Hi RM, yes absolutely! You can add a page number in the header as well as author/title info. Here are the instructions on adding a header from Microsoft.

You can also add a cover page here. Hope that helps! Kat

Hi Mohan, thanks for getting in touch. I do recommend using a template in Word as it makes it easier to find information and chapters when you’re editing it, especially for non-fiction books. That way, if you do ever want to turn it into an e-book, it’s all set up. I think a template would make it a lot easier to format it and also make it look more professional, but you don’t have to have one. I usually use the manuscript format template in word, found where you search for online templates, but if you’re writing a non-fiction book a report template may be better for what you’re doing. Have a look around and see what you like. Hope that helps and thanks for reading my blog 🙂 Kat

Hi Bill,

First, I’d ask the publisher for a sample or template of what they want, that way you know exactly how they want it formatted. I’d also have a look in Word’s templates to see if there’s anything specific for non-fiction. Manuscript rules are still the same for non-fiction and fiction, but it sounds like you have a lot more to do.

In the insert menu in Word, you can add a title page in the top left corner. You can also use section breaks to add a preface, introduction etc. It might be helpful to look up some of the formatting for more academic papers to get an idea of how to format an index and bibliography, as I’m not an expert. Whenever I’ve done referencing, it’s for shorter pieces with footnotes. I do know there is a way of putting your books and their information into Word and it keeps track of them for your bibliography, but I haven’t done it yet.

Normally if I was formatting a book for print I’d do it in InDesign, which has a lot more tools for indexing (although it’s a steep learning curve so you’re probably better off in Word). And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, take it one chunk at a time – if I’m editing, I’ll do three chapters at a time and then take a break. That way you get through it. Good luck with your book.

Cheers
Kat

I’ve just read your article and I’ve found it really interesting. But I wonder if you could help or point me in the direction of how to setup Word 2016 for my Nonfiction book?

It is for Print first and hopefully e-book later. My publisher has given me instructions regards Fonts, line spacing and the basic requirements. They have asked me to format the book for print myself. Apparently a good opportunity to learn.

The advice they gave was to setup Word before writing my first draft! So I’m staring at a White blank standard Word Document.

The Front matter I need is:

Title page
Table of Contents
Preface
Introduction

Then the manuscript (I’m still writing and using the Outline Feature in Word.)

Then the End matter:

Index
Bibliography

I can find lots about setting up a Fiction book but the only things I can find with ease are Manuscript submission guides. I was told setting up the document, Page Format and layout before I write my first draft is the quickest way, rather than having to go back and alter everything.

I’d really appreciate any help you could give.

Thank you very much indeed. I must say, I have the main text all handwritten, but now I need to get it ready for submission for print. Feeling a bit excited yet overwhelmed at the prospect!

Thanks Vanessa! If you’re self publishing there are a lot of good groups on Facebook dedicated to book promotion and publishing. I’d recommend checking them out as there are a lot of authors in those groups willing to share their experiences.