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Andrew Mikelsons
Inspiring
October 27, 2023
Answered

Formatting a book (non-fiction)

  • October 27, 2023
  • 1 reply
  • 2512 views

Is it better to "Place" a manuscript from Word into InDesign as one document, or is it better copy the manuscript chapter by chapter. In other words, is it better to create 20 chapters, and therefore 20 chapter files, and string them together in ID?

 

Thanks

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Correct answer Andrew Mikelsons

Just a mild recap: unless there is a strong reason to break the book into chapters and use the Book feature, you will probably find it easier to work with as a single document.

 

The only good arguments for using Book structure are:

  • If component chapters need to be edited and developed individually, by timeline or author/editor.
  • If the chapters are very large files, meaning a single-file doc would be very very large and unwieldy.
  • If you may need to create variant editions that incorporate some subset of a library of chapters.

 

But for your basic nonfic book of reasonable size — up to 500-600 pages, without more than a few dozen images — putting it in Book structure just adds a rather cranky layer of project management without bringing much value.


Thanks. The pros for me on using an INDB file, and INDD files, is that I can easily move chapters around; and the chapter documents are not as unwieldly. Having said that, the next book I may try both approaches and see which I like better. Thanks for the input. 

1 reply

Steve Werner
Community Expert
Steve WernerCommunity Expert
Community Expert
October 27, 2023

There is no fixed answer to that question: Things that control that decision: (1) How long is the book? If more than I'd say 200-300 pages, separate chapters will probably be easier to handle. (2) How powerful is your computer? (Slow computer = use chapters). (3) Are you familiar with creating Book documents? That is what you would use or need to learn to use a multi-file book document.

    A
    Andrew MikelsonsAuthor
    Inspiring
    October 27, 2023

    Thanks Steve. When I copy in the whole manuscript I'm finding it challenging to format so that chapters start on the right side page. I tend to use a lot of "returns" to get the next chapter on the rightside. Also, using the "Section" feature for page numbering (say 2 sections: one italics, one numbers) seems to screw things up. Any comments? Thanks. 

    Andrew MikelsonsAndy Fairchild Publishing Inc.
    Steve Werner
    Community Expert
    Steve WernerCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    October 27, 2023

    I totally agree with @mk-will about using paragraph styles, especially for a long document like yours.

     

    It makes it much easier to apply formatting precisely. It's more accurate. And it's easier to make changes (by changing the paragraph style definition).

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