The problem we solve
Formatting is where a Word document becomes a book readers trust. Bad spacing, inconsistent fonts, and weak margins signal amateur production — even when the writing and cover are strong.
Interior formatting and typesetting turn your manuscript into professional pages: consistent hierarchy, readable type, margins that survive print, and front/back matter that meets retail expectations. AuthorShelf production scales by tier — from AI-assisted layout with mandatory human QC through professional and enhanced interiors on higher packages.
eBook formatting and distribution (EPUB and wide retailer release) is included on most packages and available as an add-on on Spark. Print-ready files feed global distribution so your title can appear with major online retailers and be orderable by bookstores where your package includes that path.
What you should expect: a clear trim size decision, interior proofs you can mark up, eProof rounds with approve-or-request-changes controls, and final files that match what distribution systems require. “We’ll make it look nice” without proof checkpoints is how authors discover broken chapters after upload day.
You review layouts and eProofs in the Author Portal, request changes through workflow tasks, and keep a written record of approvals before Title Live. After launch, the same portal is where royalty reporting and title support live — so production is not a one-and-done email dump that disappears when the freelancers move on.
Example expectation: chapter openers, body text, and running heads stay consistent; images (if any) are placed cleanly; and eBook navigation does not break chapter structure. You approve before distribution setup begins — that is the “portal checkpoint” difference vs. email-only freelancers.
Need only formatting? Buy production services à la carte. Want fewer vendors? Choose a package that bundles ISBN, distribution, portal access, and design so you are not project-managing a stack of freelancers alone. Most debut authors who want a coordinated path start with Launch ($597) or Pro ($997). Compare packages for best value, then add production SKUs only if a gap remains.
What “professional” actually includes
- Print interior layout
- Typeset pages for your trim size with professional hierarchy, margins, and front/back matter readiness.
- eBook production
- EPUB (and related digital files as scoped) prepared for wide retail release where your package or add-on includes it.
- eProof & lock
- Portal-tracked proof rounds. Production advances when you approve — not when someone assumes silence means yes.
How work moves in the Author Portal
- Confirm trim size, formats, and manuscript readiness in the portal.
- Review interior proofs and request specific changes by page or section.
- Approve eProofs before distribution setup.
- Title Live opens royalty and post-publication views in the same portal.
Common questions
What files do I receive?
Scope depends on your package or service, but production typically delivers print-ready interiors and eBook files appropriate to your formats, with approvals captured in the portal.
Is eBook included in every package?
eBook formatting and distribution is included in Launch through Ultimate and available as an add-on on Spark. Confirm your tier on the packages page.
How does formatting relate to the six production phases?
Formatting and proofs sit inside the portal workflow after editorial and design decisions are in motion. See The Process page for phase-by-phase detail and sample 6–8 week timelines.
Can I request a physical proof copy?
Physical proofs may be available as a paid add-on depending on your project. Digital eProof approval is the standard portal checkpoint before distribution.
Do I keep rights to my book files?
Yes. You retain 100% of rights and royalties. AuthorShelf does not take a revenue share on your book sales. Deliverable file ownership follows your package and agreement at purchase.
What does “print-ready” mean in plain language?
Interior files prepared for your trim size and print specs, plus eBook files where included, after you approve eProofs in the portal. That is the handoff into distribution setup — not a raw Word doc.
Should I buy formatting alone or as part of a package?
Formatting alone works if you already have cover, ISBN, and a distribution plan. Most first-time authors save coordination pain by starting with Launch or Pro on the packages page.
Not sure which level you need?
Most authors bundle professional work into Launch ($597) or Pro ($997) for a coordinated path — then add à la carte only if needed. Packages include lifetime portal access and 100% rights & royalties. See the full package comparison or services catalog.
View packages (best value) →