If you are a self-published author working on self-help, personal development, and motivational books and your manuscript is currently in DOCX 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 Self-Help?
The 6" x 9" trim size is a popular choice for self-help, personal development, and motivational books. It provides a comfortable reading experience while keeping printing costs manageable. At this size, the final page count varies with your font, size, line spacing and layout choices.
Converting DOCX to Kindle EPUB
Your DOCX file from Microsoft Word documents 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 NCX navigation table, a hyperlinked HTML Table of Contents, and optimised, high-resolution images.
Margin Requirements at 6" x 9"
Kindle EPUB files are reflowable and have no fixed trim size or margins — text reflows to the reader’s screen and font size. The margin and gutter figures below apply only to a KDP Print (paperback) edition, not to the Kindle EPUB itself:
| 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 Self-Help
Self-help books frequently include exercises, worksheets, checklists, and call-out boxes. These interactive elements need special formatting to stand out from the main text.
The Automated Alternative
Manually converting a DOCX 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 DOCX file, select 6x9 as your trim size, and receive a professionally formatted Kindle EPUB file built to meet KDP’s current technical requirements.
From £69. Unlimited revisions. Formatted to KDP’s published specifications.