How to Format a Word Manuscript for a 6 x 9 Paperback
Question details
The user needs to change the page dimensions of a Word document to a 6 x 9 inch trim size for a paperback manuscript.
- Product
- Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Preparing a manuscript for self-publishing platforms like Amazon KDP.
- Observed behavior
- The interior document remains at the default Letter size of 8.5 x 11 inches, which leads to manuscript rejection if not properly adjusted to 6 x 9 inches.
Before changing the page size, ensure you are prepared to review your entire document. Resizing from a standard letter size to 6 x 9 inches will shift your text, meaning you will need to double-check page breaks, margins, headers, footers, and font sizes.
Adjust Paper Size via the Page Setup Dialog
Use the Layout tab to input custom dimensions, forcing the document into the required 6 x 9 inch trim size.
By default, standard Word documents are sized at 8.5 x 11 inches. Self-publishing platforms require you to set the trim size directly within your source file before exporting to PDF.
Navigate to the Layout tab (or Page Layout tab in older versions) on the top ribbon.
Click the small arrow (dialog launcher) in the bottom-right corner of the Page Setup group, or simply double-click the horizontal or vertical ruler to quickly open the Page Setup dialog box.
Switch to the Paper tab inside the dialog box. From the Paper size drop-down menu, select Custom size.
Enter 6 inches in the Width field and 9 inches in the Height field, then click OK to apply the changes.
Format Your 6 x 9 Manuscript Perfectly with WPS Office
WPS Writer offers an intuitive interface to seamlessly adjust page sizes, margins, and layouts, ensuring your paperback manuscript meets all publishing guidelines easily.
- 1. Open Your Manuscript: Launch WPS Writer and open your manuscript document.
- 2. Access Page Layout: Go to the Page Layout tab on the top menu ribbon.
- 3. Open Size Settings: Click on Size and select More Paper Sizes at the bottom of the drop-down menu.
- 4. Set Custom Dimensions: In the Page Setup dialog, choose Custom for paper size, then enter 6" for width and 9" for height.
- 5. Apply and Review: Click OK. Review your newly formatted document to ensure margins and text flow correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What margins should I use for a 6 x 9 paperback manuscript?
For a standard 6 x 9 paperback, it is generally recommended to set a top, bottom, and outside margin of at least 0.5 inches. Your inside margin (also known as the gutter) should be larger—typically between 0.75 and 0.875 inches depending on the page count—to ensure text isn't lost in the book's binding.
Why did my page numbers change after I resized my document?
When you reduce the page dimensions from 8.5 x 11 inches to 6 x 9 inches, the available space per page decreases. This forces the text to flow onto additional pages, which increases your total page count and shifts the existing pagination. You will need to update your Table of Contents and review chapter breaks.
Can I save these 6 x 9 settings as a template for future books?
Yes. Once you have configured the 6 x 9 paper size, custom margins, and preferred fonts, you can use the 'Save As' feature and choose the Word Template (.dotx) format. You can then use this template file to begin new manuscripts with the correct paperback dimensions already applied.
