Name: Self-publishing: Format Your Amazon Book with Microsoft Word
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Created byBrian Jackson

Last updated 3/2026

English

What you'll learn

Learn to start Microsoft Word on Windows and optimize your editing environment. Learn to use Word to format your manuscript for Amazon publication.
Learn to copy edit your manuscript to remove common errors and create a free DIY quality book cover with Canva, Microsoft PowerPoint or the GIMP.
Learn to format fiction and nonfiction manuscripts for publication in eBook and paperback formats using Microsoft Word and downloadable templates.
Review an introduction and overview of Amazon Kindle eBook marketing.

Course content

9 sections • 54 lectures • 5h 50m total length

Course Overview2:08
In this lecture, I provide a brief overview of the course contents and structure.
Self-publishing Process12:31
In this lecture, I provide an overview of the Amazon self-publishing process.
Course Resources0:22
In this lecture, I provide templates for Amazon fiction and nonfiction books. Download a template, open it in Microsoft Word and follow the instructions provided in this course to modify it.
In addition to the templates, the following are affiliate links to the tools discussed in this course. If you choose to purchase these tools, please use these links to do so. If you use these links, I will receive a significant percentage of the purchase price at no additional cost to you.
Publisher Rocket: Amazon Book Keyword Search Tool
https://brianjjaxn--rocket.thrivecart.com/publisher-rocket/
How to Watch This Course4:38
In this lecture, I show you how to watch any Udemy course fast and how to leave "Notes", or bookmarks, on the video timeline so that you can return to important sections.

Run Microsoft Word From the Windows Taskbar8:41
In this lecture, I show how to start and stop word and save and load documents.
Word Screen Layout and Navigation7:14
In this lecture, I provide an introduction to starting Word, saving files and navigating the interface.
Optimize Your Writing Environment9:21
In this lecture, I demonstrate how to optimize your Microsoft Word screen real estate to improve productivity while writing and editing.
Section Project0:05
In this lecture, I provide a section project for you to complete.

Copy Editing vs Content Editing4:06
In this lecture, I explain the difference between content editing and copy editing (addressed in this course).
Cost of Not Copy Editing Your Work3:48
In this lecture, I explain the cost of not copy editing your manuscript before self-publishing.
Cost of Professional Copy Editing2:13
In this lecture, I describe the cost of professional copy editing ($300-$800) in support of self-editing.
Spiral vs Waterfall Copy Editing3:37
In this lecture, I explain the difference between the classic waterfall editing model and spiral editing, my personal preference.
Copy Editing Backward to Not Get Caught Up In Your Story2:46
In this lecture, I explain why you should copy edit your manuscript backward from the end a paragraph or two at a time.
Copy Editing Out Loud to Catch More Errors2:09
In this lecture, I explain why you should read your manuscript out loud while copy editing.
Using Grammarly for Grammar and Spelling Errors8:17
In this lecture, I recommend running the Grammarly Word extension to catch grammar, spelling and syntax errors.
Drafting Others to Copy Edit Your Work1:59
In this lecture, I recommend the final editing step of drafting others to provide content and copy editing support.
Section Project0:05
In this lecture, I provide a section project for you to complete.

Formatting Your Manuscript for Amazon Paperback Publication2:23
In this lecture, I explain how we can use a single manuscript for both eBook and paperback publication.
Displaying Formatting Characters2:11
In this lecture we see how to enable and disable the display of formatting characters while we work on a document in Word.
Replacing Invalid Characters3:44
In this lecture we learn why and how to remove all tabs from your document and how to translate -- to an emdash.
Dropping the Formatting Bomb2:17
In this lecture we learn how to wipe out existing formatting of a poorly formatted document before formatting it for publication.
Configure Fiction Paragraph and Heading Styles14:53
In this lecture, I begin teaching you to configure Word styles beginning with fiction paragraph and chapter heading styles.
Configure Nonfiction Paragraph and Numbered Heading Styles8:35
In this lecture, I demonstrate how to configure your Word document for writing nonfiction documents.
Formatting Scene Seperators3:55
In this lecture, I demonstrate how to insert and configure scene separators both manually and using styles.
Format Your Manuscript for Publication13:53
In this lecture, I demonstrate how to format the layout of your document for publication. This is the ultimate environment in which I write.
Select and Edit Text8:48
In this lecture, I show you multiple ways to select text followed by four editing operations to apply to selected text.
Configure Selected Text6:12
In this lecture, I demonstrate how to configure the text that you select.
Inserting and Aligning Images8:51
In this lecture, I discuss inserting and aligning images for Kindle eBook and paperback publications.
Add the Missing Sections5:17
In this lecture, I demonstrate how to add title, copyright, email signup and table of contents pages from an existing document or from the templates.
Using the Fiction and Nonfiction Templates9:59
In this lecture, I demonstrate how to use the nonfiction writing template found in the resources of lecture 3 above. Note that using the fiction template is nearly identical. The only difference is that the fiction template includes fiction paragraph and header styles.
Section Project0:06
In this lecture, I provide a section project for you to complete.

