Frequently Asked Questions
TEMPLATES
Q: What word processing programs are compatible with the templates?
A: The templates are designed and supported for use on Microsoft Word 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011 and 2013. Templates are functional on both PC and Mac platform versions of MS Word that utilize .DOCX formatted documents.
We do offer legacy .DOC versions of the templates upon request, that are compatible with Microsoft Word 97, 2000, and 2003. Some functionality may be limited in these versions for non-fiction template files.
Though unsupported, the templates are often functional with .DOCX compatible word processing application like Apache Open Office 3.4, Apple iWork, Pages and Google Docs. We do not guarantee functionality with these unsupported applications and recommend upgrading to Microsoft Word.
Q: Does the template do everything automatically?
A: No, you’ll still have to do some work by placing your text into the template, using the built-in styles to format the text in your book and changing things like your copyright statement information that are specific to your book. Nevertheless, it sure makes your job a whole lot easier.
Q: Will my book look just like a book from a professional typesetter?
A: Well, not exactly. Pro typesetters don’t use word processors to typeset books, and although your book is going to look great, it won’t have the typographic sophistication of books produced on pro-level software. However, it will be pretty close!
Q: What is included in the template package?
A: Each template design is a fully formatted Word file with “master” pages for your text, chapter openers, title page, copyright page, and other front matter pages. In addition, you’ll get our bonus “Book Construction Blueprint” that tells you how the parts of a book go together, and the “Template Formatting Guide” to show you how to use the template. Also included are the fonts needed for the template, ready to install on your system, and access to our tutorial library that shows how to put your book together.
Q: What do I have to know to use your templates?
A: You need to know how to apply styles in Word, how to copy/paste text, and how to type. Our included reference materials will make the rest easy.
Q: What else do I need to use these templates?
A: Other than a compatible copy of Microsoft Word, no further software is required for template use. MS Word includes a functional PDF engine that will suffice for the majority of publishers.
You may wish to purchase Adobe Acrobat to produce high-quality PDF Files if your needs exceed those provided with MS Word.
Q: In what trim-sizes are the templates offered?
A: The templates are offered in a variety of popular trim sizes, including 6×9” Trade, 5.5×8.5” and 5.25×8” for fiction, and 5.5×8.5”, 6×9”, 7×10” and 8.5×11” for non-fiction. Each trim size is a separate template product and must be licensed separately.
Q: Are new templates going to be offered in the future?
A: Yes, we will continue to develop new high-quality template products for the foreseeable future.
Q: How many words-per-page fit on a template?
A: Each template and formatted size will accommodate a different word-per-page count. Our materials may state an approximate estimate of the word-per-page count for each template in the 6” x 9” format. Smaller formats like 5.5” x 8.5” and 5.25” x 8” will have a reduced word-per-page count accordingly.
Q: Can I insert pictures or place graphics/images in my template?
A: Yes. Since the templates use MS Word, you may embed images in your template file, just like any other Word document. Word offers several formatting features, such as resizing images and several word-wrap options to make including pictures inside the body of the text easy. Images will also save to the PDF file for inclusion in your print books. Note, eBook results may vary, so you will have to make embedded image adjustments based upon the eBook platform you choose.
Our formatting guide will provide instructions and details on inserting images.
Q: Can I change the fonts in the template to something else?
A: The precise typographic layout of each template was designed for the specific fonts included in the template package.
However, other fonts may be substituted by the author to meet a design need or goal. The templates are not locked to prevent changing them out or making a substitution, but we do not offer support on non-included fonts.
Please note, eBook templates utilize Times New Roman for the default font to ensure maximum compatibility with a broad range of eReader devices.
Q: Can I use these print templates on CreateSpace or Lightning Source?
A: Absolutely. We designed these templates with Print-on-Demand (POD) publishing in mind. The industry standard sizes we have developed are paginated and compliant with the major printing houses, right out of the box. We do ask that you read and understand the unique requirements for your printer, like ISBN inclusion, copyright attribution requirements, and any other specifics to make sure you have everything in order before submission.
EBOOK & KINDLE TEMPLATES
Q: Can the templates be utilized for Kindle or other e-book formatting?
A: We offer specialized eBook-Ready template versions for the eBook platform that are designed with the e-reader in mind. If you wish to publish to the Kindle, or any other eBook platform, we advise licensing one of these templates to meet your needs. Our eBook-Ready templates are available as an affordable bundle with select template packages.
Q: Do the eBooks look just like the print versions?
