Book Formatting with Vellum

 

How to use MacInCloud to format your book in Vellum (even if you’re on a PC)

 

I’ve been using and teaching book formatting for years, but it’s always been a messy, complex, anxiety-inducing process… even when you know what you’re doing (and I remember spending days pulling out my hair trying to learn how to do book and ebook formatting from scratch.) So I’ve been Vellum-curious for years. I knew it produced great looking books; that everybody loved it; that it was easy to use. But I could never try it out, because I’m a PC user and it’s only for Mac. So today I finally went down the rabbit hole of “renting” space on a Mac device online, so I could run the software and format a book. Overall, I’m pretty excited about it. The first video (above) is just short and quick, showing you how to sign up and get started.

The second video (below) is a rough beginner’s guide to get started with Vellum (but not a professional tutorial on how to use it – there are better guides for that). My video is just a review of whether you should use it. And my answer is, probably, yeah.

Get Vellum Here.

 

Is Vellum Book formatting Software Worth It?

Probably, but if you prefer hard work and MS Word, grab my free templates instead.

This is not a professional tutorial on how to get started using Vellum to format your book. This is just me (a PC user) stumbling around with MacInCloud so I can peak behind the curtain and see what the big deal is, without paying big money for it. Vellum is an expensive book formatting software that everybody loves. After spending an hour with it, I can see why – but there are also some limitations you need to know about.
 
 

Vellum: The Comprehensive Review

In the self-publishing world, the search for reliable book formatting software often leads authors to one name: Vellum. But what is it, who is it for, and how do you use it? Let’s uncover everything you need to know about this popular formatting tool.

Who is it For?

Vellum is ideal for self-publishing authors seeking a user-friendly, efficient tool to format their eBooks and print books. If you’re an author who values professionalism and design in your book layouts and want to handle the process yourself, Vellum is for you.

Core Features

  1. Instant Formatting: Vellum instantly formats your book as you import it, creating a professional-grade layout that’s ready for publishing on various platforms.
  2. Styles: With a vast array of pre-defined styles, you can customize the look of your book with a few clicks. Choose from numerous blockquote and chapter heading styles to create your unique book interior.
  3. Live Preview: Vellum’s live preview feature allows you to see how your book will appear on various devices, including Kindle, iPad, and in print.
  4. Generate eBooks and Print Books: Vellum supports the creation of both eBooks (in EPUB format) and print-ready PDFs, catering to all your publishing needs.
  5. Book Building Elements: Vellum offers a collection of pre-built elements like copyright pages, dedications, epigraphs, and more, saving you time in creating these necessary pieces.
  6. Box Set Creation: If you’re creating a box set of a series, Vellum simplifies this process by treating each book as a volume within the box set.

How to Use Vellum

  1. Import Your Manuscript: Start by importing your manuscript, which can be a Word document (.docx). Vellum automatically applies default styles and formats to it.
  2. Customize Your Layout: Navigate the Styles pane to select custom styles for headings, first paragraphs, blockquotes, and more.
  3. Add Elements: Use the “Add Element” button to insert copyright pages, acknowledgments, dedications, and other elements into your book.
  4. Preview Your Book: Click on the different devices in the preview pane to see how your book will look on each one.
  5. Generate Your Files: Once satisfied with your formatting, click on the “Generate” button. Choose whether you want to create an eBook, a print book, or both, and Vellum will produce the files.

Pros of Vellum

  1. User-Friendly: With its intuitive interface and straightforward functionalities, Vellum is easy to use, even for beginners.
  2. High-Quality Formatting: Vellum creates professional, clean, and attractive layouts that rival those of traditionally published books.
  3. Time-Efficient: Vellum can save you hours or even days of formatting time, allowing you to focus more on writing and marketing.
  4. Reliable Customer Support: Users often praise Vellum for its responsive and helpful customer service.

Cons of Vellum

  1. Price: Vellum is on the pricier side compared to other formatting tools, which could be a drawback for authors on a tight budget.
  2. Limited to macOS: Unfortunately, Vellum is available only for macOS, which leaves Windows and Linux users out of the picture.
  3. Limited Customization: While Vellum offers various pre-defined styles, its customization options are limited compared to more complex software.

FAQs

  1. Is Vellum free? Vellum isn’t free. It offers a free download to try out its features, but you’ll need to pay to export your work for publication.
  2. Can I use Vellum on Windows? No, Vellum is exclusive to macOS.
  3. Does Vellum provide ISBNs? No, Vellum does not provide ISBNs. Authors must acquire their own from an authorized agency.
  4. Can Vellum create a cover for my book? No, Vellum is strictly an interior formatting tool. You’ll need to create or commission your cover separately.

Conclusion

Vellum stands out as an excellent tool for self-publishing authors seeking a hassle-free, efficient way to format their books. Despite its price and macOS exclusivity, its user-friendly interface, time-saving capabilities, and high-quality results make it a compelling choice. It’s indeed a worthy investment for authors serious about creating professional-looking eBooks and print books.

 

Get Vellum Here!