Fundamentals of Book Cover Design9:16
In this lecture I discuss the fundamentals of book cover design focusing on images, text and colored boxes. All addressed are making text pop, full page vs inset images and branding.
Addendum: Book Cover Design and Download JPG/PNG5:03
In this course addendum, I correct and clarify directions provided in the following videos regarding Canva book cover creation. There are two:
1) Click the "Create a design" button near the upper left of the screen and search for the "Book Cover" design by scrolling down in the design list rather than selecting "Kindle Cover" which appears for no one but me.
2) When exporting images, click the Download button, then change the default download format from PDF to either JPG or PNG by clicking on the down arrow to the right of the selector.
Please report any problems or confusion as you encounter them so that I can produce the best course possible.
---Brian
Using Free Canva Themes and Pixabay Images to Create a Book Cover12:38
In this lecture I provide a demonstration of creating a free book cover using a Canva theme, which pretty much lays out the whole book cover allowing you to change the text and picture to make it yours.
Canva From a Blank Page Up7:52
In this lecture we use Canva to build a book cover from the blank page up. No more depending upon themes. Here I demonstrate the use of raw Canva.
Canva Advanced Techniques11:42
In this lecture you graduate from novice Canva book cover creator to expert. Watch as I delve into the guts of Canva's inner workings.
Create a Free Book Cover Using the GIMP16:35
This lecture provides a short demo of using the free GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP) in place of Canva to create your book cover.
Create a Free Book Cover Using PowerPoint12:26
This lecture provides a quick demo of using Microsoft PowerPoint to create your book cover instead of Canva.
Create a Free Book Cover Using Canva6:53
This lecture demonstrated using Canva to create the sample book cover.
Section Project0:06
In this lecture, I provide a section project for you to complete.

Introduction to the Amazon Kindle eBook Marketing Sales Funnel12:57
In this lecture, I offer a new view to selling books that I've named the Amazon Kindle Ebook Marketing Sales Funnel.
Name Your Book to Be Found11:46
In this lecture, I explain how to name your book to optimize its visibility on Amazon. This is the Amazon SEO lecture.
Always Write in a Series4:03
In this lecture, I explain why you must always write in a series because it's easier to sell an existing reader the next book in a series than a brand new topic. I also point out the free Amazon advertising you receive.
Book Price and Length15:49
In this lecture, I discuss how long your book should be and how much you should charge.
Book Release Strategies6:01
In this lecture, I look at two popular release strategies for nonfiction books on Amazon.
Self-publish Your Book Exclusively on Amazon7:32
In this lecture, I explain the KDP Select program and how Amazon exclusivity can actually make you more money.
Section Project0:05
In this lecture, I provide a section project for you to complete.

Introducing ChatGPT7:01
In this lecture, I provide an overview of ChatGPT - what it is and how it works.
Generating Images and Book Covers From Within ChatGPT4:21
You can even generate your book cover from within ChatGPT.
Publish Your Book in Kindle Format Using KDP14:40
In this lecture, I demonstrate how to publish your manuscript for Kindle distribution using the Amazon KDP web-based interface.
Introduction to Self-publishing on Amazon Kindle Vella with ChatGPT7:35
In this lecture, I provide a demonstration of the Amazon Kindle Vella reader front-end and author backend and ChatGPT text generation.
Publish an AI Read Audiobook10:07
Note: This feature is currently in beta and open to US publishers by invitation only, but it's coming fast to all markets.
Amazon just released a new feature that allows published authors to automatically generate audiobooks for publication on Audible in minutes using AI and a synthetic voice. This free additional revenue stream enhances the appeal of your eBook/book display and only takes minutes to set up.

