Introduction
Formatting your book correctly is essential for meeting Australian print standards and delivering a professional reading experience. Whether you’re publishing fiction or non-fiction, layout, margins, fonts, and structure directly affect readability and credibility. Understanding Australian formatting expectations helps your book succeed in printing, distribution, and bookstores.
Why Book Formatting Matters in Australia
Australian readers expect professionally presented books that match the quality of traditionally published titles. Poor formatting can distract readers, reduce trust, and even result in rejection by printers or bookstores. Proper formatting ensures your book is comfortable to read, visually consistent, and aligned with industry norms used across Australia.
For self-published authors especially, formatting plays a critical role in reviews, word-of-mouth recommendations, and long-term author branding.
Start with a Clear Book Structure
Formatting works best when your manuscript is already well organized. Before adjusting margins or fonts, your book should have a clear chapter structure, logical flow, and completed content.
If you’re still shaping your manuscript, having a solid outline will make formatting far easier and more accurate. This guide on outlining your book effectively is particularly helpful at the planning stage.
Standard Trim Sizes Used in Australia
Choosing a common trim size helps reduce printing costs and improves acceptance by Australian printers and distributors.
Commonly used sizes include:
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6 × 9 inches – Non-fiction, business, memoirs
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5 × 8 inches – Fiction and novels
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A5 (148 × 210 mm) – Educational or academic books
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Royal size – Trade paperbacks
Using non-standard sizes may increase costs and limit distribution options.
Setting Margins and Gutters Correctly
Margins directly impact readability and binding quality.
Recommended guidelines for Australian print books:
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Inside (gutter) margin: larger than outer margin
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Outer margin: allows comfortable hand placement
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Top margin: space for headers
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Bottom margin: space for page numbers
Tight margins may reduce page count but often result in poor reader experience, especially in perfect-bound books.
Choosing the Right Fonts for Print
Fonts should be easy to read over long sessions. Australian printers and bookstores favor classic serif fonts designed for books.
Recommended fonts:
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Garamond
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Caslon
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Minion Pro
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Baskerville
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Janson
Avoid decorative or script fonts for body text. These should only be used sparingly for chapter titles or special design elements.
Font Size and Line Spacing
For most Australian print books:
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Font size: 10.5–11.5 pt (fiction), 11–12 pt (non-fiction)
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Line spacing (leading): 120–140% of font size
Always print a sample page to check readability before finalizing your layout.
Text Alignment and Paragraph Styling
Professional books use justified text, where both left and right edges align evenly. This creates a clean, polished look and improves reading flow.
Paragraph rules:
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First-line indent: about 0.25 inches
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No blank line between paragraphs
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Do not indent the first paragraph of a chapter
These conventions are standard across Australian print publishing.
Designing Professional Chapter Openings
Chapter openings should clearly signal a new section of the book.
Best practices:
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Start each chapter on a new page
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Begin text about one-third down the page
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Use larger or stylized chapter headings
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Remove headers and footers from chapter opening pages
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Optional drop caps or stylized first words
These details elevate your book from amateur to professional.
Headers, Footers, and Page Numbers
Running headers help readers navigate long books.
Common layout:
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Left pages: author name
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Right pages: book title or chapter title
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Page numbers placed at the bottom center or outer corners
Chapter opening pages usually do not display page numbers.
Formatting Scene Breaks
Scene breaks indicate changes in time, place, or perspective.
Common options:
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Extra line spacing
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Three asterisks (***)
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Small symbols or icons
Choose one style and use it consistently throughout the book.
Edit Before You Format
Formatting should always come after editing. Any content changes after formatting can disrupt page flow, spacing, and pagination.
If you’re unsure why editing comes first, this resource explains the process clearly:
editing in book writing
Preparing Files for Australian Printers
Most Australian printers require:
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Print-ready PDF
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Embedded fonts
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Correct trim size and margins
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Clean, consistent layout
Understanding local requirements avoids costly reprints and delays. This guide on book printing in Australia outlines what printers expect.
Formatting and Bookstore Acceptance
Professional formatting significantly increases your chances of being stocked by Australian bookstores. Retailers look for books that match industry presentation standards and offer a smooth reading experience.
If bookstore distribution is part of your goal, this article on getting your book stocked in Australian bookstores explains how formatting supports acceptance.
Common Formatting Mistakes to Avoid
Australian authors often struggle with:
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Using default Word settings
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Mixing multiple fonts
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Ignoring gutter margins
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Over-designing chapter pages
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Formatting before editing is complete
Professional formatting is subtle it should never distract from your content.
FAQs
Q1. What Are the Standard Trim Sizes for Australian Print Books?
A. Choosing the correct trim size ensures your book meets Australian printing standards and reduces printing costs. Popular options include 6×9 inches for non-fiction, 5×8 inches for fiction, and A5 for academic or educational books.
Q2. Which Fonts Are Best for Australian Printed Books?
A. Serif fonts like Garamond, Caslon, Minion Pro, Baskerville, and Janson are recommended for long-form reading. Avoid decorative or script fonts for body text, using them only for chapter titles or special design elements.
Q3. How Should Margins and Gutters Be Set for Australian Print?
A. Margins should be roomy to enhance readability. Inside (gutter) margins should be slightly larger than outer margins, with top and bottom margins around 0.75 inches. Proper margins prevent text from running into the binding.
Q4. Should I Edit My Manuscript Before Formatting?
A. Yes! Editing should always come first. Formatting a manuscript before final edits can lead to disrupted page flow and wasted time. Ensure your content is fully polished before adjusting layout, typography, or chapters.
Q5. Can Professional Formatting Help Get My Book Stocked in Australian Bookstores?
A. Absolutely. Well-formatted books are more likely to meet bookstore standards, improve readability, and signal professionalism. Proper formatting supports distribution and increases your chances of retail acceptance.
Conclusion
Formatting is not just a technical step; it’s part of your book’s professionalism and reader experience. By following Australian print standards and aligning formatting with editing, printing, and distribution goals, you give your book the best chance to be read, respected, and remembered.