Desktop publishing software and the rise of self-publishing have enabled the average person to publish. Microsoft Publisher is one of the easiest and most powerful tools for the beginning self-publisher. Microsoft Word documents can easily be flowed into a Microsoft Publisher book template. MS Publisher files can be printed for self-binding or uploaded into a publisher-ready format.
Write, Edit, Save
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Write your book in Microsoft Word. Format your book using a 10-point serif font. Serif fonts, such as Times New Roman, are easier to read. Sans Serif fonts, such as Arial, are excellent for formatting chapter titles.
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Do a simple edit for obvious errors and continuity then find an editor for your manuscript. There are two kinds of editing required for a well-rafted book, substantive and copy editing. Substantive or comprehensive editing will make your work coherent. A careful copyedit will clean up embarrassing grammar and syntax mistakes. Hiring a professional editor will ensure that your book is in top shape and ready for publishing.
After the editing process, save your Microsoft Word file with a name that is easy to find in your list of documents. Close Microsoft Word.
Layout
Open Microsoft Publisher and create a new file. Microsoft Publisher has many pre-populated catalogue templates that can be adapted and used for publishing purposes. Booklet or catalogue templates save formatting time, but limit creativity. There are many online templates for books and booklets.
If you do not find a template that you can adapt for your book, open a new Microsoft Publisher document and format your file using the booklet layout. If you choose this option, you must format the margins, page numbering, and the headers and footers.
Select a page size that will serve the purpose of your book. Many books are 6 by 9 inches or 7 by 10 inches, Few are formatted using letter size of 8.5 by 11 inches. Margins should be at least 1 inch on the top, bottom and sides. Add a header with your name and book name, and a footer with the page number. Look at published books to determine the size and format you want for your book.
Publish
Flow your text into your Microsoft Publisher book template. This can be done by clicking on "File" then clicking "Import Word Document." This will flow your manuscript into the prepared MS Publisher file. Check your document for graphic consistency. Save your MS Publisher file.
Chapter titles can be added using the table of contents function in MS Publisher. A title page, copyright page and an index may be added to your manuscript.
If you have a cover design already saved as a picture, you can insert the graphic file (jpeg, gif, tiff) on the first page of your document. Look at other books for design ideas and consistency.
Whether you are going to print and bind your book or upload it to a print-on-demand publisher according to press specifications, it is a good idea to save your file as a PDF. PDFs or portable document files are pictures of your document. PDFs are easy to read by anyone you want to review your manuscript. PDF creators can be found for free on line as shareware or trial versions. Commercial PDF programs allow document editing.
Follow your publisher's specifications for book layout and PDF formatting. Files can be printed directly from MS Publisher instead of creating a PDF and then printing.