NaNoWriMo Writers: Convert Your Manuscript to PDF

Finished your novel or working on revisions? Whether you're creating beta reader copies, preparing for self-publishing, or just want a nice PDF of your work, here's how to convert your manuscript.

Writer's Conversion Workflow

Typical Writing to Publishing Path

1. Write: Draft in Scrivener, Word, Google Docs, etc.
2. Export: Create EPUB or PDF from your writing app
3. Share: Send to beta readers, editors
4. Format: Prepare for publishing platforms
5. Publish: Upload to Amazon KDP, other retailers

Exporting from Writing Apps

Scrivener

Scrivener offers multiple export options:

• Compile to EPUB: For ebook format
• Compile to PDF: For print-ready copies
• Compile to Word: For further editing

If Scrivener's EPUB isn't quite right, export to EPUB then refine with tools like Sigil, or convert to PDF.

Google Docs

1. File > Download as > EPUB Publication
2. Or File > Download as > PDF Document

EPUB export from Google Docs can then be converted with CheersPDF if needed.

Microsoft Word

• Save as PDF directly
• For EPUB, use Calibre to convert .DOCX to .EPUB

LibreOffice Writer

• File > Export as PDF
• For EPUB, export as HTML then convert, or use extensions

Creating Beta Reader Copies

Sending your manuscript to beta readers? Here's what format to use:

PDF Advantages

• Consistent formatting on all devices
• Page numbers for easy reference
• Can't accidentally be edited
• Easy to print if preferred

EPUB Advantages

• Reads well on e-readers and phones
• Adjustable text size
• Night mode for comfortable reading
• Feels more like a "real book"

Recommendation

Create both! Many beta readers have preferences:

• Export EPUB from your writing app
• Use CheersPDF to create PDF from the EPUB
• Send both versions

Privacy for Unpublished Work

Your unpublished manuscript is valuable. CheersPDF protects your work:

• No uploads: Your manuscript stays on your device
• No servers: No one else sees your work
• No accounts: No tracking of what you convert
• No risk: Your intellectual property is safe

Unlike upload-based converters, there's zero chance of your manuscript being stored or accessed.

Self-Publishing Preparation

Amazon KDP

KDP accepts:

• Word (.DOCX) — They convert it
• EPUB — For Kindle ebooks
• PDF — For paperback interior

If you have an EPUB, CheersPDF can create a PDF version for paperback proofing.

Other Platforms

• Kobo Writing Life: Accepts EPUB
• Apple Books: EPUB required
• Barnes & Noble Press: EPUB for Nook
• Draft2Digital: Word or EPUB
• Smashwords: Word (they convert)

Formatting Tips for Conversion

Before Exporting

• Use styles (Heading 1, Heading 2, Normal) consistently
• Don't use multiple returns for spacing — use paragraph settings
• Use proper chapter breaks
• Insert actual page breaks (not multiple returns)

For Clean EPUBs

• Consistent chapter formatting
• No fancy fonts that may not embed
• Simple formatting works best
• Test on multiple e-readers

For Clean PDFs

• Set proper margins for printing
• Use print-friendly fonts
• Check page breaks don't orphan text
• Embed fonts if using non-standard ones

Creating ARCs (Advance Reader Copies)

When you're further along and ready for reviews:

• Create professional-looking PDF or EPUB
• Add "ARC - Not for Sale" watermark if desired
• Include your cover image
• Send to book bloggers and reviewers

Word Count and Page Estimates

Converting to PDF helps estimate final book length:

• NaNoWriMo goal: 50,000 words
• Average novel: 70,000-90,000 words
• Roughly 250 words per page (print)
• A 50K word novel ≈ 200 pages

PDF conversion shows actual page count based on your formatting.

After NaNoWriMo: Next Steps

December: Rest and Revise

• Take a break from the manuscript
• Create a PDF for "first reader" review
• Start revision planning

Early Year: Editing

• Self-edit first draft
• Send to beta readers (PDF + EPUB)
• Incorporate feedback

Later: Publishing

• Professional editing if budget allows
• Final formatting
• Create final EPUB and PDF
• Upload to publishing platforms

Free Tools for Writers

• CheersPDF: Convert between EPUB and PDF
• Calibre: E-book management and conversion
• Sigil: EPUB editing
• LibreOffice: Free word processor
• Google Docs: Free, cloud-based writing

Editorial Contributor

Written by Ishaan Reddy

Ishaan pushes the physical limits of Google's V8 Javascript engine, architecting local converters that exceed the benchmark speeds of traditional desktop applications.