The basic steps to turn your writing into an ebook
Creating an ebook means taking your writing, formatting it so it displays properly on reading devices, and saving it in a file format that ebook readers can open. The process has three main stages: writing and organizing your content, formatting it for ebook display, and converting it to the right file format. You do not need special software — many writers use free tools like Google Docs or LibreOffice, then convert the result using free conversion software.
The fastest route for most people is to write in a word processor you already know, export as a PDF or Word document, then use a free converter like Calibre to turn it into an ebook file. If you want more control over how your ebook looks on different devices, you can learn basic HTML and CSS, or use dedicated ebook creation software like Vellum or Scrivener. The choice depends on how much time you want to spend and whether you plan to sell the ebook or share it for free.
Key Takeaways
- You can write an ebook in any word processor — Google Docs, Microsoft Word, or LibreOffice all work — then convert the file to ebook format using free software like Calibre.
- The most common ebook formats are EPUB (for most ebook readers), MOBI (for older Kindle devices), and PDF (which works everywhere but does not reflow text on small screens).
- Formatting matters because ebooks display differently on phones, tablets, and dedicated readers — headings, spacing, and font sizes need to be marked clearly so each device can adjust them.
- If you plan to sell your ebook on Amazon or other platforms, check their specific formatting requirements before you start, because each platform has different rules about fonts, images, and file structure.
- Free tools like Calibre and Sigil let you convert and edit ebook files, while paid software like Vellum or Scrivener offers templates and automation that save time if you write multiple ebooks.
Writing and organizing your content
Start by writing your ebook in whatever word processor feels natural to you. Google Docs, Microsoft Word, and LibreOffice all produce files that convert cleanly to ebook format. The key is to use the built-in formatting tools — styles for headings, body text, and lists — rather than manually changing font sizes or adding extra line breaks. When a converter reads your document, it looks for these style markers to understand the structure of your ebook.
Organize your content with a clear hierarchy. Use Heading 1 for chapter titles, Heading 2 for section breaks within chapters, and Heading 3 for subsections if you need them. Mark lists as actual lists using the bullet or numbered list buttons, not by typing dashes or numbers by hand. This structure tells the converter how to build a table of contents and helps ebook readers display your text correctly on different screen sizes.
Before you convert, save your document as a Word file (.docx) or export it as a PDF. Word files preserve more formatting information and give converters more to work with, so they usually produce better results. If you have images, embed them directly in the document rather than linking to them — embedded images travel with your ebook file, while links may break.
Understanding ebook file formats
EPUB is the standard format for most ebook readers — Apple Books, Google Play Books, Kobo, and most library lending systems all use it. EPUB files reflow text to fit whatever screen size the reader is using, so the same file works on a phone, tablet, or dedicated e-reader. This flexibility is why EPUB is the best choice if you want your ebook to work everywhere.
MOBI was Amazon's original Kindle format, and older Kindle devices still use it. Newer Kindles accept MOBI files but prefer a format called KF8 or the newer AZW3 format. If you are publishing on Amazon, their system can convert from EPUB or Word documents automatically, so you do not have to create MOBI yourself — but understanding the format helps if you run into display problems.
PDF is the most universal format and works on every device, but it does not reflow text. A PDF ebook looks the same on every screen, which means readers with small phones may have to zoom and scroll to read it. Use PDF only if your ebook has complex layouts, many images, or precise formatting that must stay the same — for text-heavy books, EPUB is better.
Converting your document to ebook format
The easiest free tool for conversion is Calibre, which runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Download it, open your Word document or PDF, and click "Convert books." Calibre asks you to choose an output format (EPUB, MOBI, PDF, or others), then produces a file you can download. The conversion usually takes seconds, and the result is ready to test on an ebook reader or upload to a platform.
If Calibre's output does not look right — if headings are the wrong size, spacing is off, or images are misplaced — you can edit the ebook file directly using Sigil, another free tool. Sigil opens EPUB files and lets you adjust the HTML and CSS that control how the ebook displays. This requires some comfort with code, but Sigil has a visual editor that lets you make changes without writing code by hand.
For more control from the start, paid software like Vellum (Mac and iPad only, around $200 one-time purchase) or Scrivener (Windows and Mac, around $50 one-time purchase) offer templates and automation. These programs let you write and format in one place, then export directly to EPUB, MOBI, and PDF. They are worth the cost if you plan to write multiple ebooks, but for a single project, free conversion tools are sufficient.
