Field guide · Book creation
Format a Book for KDP: Plan Ebook and Print Separately
Use one approved manuscript to prepare distinct ebook and paperback editions, then verify each in its own preview workflow.
EarnDraft Team · Published October 28, 2026 · Updated October 28, 2026 · 2 min read
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Where to start
Decide which editions you intend to publish before formatting. A reflowable ebook adapts to reader settings; a paperback uses fixed pages. Keep the text synchronized, but do not expect one layout to satisfy both experiences.
Start from a clean manuscript with semantic headings and consistent paragraph styles. Finish major content edits before tuning page breaks, because structural changes can invalidate later layout work.
Prepare two production copies
- Make an approved manuscript snapshot and resolve comments or tracked changes in the publication copy.
- For the ebook, verify chapter navigation, reading order, images and flexible text sizing.
- For print, choose supported dimensions, set margins and inspect page furniture and breaks.
- Prepare the appropriate cover for each edition; a print wrap is not just the ebook front image.
- Preview both uploaded files and review a physical print proof before release.
One correction must reach both editions
Suppose you discover a mistaken name after formatting. Correct it in the master manuscript, record the change and regenerate both editions. If you only patch the PDF, the ebook retains the error and your next print export may restore it.
Keep a release checklist with the master version and the ebook and print filenames. Inspect the actual files selected for upload. Similar filenames are an easy way to submit an earlier draft even after the latest export has passed review.
Check your result
- The ebook has working navigation rather than printed page references alone.
- The PDF matches the chosen print setup.
- The cover belongs to the final edition and page count.
- Both editions contain the same approved text.
References and scope
Reference material checked October 28, 2026. The exercises and examples are editorial guidance, not results from a comparative product test. EarnDraft publishes this guide and sells book-creation software.
Written by the EarnDraft team — we build the tool that turns one sentence into a sellable ebook. How we write and check our guides.
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