10 Amazing Google Docs eBook Template Tips to Use Now
Discover how to use a Google Docs ebook template to easily transform your manuscript into a professional ebook ready for publishing. Harness the power of ebook templates.
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” – Maya Angelou
Unleashing your creativity as a new author can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to designing and formatting your first ebook. Fret not, aspiring author, because Google Docs ebook templates can simplify your writing journey. But what are they? How do they work? And most importantly, how can you use them to your advantage?
In this third article in our six-part series on free ebook templates, we delve into the basics of a Google Docs template. Let’s get started.
What Are Google Docs eBook Templates?
A Google Docs ebook template offers you pre-designed layouts to help authors like you efficiently format their ebooks. Their free templates, accessible to everyone with a Google account, can ease your ebook creation. Imagine trying to design an ebook from scratch–setting up the size, creating an eye-catching cover, and formatting each page. It sounds like it might be exhausting, doesn’t it? Google Docs ebook templates take the burden. It provides a foundation to work on, so you can focus more on your content.
Are Google Docs Templates Free?
Yes, they are completely free. It’s one of the many reasons why Google Docs is a popular choice among first-time authors. You get access to an array of useful tools and templates without spending a penny. However, if you’re looking for more unique designs, there are third-party websites offering premium Google Docs templates for a fee.
The Power of Google Docs
Google Docs for ebooks isn’t just about convenience. It’s also about effectiveness. Google Docs is indeed good for ebooks. Choose from a variety of ebook templates or create your own. Enhance your writing and design process with the variety of features it offers. Its accessibility allows you to access your work from any device, anywhere. You can seamlessly export your finished ebook to various formats including ePub, PDF, and other formats.
One of the major benefits of Google Docs is the collaboration feature. You can invite others to view, comment on, or edit your document in real-time. This is especially useful if you’re co-authoring your ebook or if you want to get feedback from others. To invite collaborators, click on the “Share” button in the top right corner of your document, then enter the email addresses of the people you’d like to invite.
How Do You Create an eBook in Google Docs?
Now, let’s get to the exciting part. How to create an ebook using Google Docs. The process is simpler than you might think. Customizing Google Docs templates is a breeze. Here’s the basics of how.
Choosing a template. Start by selecting an ebook template from the Google Docs template gallery. You can choose a pre-made template or customize one to match your style and align with your ebook’s theme. Remember, the template is just a starting point. It provides a basic structure, which you can modify as needed.
Formatting. Use the formatting tools to make your ebook reader-friendly. This includes choosing the right font style and size, line spacing, and alignment. Try different combinations until you find what works best for your ebook. Keep in mind, when it comes to the size of your ebook, there’s no one-size-fits-all. One popular size for ebooks is 6″ x 9.” It translates to a page size of approximately 60 characters per line, making it easy to read.
Applying styles. Use the Styles feature to create a consistent look throughout your ebook. For example, you can define a style for your headers, sub-headers, and body text. Add headers and footers, as they’re great for creating consistent elements on each page, such as page numbers or your ebook’s title. For a unique ebook, inject your personal style into it. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different elements until you find what represents you best.
Writing content. Next, fill in your content. This is where you unleash your creativity, as a first-time author. Remember to keep your text engaging and conversational to captivate your readers. For more help with your first draft, see 5 Essential Steps to Go from First Draft to Self-Published.
Exporting. Once you’re satisfied with your ebook formatting and content, it’s time to export it. You can save and export it in a variety of formats, including ePub or PDF. These are compatible with most ebook readers, including Amazon Kindle. For a PDF, save with embedded fonts.
When a client started using Google Docs ebook templates, he felt as if he’d stumbled upon a treasure chest. He used it with his first book. However, he told me in his excitement, he overlooked one small detail. He mistakenly chose template for a cookbook, not a crime thriller.
He was writing a suspense-filled narrative when he noticed the subheadings: “Ingredients” and “Preparation.” Instead of swapping the template, he decided to go along with the culinary theme. The murder weapon became “1 cup of poison,” the murderer “a pinch of villainy,” and the motive “a dash of revenge.”
When he shared the draft with his writing group, he could’ve served up a “recipe for disaster.” Instead, the feedback was full of laughter emojis from our bemused colleagues. His experience gave us all a reminder to carefully select the right template. Now, whenever I use Google Docs templates, I chuckle, remembering his clever crime-culinary concoction.
Can You Sell eBooks Made with a Template?
Yes definitely. Whether you create your ebook from scratch or use a template, the product of your hard work is yours to distribute as you see fit. In fact, using an eBook template can give your work a more professional look, increasing its marketability.
Google Docs is merely a tool for creating your ebook, what you do with your creation is up to you. Whether you decide to give it away for free or sell it, the choice is yours.
If you decide to sell your ebook, one popular platform is Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). It’s simple to upload your ebook on KDP, and you can set your own price. Remember, the quality of your ebook, including its content and design, plays a crucial role in its success.
How Do You Upload an eBook to Amazon KDP?
Can you use Google Docs templates for Amazon KDP? The answer is yes! Amazon KDP is an excellent platform for new authors to distribute their ebooks. Once you’ve completed your ebook in Google Docs, simply download it as an ePub or a PDF file. Then, head over to the KDP website. Uploading your ebook to KDP is a simple, straightforward process.
Create a KDP account and sign in. Then click “Create a new Kindle ebook.” Fill in the details about your ebook, including the title, description, and keywords. Upload your ebook manuscript file and cover file. Preview them to see how they will look on Amazon. If you’re satisfied, click “Save and Continue” to set the pricing and distribution options. For pricing compare prices in your genre. Then take a deep breath and click “Publish.”
TIP: Amazon KDP has specific requirements for ebook files, so make sure to review them before uploading your file.
Conclusion
Google Docs ebook templates are an invaluable resource for any aspiring author. They offer a simple, efficient, and free way to create professional-looking ebooks. With the right template and a touch of creativity, your ebook can come to life in no time. Once your masterpiece is ready, selling it on platforms like Amazon KDP is a breeze. So, what are you waiting for? Start exploring Google Docs ebook templates today and take the first step towards becoming a successful author.
In our upcoming six-part series on ebook templates, we’ll delve deeper into the world of ebook creation. Next, we’ll discuss Microsoft Word ebook formats. So stay tuned, first-time author, and get ready to conquer the ebook market.
Are you excited to embark on this journey? Let’s craft your first ebook together. The next article in our six-part series covers the free ebook templates in Microsoft Word.
If you’d like to go back through each of the six parts in this series, we suggest you start with the overview, The Magic of eBook Templates: 5 Tips for New Authors. The series, as a whole, was designed to provide you with basic knowledge of free ebook templates to increase your confidence, so you can take your ebook to the next level and achieve your writing goals.
Let’s continue this journey together.
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