Book Formatter
Transform manuscripts into beautifully formatted print and ebook files ready for publication.
About This Role
We're a fast-moving team of 20+ that has published over 10,000 books across 47 countries.
As a Book Formatter at HMD Publishing, you'll transform raw manuscripts into professionally formatted books that readers love to hold and read. From clean typography to elegant layouts, your work will directly impact how authors' words are experienced.
You'll create both print editions (paperback and hardcover) and ebooks (Kindle, ePub), ensuring each format meets platform specifications while maintaining visual consistency. Whether it's a simple novel or a complex non-fiction title with images and tables, you'll deliver files that are ready to publish.
Join a production team that takes pride in quality and helps authors make their publishing dreams a reality.
This is a remote-friendly role. We're based in Nottingham, UK, and you're welcome to work from anywhere as long as you have reliable communication and can collaborate with our UK-based team.
What You'll Do
The role is built around precision, consistency, and production quality from raw manuscript through final delivery.
- Format manuscripts for Kindle, ePub, paperback, and hardcover editions
- Apply consistent typography, headings, and styling throughout
- Create professional front and back matter (title pages, copyright, TOC)
- Handle special elements like images, tables, and pull quotes
- Ensure files meet Amazon KDP and IngramSpark specifications
- Troubleshoot formatting issues and optimize for various devices
- Collaborate with cover designers for seamless production
What We're Looking For
These are the baseline skills and habits we expect from someone stepping into this role.
- Proficiency in Adobe InDesign for print formatting
- Experience with ebook creation (Kindle Create, Vellum, or similar)
- Strong understanding of typography and book design principles
- Attention to detail and commitment to quality
- Ability to follow style guides and specifications
- Good time management and ability to meet deadlines
- Clear communication for client updates
- A portfolio or work samples demonstrating past formatting projects is strongly encouraged
Nice to Have
Useful depth that can help you stand out, but not a hard blocker if your core formatting work is strong.
- Experience with complex layouts (cookbooks, children's books, textbooks)
- Knowledge of accessibility requirements for ebooks
- CSS/HTML knowledge for ebook customization
- Experience with large-scale production workflows
Hiring Notes
Show how you approach the work, not just what tools you use.
Bring relevant examples and make your thinking easy to review. The strongest applications usually show both craft and good judgement, not just a list of tools.
Start your applicationWhat you'll get
- Stable full-time employment with fixed monthly salary
- Remote-friendly — collaborate with our UK-based team from anywhere
- Variety of projects across genres
- Health and wellness benefits
- Career growth and professional development opportunities
- Opportunity to work on bestselling titles
Apply for Book Formatter
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