A: Not exactly. Due to the multitude of eBook platforms and eReader devices on the market, there is little standardization between them. Also, few eBook platforms are capable of rendering the fine typography and layout that can be achieved on paper. Our eBook-Ready templates simplify the design and layout so that virtually all eBook platforms are compatible, while retaining the essence of the print version’s design. This makes our eBook-Ready templates the perfect companion to your print edition, no matter what platform you publish to.
Please note, eBook templates utilize Times New Roman for the default font to ensure maximum compatibility with a broad range of eReader devices.
Q: What is the best way to create an eBook from my eBook-Ready template?
A: We suggest following your platform or eBook publisher’s requirements from converting .DOTX format MS Word files to their eBook particular format. For Kindle, we have seen consistent results utilizing the Amazon KDP online conversion program, which is part of the setup process for adding your eBook to Amazon.
Detailed instructions and tips for this process are included in the Formatting Guide.
Q: Can I just convert my print template into an eBook?
A: Every eBook platform has a specific set of requirements and may require considerable adjustment to adapt our print version templates to an eBook, though it is possible. We created our eBook-Ready template products to be highly compatible and pre-formatted to meet the needs of the majority of eBook platforms, without all of the added work and potential issues of doing a manual conversion. Using the eBook-Ready template is the recommended approach.
LICENSING
Q: Can I use the template on all my books?
A: You can if you purchase a Multi-Book license. Our templates are copyrighted and licensed to individual authors, and we offer several licensing options to fit your needs and your budget.
Q: What are the license options for using these templates?
A: The Single-Book License is your choice if you’re an independent author who wants to create a beautiful book without spending a lot of money. This license entitles you to use the template for one of your own books at a very affordable price. The Multi-Book License will allow an indie author to use the same template to format several of his or her own books, or even a whole series, without having to buy a template license for each title. The Commercial License allows a sole proprietor who works as a designer or book shepherd helping other authors get to press. For a single fee, this license allows you to use the template for your own or other people’s books.
Q: Do I have to register my template? What does that mean?
A: We ask each author to complete our short Registration Form so we can keep track of your license. It only takes a moment.
Q: What if I purchased a single-use license and want to utilize the same template for another book?
A: You may purchase an upgrade license for the template to fit your needs on the license page of the website..
Q: What are the license requirements for the fonts included with the templates?
A: Fonts supplied with our templates are Open Source or are licensed as free for commercial use and re-distribution.
Q: If I heavily modify or customized the template I purchased, do I still have to register or license it?
A: Yes. Any work that is developed, derived, formatted, or designed utilizing our template as a foundation is still considered under license for that template product and must be licensed and registered.
Q: Can I use the template for books I’m creating for my clients/friends/wife?
A: The commercial template license is available for an author or sole proprietor’s commercial use. This license allows the license holding author to utilize the template to create and format books for other authors. The commercial license is limited, and does not allow re-distribution or resale of the template to third-parties or clients.
If you want to buy a custom template design that you can use in your business, or for redistribution to clients, please contact us.
Q: What are the license requirements for the eBook-Ready templates?
A: The eBook-Ready templates fall under the same licensing constraints and requirements as the print versions.
SUPPORT
Q: What technical support is offered for the template products?
A: Template functionality issues are supported for Word 2007, 2010, 2011, and 2013, through our email contact system.
Questions are typically addressed within 24 business hours.
Q: What if I want to change the default layout of the template and need help?
Template design, layout, aesthetic, and formatting assistance are not currently offered at this time. However, the handy guides and documentation makes formatting easy and will address many issues you may encounter.
Q: What if I need a layout that is more complex than the template I purchased?
If you have a complex project in mind, professional design and layout services are offered at THE BOOK DESIGNER. Purchased templates may be returned for a full refund within 30 days.
PURCHASE GUARANTEE & RETURNS
Q: What’s your guarantee?
A: Your purchase is 100% guaranteed. We specialize in happy customers. If you have any questions, concerns or problems please contact us.
Q: What if I can’t make it work for me?
A: If you decide the template is not for you, simply request a refund within 30 days of purchase and you’ll get your money back within 24 business hours, no questions asked.
Q: Do I have to use a PayPal account to pay
A: No. You may also use a credit card (Visa, Master Card, Discover, American Express), or Bill Me Later, to complete your purchase.
Simply add your items to the cart and press the “Check Out with PayPal” button. Underneath the PayPal Log-In text, click the tab that says “Pay with a debit or credit card, or Bill Me Later”. A new tab will open and allow you to bypass PayPal to pay with your Credit Card, or Bill Me Later.
FAQ v3.1 (Updated April, 30 2013)