your manuscript as an eBook (compatible with Kindle, Apple Books, and more) and as a print-ready PDF.
Professional Quality: Vellum ensures your book meets the industry standards for layout and design, helping you create a polished final product.
Getting Started with Vellum
To get started with Vellum, follow these simple steps:
Download and Install Vellum: Vellum is available for Mac users. You can download it from their website.
Import Your Manuscript: Open Vellum and upload your manuscript in a Word document format (.docx). Your chapters and sections will automatically populate in Vellum’s interface. They literally couldn’t make it any easier!
Choose a Style: Select from Vellum’s pre-designed styles, or customize fonts, headers, and chapter layouts to reflect your book’s aesthetic.
Add Front and Back Matter: Vellum makes it easy to add elements like a title page, copyright page, dedication, acknowledgments, and an author bio.
Preview Your Book: Use the preview feature to see exactly how your eBook and print book will look on different devices and paper sizes.
Export Your Files: When you’re satisfied with the formatting, export your book. Vellum generates files optimized for eBook platforms and print-on-demand services like KDP and IngramSpark.
Tips for Formatting Success
Proofread Before Importing: Make sure your manuscript is thoroughly edited and proofread before uploading it to Vellum. This saves time and ensures your final product is error-free.
Test the Previews: Take advantage of Vellum’s device previews to see how your eBook will look on a Kindle, tablet, or smartphone.
Use the Free Version First: Vellum offers a free version that allows you to experiment with formatting before committing to a purchase.
The Investment in Vellum
While Vellum is an investment, it’s one that pays off quickly if you’re planning to self-publish multiple books. With its ease of use and professional results, it’s a must-have tool for serious indie authors.
Try Vellum Today
Ready to take your book formatting to the next level? Click here to try Vellum and see why so many authors swear by it: http://vellum.pub?via=aprileditorial. P.S. this is an affiliate link & I may earn some commission when you make a purchase through my link which will help me keep blogging, keep writing, and keep offering my editing services at attainable prices for indie authors!
Formatting doesn’t have to be stressful. With Vellum, you can focus on what you do best—writing—and let the software handle the rest. Happy publishing!
xoxo
-Hannah @ April Editorial
