Startup Idea: Paperback Formatting Software for Self-Published Authors

Startup idea to develop a user-friendly software solution for self-published authors to format their paperback books. The goal is to offer easy-to-use templates and options for layout, scene breaks, etc., much like the existing solutions for ebooks but specifically tailored for paperback. The tool should overcome the drawbacks of current DIY methods and high-cost professional services.

I'm a self-published author and would like a paperback formatting solution. Formatting involves a fairly steep learning curve. It can be done via Word, however the results aren't usually more than "acceptable." Hiring a professional formatter costs hundreds of dollars. A couple of years ago a software called Vellum was developed to format ebooks for $25 each. Authors download the app (it's Mac-only—a big drawback), paste in their book, and then choose from different options for scene breaks, layout, etc. There is no comparable software for paperback formatting, but I don't think it would be difficult for somebody to create. Createspace distributes free paperback templates for Word that show the different elements required, e.g. paper size. A formatting software that produced attractive paperback book interiors would be incredibly successful. Only solutions are DIY (time consuming and not the best results) or hiring a formatter, which is expensive.