Inkswell Wright

Formatting & design

Paperback & hardcover formatting

Print-ready interior PDFs typeset for your trim size and printer.

Request a quote Ask a question

In short: we typeset your manuscript into a print-ready interior PDF for your chosen trim size and printer (for example Amazon KDP Print or IngramSpark), with readable typography, correct margins and gutter, page numbers, running heads and chapter openings.

Who is print formatting for?

Authors publishing a paperback or hardcover who want a book that looks professionally typeset and passes the printer's file checks.

What's included

  • Interior layout for one trim size (for example 5×8, 5.5×8.5 or 6×9 inches)
  • Font selection, line spacing, chapter openings, scene breaks and drop caps where suitable
  • Margins and inside (gutter) margin set for your page count and printer
  • Running heads, page numbers and front and back matter
  • Images placed at print resolution, with bleed if images run to the page edge
  • Print-ready PDF plus a proof round for your corrections

What you'll need to provide

  • The final, edited and proofread manuscript
  • Your trim size and printer, if decided (we can advise)
  • Front and back matter, ISBN and imprint name if you have them
  • Any images at the highest resolution you have

How long it takes

Your written quote gives a confirmed delivery date. The time needed depends on the page count, images, tables, footnotes and indexes, and the number of proof corrections, and on how quickly feedback comes back between rounds.

Revisions and what's not included

Your quote states the number of proof rounds. Changes to the text after layout are best kept to corrections. Not included unless quoted: editing, indexing, the cover (see full-wrap covers), a second trim size, and ordering printed proofs.

Price

Where packages are shown on this page, they are our standard prices. Prices depend on page count, trim size, the number of images and tables, and whether you also need a hardcover or an ebook. For a standard package you can request an invoice: we confirm the scope first, then email the invoice, and nothing is charged online. For anything else, request a free quote that lists exactly what's included before you commit.

What you gain

  • Professional typography

    Readable fonts, spacing and chapter openings.

  • Printer specifications

    Margins, bleed and file settings checked.

  • Consistent across editions

    Paperback and hardcover variants available.

How it works

  1. 1

    Trim size and platform

    We confirm trim size, paper and the platforms you'll print with (for example KDP or IngramSpark).

  2. 2

    Interior design

    We design the interior: fonts, chapter openings, headers, page numbers and front matter.

  3. 3

    Proof PDF

    You review a proof PDF; we make the agreed corrections.

  4. 4

    Print-ready files

    You receive print-ready PDFs to the platform's specifications.

Questions

What are bleed and gutter?
Bleed is extra image area beyond the trim edge (Amazon KDP uses 0.125 in / 3.2 mm) so pictures reach the edge after cutting. The gutter is the inside margin next to the spine, which gets wider as the page count grows so text isn't lost in the binding.
Can you format for both KDP and IngramSpark?
Yes. Their requirements overlap but aren't identical, so tell us which printers you're using and we'll set up the files accordingly.
Do you need my final page count for the cover?
The cover's spine width depends on the final page count and paper, so we finish the interior first and give the page count to whoever designs the full-wrap cover.

Packages

Choose a package to request an invoice, or ask for a quote if your project is outside its scope. Every project starts with written confirmation of scope, timing and payment.

Prices are set in USD. Other currencies are estimates using the European Central Bank reference rate of 26 October 2026. The final amount and payment currency are confirmed on your invoice; showing a currency here doesn't mean payment can already be made in it.

  • Print interior

    USD 450

    Up to 350 pages, text only, one trim size

    For authors publishing a paperback through KDP Print, IngramSpark or a similar print-on-demand service. We design and typeset the interior for one trim size and deliver a print-ready PDF to the platform's specifications, with a proof PDF for you to check first.

    Included

    • Interior design and typesetting
    • Print-ready PDF to platform specifications
    • Proof PDF for review

    You provide

    • Final edited Word file
    • Trim size and platform

    Optional extras

    • Hardcover version (+USD 100)
    • Ebook bundle (see Formatting bundle)

    Not included

    • Images and tables beyond a few
    • Proofreading
    Turnaround
    7–10 working days, starting once payment and the final edited text are received
    Revisions
    Two rounds of corrections
    Payment
    Invoiced in full once we've confirmed the scope. Work starts when payment has arrived.
    Request an invoiceAsk a question first

    The price shown is indicative. We review your request, confirm the scope and email an invoice; nothing is charged online.

  • Formatting bundle: ebook + paperback

    USD 500

    Up to 20,000 words, text only

    For shorter books (up to 20,000 words, text only) that need both an ebook and a paperback interior with matching styles. For a longer book, request a quote or combine ebook formatting with a print interior.

    Included

    • EPUB and Kindle files
    • Paperback print-ready PDF
    • Matching styles across formats

    You provide

    • Final edited Word file

    Optional extras

    • Hardcover version (quoted)

    Not included

    • Editing or proofreading
    • Image-heavy layouts
    Turnaround
    10–12 working days, starting once payment and the final edited text are received
    Revisions
    Two rounds of corrections
    Payment
    Invoiced as a 50% deposit to book your slot, then 50% before the final files are delivered.
    Request an invoiceAsk a question first

    The price shown is indicative. We review your request, confirm the scope and email an invoice; nothing is charged online.

Related work

Guides

Related services

Chat on WhatsApp