Requirements

A copy of Microsoft Word to follow along (or translate the instructions to your preferred editor).

Description

Self-Publishing Made Simple: Format Your Amazon Book with Microsoft Word and Launch with Confidence

Are you an aspiring author looking to self-publish your book on Amazon, but unsure how to format it professionally? Whether you’re writing fiction, nonfiction, or a memoir, proper formatting is essential to delivering a polished reading experience that meets industry standards. In this comprehensive, step-by-step course, you will learn how to format your manuscript for both Amazon Kindle eBooks and Print on Demand (POD) paperbacks—all using Microsoft Word.

Self-publishing has never been more accessible, but with millions of books competing for readers’ attention, presentation is key. Poor formatting can lead to negative reviews and lost sales, while a well-structured book can establish your credibility as an author and create a seamless experience for your audience. This course removes the guesswork by guiding you through the entire formatting process, from manuscript preparation to final publication.

What You Will Learn in This Course

This course is designed to equip you with everything you need to format your book like a professional. You will learn:

Manuscript Preparation and Editing

The difference between copy editing and content editing, and why both matter.
Common mistakes authors make when skipping the editing process—and how to avoid them.
How to manually proofread your book and use tools like Grammarly to catch grammar, spelling, and usage errors.
Advanced editing techniques, including reading your manuscript backward and aloud to spot hard-to-catch mistakes.

Formatting Your Book with Microsoft Word

How to optimize your Microsoft Word workspace for efficient formatting.
The best practices for formatting both fiction and nonfiction manuscripts.
How to configure headings, paragraphs, and scene separators for a professional look.
Using Word’s built-in styles and templates to ensure consistent formatting throughout your book.
How to properly insert and align images for illustrated books or non-fiction works.

Creating a Professional-Quality DIY Book Cover

Fundamentals of book cover design and how it impacts sales.
How to design a high-quality book cover using free tools like Canva, PowerPoint, and GIMP.
Best practices for choosing fonts, images, and layouts to make your book stand out.

Introduction to Amazon Book Marketing

Understanding the Amazon Kindle eBook sales funnel and how it impacts visibility.
How to choose the perfect book title and description for searchability and reader engagement.
The benefits of writing in a series and structuring your books for long-term sales.
The best book release strategies to create momentum and attract early reviews.
Insights into exclusive vs. wide distribution and choosing the right path for your book.

Why This Course is the Ultimate Formatting Guide

All-in-One Learning Experience – Learn everything from manuscript editing to book cover design and marketing, all in one course.
No Technical Skills Required – You don’t need advanced design or software knowledge—just Microsoft Word and a finished manuscript.
Expert Instruction from a Proven Publisher – Your instructor, Brian Jackson, has over 12 years of Amazon publishing experience, 100+ published books, and 30+ online courses to his name. Learn from a seasoned professional who understands the self-publishing industry inside and out.
Practical, Hands-On Training – This course isn’t just theory—it includes step-by-step demonstrations, downloadable resources, and templates to make implementation easy.
Lifetime Access and Future Updates – The world of self-publishing evolves constantly. Get lifetime access to this course, including future updates and additional content.

Who Should Take This Course?

This course is perfect for:

First-time authors looking to self-publish professionally without hiring an expensive formatter.
Experienced writers who want to take full control of their book formatting process.
Entrepreneurs and business owners who want to publish eBooks and paperbacks as part of their brand strategy.
Writers of all genres, including fiction, nonfiction, memoirs, and self-help books.
Self-publishers looking to expand their knowledge and optimize their workflow.

Enroll Today and Start Your Publishing Journey

This course will empower you with the tools and knowledge to successfully format your book for Amazon publication—all without spending a fortune on professional services.

Take control of your self-publishing success today—enroll now and start formatting your book like a pro!

Who this course is for:

This course is for those new to self-publishing with Microsoft Word.
This course is also for experienced self-publisher looking to upgrade their process.

What you'll learn

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Course content

Introduction4 lectures • 20min

Microsoft Word Setup4 lectures • 25min

Copy Edit Your Manuscript9 lectures • 29min

Format Your Manuscript for Publication14 lectures • 1hr 31min

Create a Free Quality DIY Book Cover9 lectures • 1hr 23min

Intermission1 lecture • 1min

Introduction to Amazon Kindle eBook Marketing7 lectures • 58min

Additional Material5 lectures • 44min

Conclusion1 lecture • 1min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: