How to format book? Looking for resources

[Maggi315]

HI everyone:

I have two books that I would like to finish, both are "how to" kind of books for midwives and doulas. I have alot of the raw information, but really don't have a clue as to how to format the books.

I have been searching the net and the bookstore and feel totally overwhelmed with all the info out there.


Does anyone have any good recommendations for doing this? I have an idea what I want to do, I have 2 similar books and like their formatting, but I don't want to just copy from them either.

Thanks!

[sapphire_chan]

While you're waiting for a BTDT mama to answer, publishers often have manuscript guidelines, that might be a good jumping off point.

[Savoir Faire]

Are you going to go to a publisher with this? Agent? Self-publish?

As in formatting, do you mean how to lay everything out? I'm a fan of just chapters by subject...makes it easier to read, in my opinion. Guess I just want to know what exactly you are looking for since the technical jargon part of my brain has not woken up yet.

[Maggi315]

Well,one of the books is about the business aspect of midwifery. So there are lists, charts,forms, and stories of different ways people have done different business things. So although I would break into chapters, I'm confused on the part about adding all the extras in.

I am not sure about publishing, I know that there are a few publishing companies that work with midwives, and I also know a few midwives and similar who have self published. If I don't find a publisher, I would be fine with self publishing, and I would sell the book through conferences, websites, advertise in midwifery today, etc.