Thanks K. I appreciate the insight. I’ll check out your ideas.

The second book sailed through for me.

The key seems to be using what I call “hard code” formatting, instead of using Word’s built in formatting options. Also, when you build your linked table of contents make sure you double check the bookmarks for hidden bookmarks right before you submit. Even one hidden bookmark remaining (and Word generates these every time you click on a link in the work) will cause the manuscript to bounce.

Once you have the basic format set up for your manuscript, open the style and formatting option, set the display to “formatting in use” (think that is the option), and then save the entire thing as a template. Clear out the text already written, and resave the empty template. Now, you have the formatting you need to write your work without having to dig through several pages of option.

At least, that’s what I’ve done, and it seems to be working.

And, I have heard that Smashwords is a bit of a pain to submit for. So far, I haven’t had difficulty with it. But, I also have very simple fiction content pages to deal with. Not sure how illustrated or non-fiction pages with embedded links would work.

Thanks T. The process of getting published is a “long and winding road” as the Beatles once sang.

Thanks T. The process of getting published is a “long and winding road” as the Beatles once sang.

Thanks, Leslie. We are all in this together.

Thanks, Leslie. We are all in this together.

Hi Sandra,
I like the ease of using someone else to format our work too. It sure does ease the headaches as you mentioned. My complaint is that I wanted to learn how to do it myself and I wasn’t able. That was discouraging.
Tom

Take care and happy writing.