Formatting for different devices and platforms
Ebook readers display text differently depending on the device. A phone screen is narrow, a tablet is wider, and a dedicated e-reader like a Kindle or Kobo has its own proportions. Your ebook needs to work on all of them, which means avoiding fixed widths, large images that do not scale, and complex layouts. Use relative sizing — tell the ebook "make this heading 1.5 times the body text size" rather than "make this heading 24 points" — so each device can adjust it to fit.
Test your ebook on multiple devices before you publish. Most ebook readers have free apps for phones and tablets — download Kindle, Apple Books, Google Play Books, and Kobo apps, then open your ebook file in each one to see how it looks. If text is too small, headings are hard to spot, or images are cut off, go back to your source document, adjust the formatting, and convert again.
If you are publishing on Amazon, Apple Books, or another platform, read their specific formatting guidelines. Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing has detailed rules about fonts, margins, and how to format a table of contents. Apple Books requires EPUB files and has its own requirements for metadata and cover images. Following these rules from the start saves time and prevents rejection or display problems after you upload.
Adding a cover, title page, and metadata
Your ebook needs a cover image, which appears in ebook store listings and on the device when someone opens your book. The cover should be a JPG or PNG file, at least 1400 pixels wide and 2100 pixels tall (a 2:3 ratio, like a paperback book). You can design a cover yourself using free tools like Canva, hire a designer, or use a template from a service like Reedsy or 99designs.
Add the cover to your ebook by inserting it as an image at the very beginning of your document before you convert. Most converters automatically recognize this as the cover and use it in the ebook file. If you are using Calibre or Sigil, you can also add or replace the cover after conversion.
Metadata is the information about your ebook — the title, author name, description, and category. When you upload to a platform like Amazon or Apple Books, you fill this in through their website. For a standalone EPUB file you are sharing with friends or publishing yourself, you can edit metadata in Calibre or Sigil by opening the file and clicking "Edit metadata." This information does not change how the ebook displays, but it helps readers find your book and understand what it is about.
Publishing and sharing your ebook
Once your ebook is converted and tested, you have several options. You can upload it to Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, which distributes to Kindle devices and apps worldwide. You can submit to Apple Books, Google Play Books, or Kobo directly, or use an aggregator like Draft2Digital or Smashwords that distributes to multiple platforms at once. You can also share the file directly with readers by email or through your own website.
Each platform has different requirements for cover size, metadata, and file format. Amazon accepts MOBI, KF8, AZW3, EPUB, PDF, and Word documents, and converts them automatically. Apple Books requires EPUB. Google Play Books accepts EPUB and PDF. If you use an aggregator, they handle the conversion and formatting for you — you upload once, and they distribute to all platforms.
If you are not selling your ebook, you can simply email the EPUB or PDF file to readers, or post it on your website for download. EPUB files work on most devices, but if you want maximum compatibility, PDF is safer because it works everywhere, even though it does not reflow text.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to know HTML or CSS to create an ebook?
No. You can write in a word processor and use free conversion software like Calibre, and the result will work fine. Learning HTML and CSS is optional — it helps if you want precise control over formatting or need to fix problems that converters create, but it is not required to publish an ebook.
What is the difference between EPUB and PDF for an ebook?
EPUB reflows text to fit any screen size, so the same file works on phones, tablets, and e-readers. PDF keeps the same layout on every device, which means readers with small screens have to zoom and scroll. Use EPUB for text-heavy books and PDF only if your layout is complex or must stay exactly the same.
Can I sell my ebook on Amazon if I write it in Google Docs?
Yes. Write in Google Docs, download the file as a Word document (.docx), then upload it directly to Kindle Direct Publishing. Amazon converts it automatically. You can also convert to EPUB first using Calibre, then upload the EPUB file — both methods work.
How do I add a table of contents to my ebook?
Use heading styles (Heading 1, Heading 2, etc.) in your word processor. When you convert to EPUB, the converter automatically builds a table of contents from these headings. Most ebook readers then let readers tap the table of contents to jump to chapters. If you are uploading to Amazon or Apple Books, they also generate a table of contents from your heading structure.
What if my ebook looks wrong on some devices after I convert it?
Go back to your source document and check the formatting. Make sure you used heading styles instead of manually changing font sizes, used actual lists instead of typing dashes, and did not add extra blank lines for spacing. Then convert again. If the problem persists, open the ebook in Sigil and edit the HTML directly, or try a different converter like Vellum or Scrivener.