Understanding Book Margins and Layout
Margins help center text. They make pages visually appealing, balance facing pages. Blank margins contrast words, images; help eyes focus, allow easier reading. Margins allow holding book open.
Calculating Margins and Choosing Font Size
After all, worrying about things like page layout, margins, breaks when eyes only observe work can feel like obstacles to putting ideas on paper.
Eyes of readers determine book size. Home readers may need larger fonts. Poor eyesight means larger book, font. Study genre in bookstore. Use ruler, look at books on shelves. Pay close attention to trends, variation in genre.
Personal taste matters too. Set software correctly from start to avoid lengthy reformatting before printing book. Begin manuscript in software’s default US Letter size. Then print book at different size.
Common Formatting Considerations
Common mistake first-time authors make. Most word processors default to US Letter size, 8.5 x 11 inches. This the standard to use. Font should be readable. Margins should be 1 inch on all sides.