DIY vs Hiring Help for Book Formatting

(Because Time, Sanity, and Quality All Matter)

When it comes to formatting your book, you’ve got two options:
Do it yourself or pay someone to do it for you.

Both are valid. Both can work beautifully. The right choice depends on your budget, your comfort with tech, and how much time you’re willing to invest.

Let’s walk through the pros, cons, and key questions that can help you decide which path makes the most sense for your book—and for you.

First, What Does “DIY” Actually Mean?

DIY formatting can range from using Word or Google Docs to wrangle your manuscript into shape, all the way to using purpose-built tools like Atticus, Vellum, and Reedsy’s editor.

Some of these tools do a lot of the heavy lifting. Others still require a fair bit of formatting finesse.

If you’re a detail person who enjoys figuring things out, you might actually like the DIY route. But if the thought of setting page margins makes your soul itch, that’s a sign to bring in help. Deciding whether to do it yourself or get support is a lot like deciding if you Do You Need an Outline? before you start writing. Both come down to how much control you want to keep and how much guidance will help.

Signs You’re a Good Fit for DIY Formatting

Thinking about tackling your book formatting yourself? It’s definitely possible—and for some authors, it’s actually the perfect fit. You don’t need to be a graphic designer or a coding genius. But you do need to be a certain kind of person.

Here are some signs you might thrive with the DIY route:

You’re comfortable using software and don’t get intimidated by new tools.
You don’t need to be tech-savvy, but you are the kind of person who’s not afraid to click around and figure things out. If you’ve ever learned Canva, Scrivener, or even Mailchimp, you’re already ahead of the curve.

You’re on a tight budget and need to keep costs low.
Formatting tools are often a one-time purchase or a small subscription, and once you’ve learned how to use them, you can format as many books as you want. That’s a big win if you’re publishing more than once.

You want full control over how your book looks and functions.
Some authors have a strong visual preference. Maybe you care deeply about font choices, chapter headers, or how the drop caps look. Doing it yourself lets you tweak every little detail until it feels just right.

You enjoy learning new processes and troubleshooting small problems.
DIY formatting comes with a learning curve. There might be moments of frustration. But if you’re the kind of person who gets satisfaction from solving puzzles or learning new systems, you’ll probably enjoy the process.

You’re not in a rush and have time to experiment.
Formatting gets faster the more you do it, but the first time can take a while. If your deadline isn’t breathing down your neck, you’ll have the breathing room to try things, make mistakes, and learn as you go.

A quick note: DIY formatting is much more doable when you’re using software designed for authors rather than starting from scratch in Word or InDesign. The right tool can walk you through the process with templates, previews, and built-in support. You don’t have to be a tech expert—you just need to be curious and willing to follow clear steps.

If that sounds like you? Go for it. You might find you actually enjoy the process of bringing your book to life, page by page.

Signs You Should Probably Hire Someone

You’re short on time and want to focus on writing, not wrestling with software.
You’ve tried formatting before and hated every minute of it.
You’re planning a wide release and want everything to be spotless across platforms.
Your manuscript includes non-standard elements like charts, images, or custom layouts.
You just want it done right the first time without a learning curve.

If formatting is making you feel like you’re about to chuck your laptop into a lake, please take that as permission to outsource it.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Formatter?

The cost of hiring a formatter can vary quite a bit, depending on what you need and how complex your book is. Just like hiring any creative professional, you’re paying for their time, experience, and ability to make your book look amazing on the page.

Here’s a general ballpark to give you a sense of what to expect:

Basic eBook formatting: $150 to $350
This is usually for straightforward novels or short stories with minimal layout needs. If your book is mostly clean, consistent text with simple chapter breaks, this might be all you need.
Print formatting: $100 to $500
Print is a little more particular. There are page margins, bleed settings, and trim sizes to think about. A good formatter will make sure your book looks great in physical form, whether you’re doing paperback or hardcover.
Complex formatting (nonfiction, images, charts, multiple formats): $300 to $800 or more if your book has callouts, graphics, footnotes, sidebars, or other extras, you’re in a different ballpark. This level of formatting requires more design knowledge and hands-on time, which naturally bumps up the price.

Keep in mind, these numbers aren’t fixed. Some formatters charge less, some charge more. Experience, turnaround time, and demand all play a role. What matters most is clarity. Ask for a quote, review their past work, and make sure you understand exactly what’s included. Are you getting both eBook and print files? Will they handle your table of contents? What happens if you need small revisions later?

A little upfront communication goes a long way. A great formatter will not only make your book look beautiful but also save you a ton of time and stress in the process.

What About Hybrid Options?

There’s also a third choice: tools that make formatting easy enough for you to do it without needing a professional designer.

You shouldn’t have to choose between struggling through Word or dropping hundreds of dollars on every new release. A good formatting tool should make you feel empowered, not overwhelmed. It should help your book look clean and professional without making you learn publishing jargon or code.

So if you’re someone who wants a little control without the hassle, a tool designed for indie authors might be your sweet spot.

Final Thoughts

You don’t get bonus points for doing it the hard way. Formatting is not a test of worthiness. It’s just a step in the process.

Whether you handle it yourself, hire help, or use a tool that gives you the best of both, the goal is the same: to create a smooth reading experience and a book you’re proud to share.

Pick the option that saves your time, your budget, and your sanity. That’s the one that’s right for you.