To watch the video on how to create an ebook click the link below

CLICK HERE

 

1. Plan your ebook (10–30 minutes)

1. Define the book’s purpose & audience. One-sentence elevator pitch.
2. Choose final format(s): Reflowable ePub (ebooks), PDF (fixed-layout / printable), and optionally print paperback.
3. Decide trim size if you’ll print (common: 6″×9″). For ebooks you mostly care about pixel cover size (see cover section).
4. Gather assets: manuscript text, images (high-res), author photo, logos.

 

 

2. Create the manuscript in Google Docs (writing + structure)

1. Open Google Docs → Blank document.
2. Set up document styles:
   • Format → Paragraph styles → Normal text, Heading 1, Heading 2, etc. (Use these for automatic TOC.)
   • Recommended body font: Georgia, Garamond, or Noto Serif at 11–12 pt for body; headings bigger (16–24 pt).
3. Page setup (if making PDF/print):
   • File → Page setup → choose Paper size (e.g., Letter or A4 or Custom 6″×9″), set margins (typical 0.75″–1″), Orientation: Portrait.
4. Break your book into sections:
   • Title page (title, subtitle, author)
   • Copyright page (year, rights, ISBN if you have it)
   • Dedication / Acknowledgements (optional)
   • Table of Contents (use built-in TOC)
   • Chapters (each chapter can start with a Heading 1)
   • Back matter (about the author, other books, references)
5. Use Insert → Table of contents to add a clickable TOC (exports to ePub properly if headings used).
6. Images:
   • Insert → Image → Upload from computer / Drive.
   • For eBooks: use 72–150 DPI images (smaller file size).
   • For print: provide 300 DPI images sized to the printed dimensions.
   • Add captions if needed (Insert → Drawing or use caption text under image).
7. Page breaks: End each chapter with Insert → Break → Page break.
8. Headers/footers: Insert page numbers / author name (optional). For ebooks you may omit headers/footers because they don’t always translate well to e-readers.
9. Inline formatting: Avoid fancy multi-column layouts for reflowable ePub — keep it simple.

 

 

 

3. Edit, proofread, and prepare final text

1. Use Google Docs Suggestions mode for collaborative edits.
2. Run spellcheck: Tools → Spelling and grammar.
3. Read aloud / use Chrome reader to catch awkward phrasing.
4. Export a PDF copy to check pagination and layout: File → Download → PDF Document (.pdf).
5. Finalize metadata in the document (title page, author, short blurb).

 

 

4. Design the cover — two easy options

You can design a cover in Google Slides (recommended) or in Google Docs (less flexible). Slides is easier for positioning and exact pixel sizes.

A. For an ebook-only cover (e.g., KDP/online stores)

• Recommended final file size: 1600 × 2560 px (vertical) is a strong standard; minimum 1400 px on the longest side. Aspect ratio ~1.6.
• Resolution: 72–150 DPI is fine for ebooks.
• Steps with Google Slides:
  1. Open Google Slides → Blank slide.
  2. File → Page setup → Custom → enter size in inches or pixels. If Slides asks for inches, convert px → in (px / 96). For simplicity use 6.667″ × 10.667″ which approximates 1600×2560 at 240 DPI — you can export PNG afterwards at high resolution.
  3. Remove any default text boxes. Insert → Image → choose background image (or use a solid color).
  4. Add text boxes for: Title (large), Subtitle (smaller), Author (smaller). Keep central area clear of text if you plan thumbnails.
  5. Use 2–3 fonts max. Make sure title is readable at thumbnail size — test by zooming out.
  6. Download: File → Download → PNG image (or PDF if needed). PNG recommended for crisp edges.

