Google Docs is where a lot of books get written: it's free, it saves itself, and an editor can comment from anywhere. Formatting the finished book there is possible too, as long as you set it up in the right order and know where Docs stops.
What do you set up first?
| Setting | Where | What to choose |
|---|---|---|
| Pages vs pageless | File > Page setup | Pages (pageless has no page breaks or page numbers) |
| Paper size | File > Page setup > Paper size | A4 or Letter for full-page books; a custom or add-on size for trim sizes |
| Margins | File > Page setup | Wider than the default for a book page |
| Body style | Normal text, updated to match | A readable serif, 11 to 12 pt |
| Chapter style | Heading 1, updated to match | Larger, with space above |
Do these before the formatting pass, because the styles drive everything after.
1. How do you set the page size and margins?
Open File > Page setup. Make sure Pages is selected, not Pageless: a pageless document has no page breaks, headers or page numbers. Choose the paper size and set the margins.
The built-in sizes include A4, A5 and Letter. For a paperback trim like 6 × 9 inches, see whether Page setup offers a custom size in your version of Docs. If it doesn't, an add-on such as DocSize adds book trim presets. A4, Letter or a trim size helps you choose.
Google Docs has no mirror margins, so inside and outside margins don't swap between left and right pages. For a printed paperback, give both sides enough room for the binding.
2. How do you set up chapter and body styles?
Format one paragraph of body text the way you want it (font, size, line spacing 1.15 to 1.5, spacing after), select it and choose Format > Paragraph styles > Normal text > Update 'Normal text' to match. Do the same for a chapter title with Heading 1, and a section heading with Heading 2.
Then apply Heading 1 to every chapter title. This is what builds the outline in the left sidebar and the table of contents later. How to choose fonts for a book helps with the body face.
3. How do you start each chapter on a new page?
Put the cursor before each chapter title and choose Insert > Break > Page break. For a different header or page numbering in a part of the book, use Insert > Break > Section break (next page) instead.
Avoid pressing Enter until a heading moves down: the first edit above it undoes the spacing.
4. How do you add page numbers and headers?
Insert > Page numbers adds them to the header or footer, with an option to skip the first page. Double-click the header to add the book title or author name. In the header options you can tick Different first page and Different odd & even, and for headers that change by section, untick Link to previous. Running heads covers what goes where.
5. How do you add a table of contents?
Place the cursor after the title page and choose Insert > Table of contents. Docs builds it from your Heading 1 and Heading 2 titles, with page numbers or links. Refresh it after edits. How to add a table of contents covers what to include.
6. How do you export the book?
File > Download offers PDF, EPUB, Word and others. Use the PDF for print and direct sales, and check every page: headings stranded at the bottom of a page and images that jumped are common. The EPUB works for simple text, but check it in an ebook reader and validate it before uploading to a store (why your EPUB was rejected). For Kindle, KDP also takes Word files: how to upload a book to Kindle.
Where does Google Docs stop?
Docs is a document editor, not a layout tool. It has some pagination help: Format > Line & paragraph spacing offers Keep with next and Prevent single lines, and a table can pin its header rows so they repeat on each page. But each is set paragraph by paragraph or table by table, there are no mirror margins, and every round of edits moves the pages again. For a short book that is manageable by hand. For a long one, the final check takes hours and repeats after each revision.
Two options from here. Keep writing in Docs and format the finished book in a dedicated formatter (book formatting software), which is the right call for a novel at a trade trim size.
Or, for a full-page book (a guide, workbook, report or lead magnet), download the Doc as Markdown (File > Download > Markdown) and let bukpress set the A4 pages. Every # chapter heading starts a new page, --- is a page break, tables repeat their header row, and the preview shows each page as the PDF will set it, so stranded headings are visible before you export. The Free plan exports up to 40 pages, 20 times a month, with no watermark; EPUB export is on Pro. See pricing. bukpress exports A4 only, so it won't make a 6 × 9 paperback.
What should you do first?
Make a copy of your manuscript Doc and run steps 1 and 2 on the copy: page setup and the two styles. Apply Heading 1 to every chapter title, then open the outline sidebar. If every chapter shows up there in order, the structure is right, and what is left is page breaks, page numbers and the contents page.
Common questions
Can you write a whole book in Google Docs?
Yes. Use Heading 1 for chapters so the outline sidebar works as a chapter list, and consider one document per chapter for very long books, which keeps Docs responsive.
Is there a book template in Google Docs?
The template gallery has a few document templates, and many free book templates exist online. Check their page size and styles before you rely on them.
Can you make an ebook in Google Docs?
Yes: File > Download > EPUB. It suits simple text-only books. Check the file in an ebook reader before you publish.
How do I make a 6 x 9 book in Google Docs?
Set a custom paper size in Page setup if your version offers it, or use a page-size add-on, then reset the margins for the smaller page.