Frequently Asked Questions

Most projects take 2-4 weeks depending on complexity. A simple novel might take 1-2 weeks, while a technical book with equations and diagrams could take 3-4 weeks. We'll give you a timeline estimate after reviewing your manuscript.

We accept Word documents (.docx), plain text, Markdown, and existing LaTeX files. If you have your manuscript in another format, contact us and we'll work something out.

Yes! We offer free discovery calls where you can discuss your project, get advice, and understand what's involved. Schedule a call to get started.

Our formatting service includes: professional interior layout, font selection, chapter styling, table of contents, running headers, and output files ready for your chosen publishing platforms (Amazon KDP, Lulu, IngramSpark).

Yes, we offer professional proofreading and copy editing at $80/hour. Our editor Conna Craig has edited 36 non-fiction books. Learn more about our editing services.

LaTeX is a typesetting system used for producing high-quality documents, especially those with complex formatting like mathematical equations, tables, and cross-references. Unlike WORD, LaTeX separates content from formatting, giving you precise control over your book's appearance.

No. If you're using our formatting service, we handle all the LaTeX work. You just provide your manuscript in Word or another format. However, if you want to maintain and update your book yourself, we can teach you the basics.

The LODE Template is our professional LaTeX framework for self-publishing. It's designed to produce print-ready PDFs and EPUBs that meet Amazon KDP, Lulu, and IngramSpark requirements. Learn more about the template.

The LODE Template will be released at the end of 2026, alongside the book "How To Publish Your Book with LaTeX." Sign up to be notified when it launches.

Yes, the template works with Overleaf, the popular online LaTeX editor. This means you can work on your book from any computer without installing software locally.

We use tex4ebook and custom scripts to convert LaTeX source files to EPUB format. The process preserves your formatting, handles images properly, and produces files that work on Kindle, Apple Books, and other e-readers.

A straightforward conversion takes 2-4 hours. Complex books with many images, equations, or special formatting may take longer. We'll provide an estimate after reviewing your project.

Footnotes in e-books appear at the end of the chapter or book, not at the bottom of the page. We can help you decide whether to keep footnotes, convert them to endnotes, or use a different approach for the e-book version.

Yes. EPUB 3 fully supports MathML, so mathematical equations display correctly on modern e-readers. We ensure your equations render properly across different devices.

Images are converted to appropriate formats for e-readers. TikZ diagrams are rendered as images, and we ensure all graphics display correctly at different screen sizes.

We produce files for Amazon KDP (paperback and Kindle), Lulu (print-on-demand), and IngramSpark (global distribution to bookstores and libraries). We can also prepare files for other platforms on request.

Yes, our formatting service includes cover templates with automatic spine width calculation. For custom cover design, we can recommend designers or include it as part of a larger project.

We support hardcover formatting for platforms that offer it. Note that hardcover formatting requirements differ from paperback, particularly for margins and trim sizes.

We primarily handle formatting, but we provide guidance on the publishing process. We can walk you through uploading to KDP, setting up your ISBN, and other publishing steps during a consultation.

Since we provide you with the LaTeX source files, you can make corrections and regenerate the PDF. We also offer revision services if you prefer us to handle updates.

First, click "Recompile from Scratch" to clear cached files. Check that you're using the correct compiler (usually LuaLaTeX or XeLaTeX). If problems persist, contact us for help.

LaTeX error messages show where the compilation failed, not necessarily where the problem originated. Common causes include unclosed curly brackets, unfinished environments, and missing math mode delimiters. Check the lines before the error for these issues.