If you are a self-published author working on novels, novellas, and short story collections and your manuscript is currently in PDF format, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about converting it to a professional Kindle EPUB at the 6" x 9" (152 x 229 mm) trim size.
Why 6" x 9" for Fiction?
The 6" x 9" trim size is the industry standard for novels, novellas, and short story collections. It provides a comfortable reading experience while keeping printing costs manageable. At this size, a typical 60,000-word fiction manuscript runs to a few hundred pages, though the exact count depends on your font, type size, and layout.
Converting PDF to Kindle EPUB
Your PDF file from existing PDF files needs to be converted to a format that Amazon Kindle eBook EPUB can accept.
Key Requirements for Kindle EPUB
Kindle requires a reflowable EPUB file with a properly coded navigation document (the modern EPUB3 nav, with NCX kept for legacy compatibility), a hyperlinked HTML Table of Contents, and appropriately sized, high-resolution images.
Margin Requirements at 6" x 9"
A reflowable Kindle EPUB has no fixed trim size or page margins – text reflows to each reader’s device and settings. The figures below are KDP print (paperback) interior margins, shown for reference only and not applied to the EPUB:
| Margin | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Top | 0.25" (6.4 mm) | 0.5" (12.7 mm) |
| Bottom | 0.25" (6.4 mm) | 0.5" (12.7 mm) |
| Outside | 0.25" (6.4 mm) | 0.5" (12.7 mm) |
| Gutter (inside) | Varies by page count | See KDP gutter table |
Common Formatting Challenges for Fiction
Fiction typically requires clean chapter headings, consistent paragraph indentation (a 0.3 inch first-line indent is common), and proper handling of scene breaks. Avoid using multiple blank lines for scene breaks; use a centred ornamental break (three asterisks or a decorative glyph) instead.
The Automated Alternative
Manually converting a PDF file to a Kindle EPUB-ready format at 6" x 9" can take hours of trial and error. At publishing.co.uk, our automated formatting engine handles the entire process within 24 hours.
Simply upload your PDF file, select 6x9 as your trim size, and receive a professionally formatted Kindle EPUB file built to meet KDP’s current file specifications.
From £69. Unlimited revisions. Formatted to KDP’s current specifications.