Professional Book Formatting for Indie Authors
Why choose me for your book formatting?
You should hire me if:
You’re an indie author who wants clean, readable interiors, not experimental layouts.
You want both ebook and print files formatted in Vellum without having to buy or learn the software yourself.
You prefer clear, word-count based pricing with front and back matter included, not a mystery “starting at” rate.
Your manuscript is final and edited, and you’re ready to move from “manuscript” to “upload-ready files.”
You need someone who understands both the author side and the technical side of publishing.
I’m probably not the right fit if:
You need heavily designed nonfiction, workbooks, or image-heavy layouts.
You want fully custom graphics, complex tables, or non-standard trim sizes outside what Vellum supports.
If you’re looking for practical, professional formatting built on Vellum’s strengths, you’re in the right place.
Clean, upload-ready eBook and print layouts built in Vellum and tailored to your story.
Formatting doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Some writers want to stay focused on their story. Others would rather not invest in the devices or software required to run Vellum. Whatever your situation, I make it simple to get a polished, professional result without the cost or stress of doing it yourself.
Save time, avoid the tech headaches, and publish with confidence. You don’t need to learn new tools or buy extra programs. I already have everything in place to deliver clean, consistent interiors.
If you want formatting that uses Vellum’s built-in styles, including its standard decorative flourishes, without custom graphics or image-heavy designs, I’m the practical choice. Visual add-ons within Vellum’s capabilities—such as customized scene dividers, extended bonus content, and series interior matching—are available if your project requires them.
Using Vellum’s professional themes, I produce layouts that meet industry standards for both ebook and print. My services are designed for indie authors who want reliable, high-quality formatting at an affordable rate. You’re not on your own in this process. I handle the technical details so you can stay focused on telling the story only you can write.
Services Summary
I format fiction manuscripts for self-published authors who want high-quality, upload-ready interiors without dealing with software, devices, or formatting tools.
eBook Formatting
EPUB files with a clickable Table of Contents, full front and back matter setup, and consistent styling across all major devices. I use Vellum’s professional preformatted themes to create clean, upload-ready files that meet current publishing standards.
Print Formatting
Vellum-supported trim sizes, mirrored margins, headers and footers, page breaks, and layout that meets KDP and IngramSpark requirements. Your interior will be formatted as a print-ready PDF without the hassle or guesswork.
Add-Ons
Optional upgrades are available when your project requires more than the standard setup, including:
Rush turnaround (72-hour, 48-hour, or 24-hour emergency service, when available)
Series interior matching for books already formatted in Vellum
Extended bonus content, such as multi-chapter sneak peeks, glossaries, character lists, or other extras beyond standard front/back matter
Additional revision rounds beyond what’s included in your tier
- Decorative chapter header images
Optional image-based accents integrated into chapter openings using Vellum-supported placement. Author-supplied, properly licensed images only. Images may be resized or made partially transparent for readability. No custom design or image creation included.
Transparent pricing and clear timelines.
If you prefer professional formatting built with Vellum’s standard design options rather than custom graphic work or heavily designed interiors, I’m a practical and cost-effective choice.
How it works:
Step 1: Request a Quote
Fill out the Request a Quote form with your book details, estimated word count, genre, platforms, and whether you need rush service. I’ll review the information and email you a clear quote based on your tier (word count), timeline, and any add-ons you selected.
Step 2: Approve the Quote and Pay Your Deposit
If you’re ready to move forward, I’ll send a PayPal invoice.
A 50% deposit is required to reserve your spot in the schedule.
You’re welcome to pay 100% upfront if you prefer, but it isn’t required.
Payment can be made by any major credit or debit card through the invoice. A PayPal account is not required.
Step 3: Complete the Project Intake Form
After your deposit is received, I’ll send you a private link to the Project Intake Form.
This is where you’ll:
Upload your final, edited manuscript in Word format (.docx)
Upload your ebook cover image (JPG, if you’re publishing an ebook)
Confirm your trim size from Vellum’s supported options
Provide your pen name and exact book title as they should appear in the interior
Indicate any special notes or series-matching requests
Confirm the Manuscript Confirmation & Revision Policy
Confirm the Rights & Permissions statement
Formatting is based entirely on the files and information provided in this form.
Step 4: Formatting in Vellum
I’ll format your book in Vellum using your selected trim size and layout preferences. All spacing, margins, fonts, and alignment are automatically adjusted to meet publishing standards for KDP and IngramSpark.
Every project includes:
Ebook and print interiors
Standard front and back matter
Linked Table of Contents
One included formatting revision round
If you requested add-ons such as rush service, series interior matching, or extended bonus content, I’ll apply those during this stage as well.
Step 5: Review and Approve Your Files
You’ll receive short preview pages so you can confirm layout and styling. If anything needs to be adjusted, this is where your one included revision round is used.
Once you approve the proof and any remaining balance is paid, I’ll send your final EPUB file and print-ready PDF, ready to upload to KDP, IngramSpark, or your chosen platform. Additional revision rounds after this point are billed at $25 per round.
Step 6 – Upload and Check Within 7 Days
Within 7 calendar days of receiving your final files, please:
Upload the EPUB and/or PDF to your chosen platform(s).
Use the platform’s built-in previewer (for example, KDP’s Online Previewer) to review how the book displays.
If you notice a formatting issue clearly caused by the interior files (missing or duplicated chapters, broken TOC links, obvious margin or trim problems not related to your platform settings), email me within that 7-day window and I’ll correct the files and resend them at no additional charge.
After 7 days—or if you request new content changes, updated links, or revisions unrelated to the original formatting—further work is billed as an additional revision round at $25 per round.
Before We Begin – Print Cover Dimensions
The final formatted page count determines your spine width and exact print cover dimensions. These numbers are not final until the interior has been formatted.
Please have your cover designer wait for the final page count before locking in a print cover.
Any new cover creation or resizing after formatting must be handled directly with your cover designer. I do not offer cover design or cover-resizing services.
If your print cover is already created, the spine width may still need adjustment once the interior is finalized. I recommend confirming the final formatted page count before uploading to KDP or IngramSpark.
About Me:
I’m Sandra Qian, the formatter behind WriteLife4Me and an indie author myself. I started learning Vellum to fix my own books—after wrestling with ugly Word exports, broken TOCs, and KDP quirks—and realized I enjoyed the technical side more than most writers do.
Now I format fiction for other indie authors so they don’t have to buy extra software, fight with settings, or second-guess whether their files will pass upload checks. My goal is simple: clean, professional interiors that let your story do the talking.
Reliable. Detail-oriented. Indie-author friendly.
Ready to Format Your Book?
Click “Request a Quote,” complete the form, and I’ll follow up with your custom price and turnaround estimate within 1–2 business days.