How to turn a Word manuscript into an EPUB ebook
EPUB is the standard ebook format for Apple Books, Kobo, Google Play Books and Kindle (via KDP or Send to Kindle). If your book is written in Word, you can turn it into a properly structured EPUB without learning any ebook software.
Step by step
- Open the Book Formatter. Pick the Book Formatter tab in Postscript.
- Upload your .docx. Or paste the text. Split it into chapters so readers can jump between them.
- Add the details. Title, author, an optional cover image and an about-the-author page.
- Export EPUB. Download the .epub and upload it to your store or e-reader.
Before you upload
Mark each chapter clearly in Word, ideally with a line starting Chapter, so the formatter splits the book in the right places and the contents list works. Pictures can be added as inline images in the Book Formatter. Fancy Word features like text boxes, columns and footnotes don't carry over to ebooks well, so keep the formatting simple.
Why EPUB and not PDF for ebooks
An EPUB reflows to fit any screen and lets readers change the text size, font and background. A PDF keeps its fixed pages, which means pinching and zooming on a phone. Every major ebook store wants EPUB for that reason.
Check it on a real reader
Before you publish, open the EPUB in Apple Books, Kindle (via Send to Kindle) or a free reader such as Calibre, and flick through the chapters. It takes five minutes and catches any stray formatting.
Questions
Is it free?
Yes for books up to 10,000 words and 10 chapters, and free EPUBs carry no Postscript credit. Longer books need Pro ($24.99 once).
Will Amazon accept the EPUB?
Yes. KDP accepts EPUB files for Kindle ebooks.
Can I convert an existing PDF instead?
Yes, with the document converter in the File Editor (a Pro feature).
Does the EPUB include a table of contents?
Yes, if you switch on the contents option, built from your chapter titles.
More guides
How to format a book for print and ebook (free for short books)
Format your manuscript into a print-ready PDF in KDP trim sizes plus an EPUB. Free for books up to 10,000 words; Pro for full-length novels.
How to format a paperback for Amazon KDP
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How to design a book cover without hiring a designer
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