TYPESETTING / book FORMATTING
Typesetting (also known as book formatting) is the process of transforming your manuscript into a professionally laid-out file ready for print-on-demand platforms, traditional printers, or digital distribution. Typesetting is about more than just making things look pretty. It's the craft of arranging text on a page so that it reads beautifully and without friction: the right fonts, the right spacing, consistent and considered styling throughout.
Professional typesetting ensures your book:
Meets industry-standard formatting conventions
Is consistent in its presentation from first page to last
Looks polished and credible in both print and digital formats
Is correctly structured for submission to print-on-demand platforms such as IngramSpark or KDP (Amazon) etc
We offer professional typesetting and formatting services for general manuscripts, working entirely within Microsoft Word. Whether you're self-publishing, preparing a manuscript for a small press, or simply want your work to look its very best on the page, we can help.
Typesetting options …
Print book Typesetting
Ideal for: Authors self-publishing a printed book or preparing files for a print-on-demand platform (e.g. IngramSpark, KDP Print).
This is full book typesetting — your manuscript laid out as a proper printed book, ready to upload to your chosen print-on-demand platform or send to a printer.
Includes:
Choice of trim size (e.g. A5, 5×8", 6×9") to suit your publishing platform
Professional font selection and typographic styling
Correct margins, gutters, and bleed settings for print
Consistent chapter openings and section breaks
Front matter (title page, copyright page, dedication, table of contents)
Back matter (acknowledgements, about the author)
Page numbers, running headers/footers
Final Word file formatted and ready for PDF export
Ebook FORMATTING
Ideal for: Authors publishing a Kindle or ePub eBook through platforms such as Amazon KDP or IngramSpark.
eBook formatting requires a different approach to print — reflowable text, clean structure, and correct heading hierarchies are essential for a professional result across all devices. This service delivers a clean, properly structured Word file ready for conversion to ePub or direct upload to KDP.
Includes:
Clean, reflowable document structure optimised for eBook conversion
Correct use of Heading styles for chapter navigation
Clickable table of contents
Front and back matter
Removal of print-specific formatting that causes eBook conversion errors
Final file ready for upload to KDP or conversion to ePub
Combined Typesetting
Ideal for: Authors publishing in both formats.
A bundled package covering both print typesetting and eBook formatting, ensuring your book looks professional across all formats. This is the most popular option for self-publishing authors who want to reach the widest possible readership.
Includes everything in the Print Book Typesetting and eBook Formatting packages above.
Why choose THE MAA for typesetting?
The MAA has been working with authors since 1996, and we understand what makes a
manuscript ready for the world. Our typesetting service is an extension of that commitment — ensuring that by the time your book reaches readers, it reflects the care and effort you've put into writing it.
Find out more about our team on our About page.
the fine print …
To ensure the highest quality outcomes, our typesetting services are currently limited to:
General manuscripts only — we do not typeset illustrated books, picture books, graphic novels, or heavily designed non-fiction with complex layouts (e.g. cookbooks, activity books, or titles with significant image integration).
Microsoft Word — all typesetting is completed in Word. We do not currently offer typesetting in InDesign or other professional DTP software.
If you're unsure whether your manuscript falls within scope, please don't hesitate toget in touch — we're happy to have a conversation.
Ready to get started?
To enquire about our typesetting and formatting services, please visit our Contact page or email us directly (kit@manuscriptagency.com.au). We'll be in touch to discuss your project and provide a quote.