B. For print paperback (front + back + spine)

• Print requires exact dimensions including bleed and accurate spine width.
• Basic guidance:
  • Bleed: add 0.125″ (3 mm) bleed on each side.
  • Final cover width = front width + back width + spine width + bleeds.
  • Spine width depends on page count & paper thickness. Use the printer/publisher’s spine calculator (KDP has one). If you don’t know, leave spine text out or approximate (risky for print).
• Best workflow:
  1. Use Google Slides with a custom size equal to the total cover size (calculate with publisher specs).
  2. Create three zones (front, spine, back). Use guides (View → Guides).
  3. On the back: add book blurb (short 150–300 words), author bio, small author photo, publisher logo, and space for barcode (lower right).
  4. Export as PDF (high quality) and upload to your printer/publisher who will require a PDF/X-1a or similar. KDP accepts PDF for paperback covers.

 

5. Practical cover layout (front + back elements)

Front:

• Big readable Title (primary focus)
• Subtitle (optional)
• Author name
• Central focal image or graphic
• Small tagline (optional)

Back:

• 1–3 short paragraphs blurb (hooks readers)
• 2–3 short endorsements or praise (if available)
• About the author (short)
• Author photo (optional)
• Publisher/logo + website
• Barcode area (leave blank for the printer to add, or insert a placeholder rectangle)

Design tips:

• High contrast text vs background for readability.
• Leave breathing room (margins).
• Test at small thumbnail size to ensure title legibility.
• Use free/paid images with commercial license: Unsplash, Pexels, Adobe Stock, Shutterstock (license accordingly).

 

 

6. Exporting from Google Docs

• For ePub (reflowable e-book): File → Download → EPUB Publication (.epub). Google Docs will convert headings to ePub metadata and create a basic ePub. Check the ePub in an e-reader app (e.g., Calibre, Apple Books).
• For PDF: File → Download → PDF Document (.pdf) (good for PDFs distributed or for print PDF proof).
• For Word if needed: File → Download → Microsoft Word (.docx) for further processing (e.g., in Calibre or for professional typesetters).

 

 

7. Optional polishing (convert / validate)

1. Validate ePub: Use an ePub reader or Calibre to open and inspect. Fix odd formatting (footnotes, images).
2. If you need a more robust ePub or .mobi for Kindle:
   • Use Calibre to convert .docx or .epub into .mobi or Kindle formats.
   • Alternatively upload your .docx to KDP (Amazon) and let them convert — but review the result.
3. For print files: use Adobe InDesign (professional) or a service that prepares print-ready PDFs.

 

 

8. Metadata / ISBN / Copyright

1. Metadata to prepare: Title, subtitle, author, subtitle, series (if any), edition, language, publisher, publication date, short and long blurb, keywords, categories/genres, author bio.
2. ISBN:
   • Not required for free self-distribution ebooks, but many retailers request an ISBN (print books usually require it).
   • Amazon KDP offers a free ISBN for paperbacks; you can buy your own ISBN from your country’s ISBN agency if you want to be listed as the publisher.
3. Copyright page: include year, author name, “All rights reserved” statement, disclaimers, and image credits.

 

9. Publish & distribute (quick overview)

• Amazon KDP (ebooks + print): upload .epub for eBook or PDF for paperback; fill metadata, pricing, territories.
• Other ebook distributors: Draft2Digital, Smashwords, IngramSpark (for wider print/bookstore distribution).
• Direct PDF distribution: sell on Gumroad, Payhip, your website.

 

 

10. Quick checklist before publish

• Proofreaded + edited
• Table of contents working (links)
• Images optimized and credit/licensed
• Cover exported at correct size/resolution
• Metadata written (title, blurb, keywords)
• ISBN decision made
• ePub and PDF checked in readers
• Backup copies saved

Quick “How to make a cover in Google Slides” — minimal steps.

 

1. Google Slides → Blank slide → File → Page setup → Custom size (use 6.667″×10.667″ as a start).
2. Insert → Image → choose background.
3. Insert → Text box → add Title (use big bold font).
4. Insert → Text box → add Author name near bottom.
5. Align, center, check thumbnail legibility (zoom out).
6. File → Download → PNG image (use PNG for upload to stores).

Short recommended defaults (if you don’t want to think)

• Ebook cover size: 1600 × 2560 px (vertical).
• Manuscript: Google Docs with Heading 1 per chapter.
• Export: EPUB (for ebook) + PDF (for proofs).
• Cover design tool: Google Slides — easy, free, and accurate.