If you’ve ever gone through the process of self-publishing a book, you know that formatting isn’t just about making it look pretty. It’s about making it functional. And when it comes to formatting, there’s a big difference between what you need for print and what you need for an eBook. Same words, same message, but two completely different worlds.

At Pinpoint Publishing, we walk authors through both. And we’ve seen the confusion that comes up when someone expects a print file to work as an eBook, or vice versa. So let’s break it down.

Print Formatting: Built for Paper

When you’re formatting for print, you’re working with fixed layouts. That means every element is placed intentionally—margins, page numbers, headers, chapter starts, blank pages, everything. You’re formatting for a physical page, usually in a standard size like 5.5×8.5 or 6×9.

Print formatting is about control. You want the first page of every chapter to start on a right-hand page. You want your page numbers aligned just right, your fonts consistent, and maybe a little flair with drop caps or stylized headers. It’s a craft.

And that’s because once it’s printed, it can’t move. It’s frozen in place forever.

eBook Formatting: Built to Flex

eBook formatting is a different story. It’s more like HTML than print design. You’re not dealing with pages at all. You’re dealing with flowable content that can adjust to the reader’s device, screen size, font preference, and even night mode.

That means you lose a little control, but you gain flexibility. You can’t count on where a line will break, where a new page starts, or what the font size will be. So your formatting needs to be clean and simple. No text boxes, no columns, no fancy alignment tricks. Keep it straightforward and let the device do the rest.

In a way, print formatting is about precision. eBook formatting is about adaptability.

Why You Need Both

Here’s where a lot of authors get tripped up. They assume one file can do both jobs. It can’t. If you try to upload your print PDF as an eBook, it might look okay on one device, but completely broken on another. On the flip side, an eBook file won’t cut it for print. It’s missing all the layout requirements that make a printed book look professional.

So yes, you need both. They serve different purposes and different platforms.

At Pinpoint, we format for both, making sure your book shines in print and functions beautifully as an eBook. And we help authors understand what each version needs, instead of just throwing files over the fence and hoping it works out.

Because self-publishing should never feel like guesswork.

Are you ready to get your book looking right on every platform?

Let’s talk. Whether you’re just starting your manuscript or you’re almost ready to hit publish, we can help you format it the right way—clean, professional, and built to last. Contact us today and let us help you take the guesswork out of self-publishing.