Formatting · Topic 2 of 5

Margins

What to do

Set the blank space around the edges of every page (top, bottom, outer edge, and inner edge), to a size appropriate for your trim size and page count.

Why it matters

Margins aren't just white space for looks. Too-narrow margins make a page feel cramped and hard to read, and can cause text to be trimmed off during printing. Too-wide margins waste pages, which increases your printing cost and can make your book look padded. Start from your printer's minimum margin requirements, Amazon KDP and IngramSpark both publish minimum margin tables based on trim size and page count, and never go below them.

Steps for your program

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Common mistakes to avoid

Using the same margin on all four sides without adding extra space for the gutter (the spine-side margin needs more room, see the next topic).
Setting margins so tight that page numbers or headers get cut off near the trim edge.
Forgetting margins apply per page-side, so a novel-length manuscript can gain or lose many pages just by changing margins slightly.

Completion checklist

0 of 3 checked

I checked my printer's minimum margin requirements for my trim size.
What does this mean? What is a margin?
What is a margin?
Margins are the blank spaces between your main text and the edges of a page. The inner margin faces the binding; the outer margin faces the open edge.
Try this: Think of a frame around the text. Use the current printer requirements as a minimum, then check readability. Interior margins and cover safe areas are separate specifications.
I set consistent top, bottom, and outer margins.
What does this mean? Which edge is which?
Which edge is which?
Top and bottom are the upper and lower edges. The outside edge is away from the spine. In a facing-page spread, the outside edge changes sides between left and right pages.
Try this: Open a printed book in the middle and look at the blank space around both pages. Aim for a consistent text area, rather than manually moving each paragraph with spaces or tabs.
I checked whether my page count needs a larger inner margin.
What does this mean? Why does page count matter?
Why does page count matter?
A thicker printed book may need more space near its binding so the inner words stay easy to read. The final layout determines the final page count.
Try this: Recheck the printer’s inside-margin requirements after changing font size, trim size, or line spacing. Those changes can add pages. Do not assume a setting from an earlier draft still fits.

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Troubleshooting

My printer rejected my file for a margin issue. What now?

Re-check the exact minimum margin table for your specific trim size and page count, these tables change as page count changes, so a margin that was fine at 150 pages can fail at 350 pages. Increase the flagged margin and re-export.

Should ebook margins match my print margins?

No. Ebook text reflows to the reader's screen and font size settings, so fixed margins don't apply the same way. Format the ebook file separately using your platform's ebook guidelines.

Reference: KDP’s trim size, bleed, and margin requirements. Check your chosen printer’s current specifications for your edition.

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