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DOCX Book Manuscripts

The DOCX file format for manuscripts gives authors an editable working document. Choose the DOCX format for manuscripts that need text review or revisions, then prepare a separate reader edition after the Bookeen writing work.

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What is the DOCX file format for manuscripts?

The DOCX file format for manuscripts is based on Office Open XML. A DOCX document contains structured paragraphs, text and formatting. The DOCX format is useful for an editable manuscript; the final EPUB or PDF edition needs a separate reading and layout check.

Microsoft: WordprocessingML document structure

How does DOCX differ from DOC and DOCM?

DOCX is an XML-based Word document format used for an editable manuscript. DOC is the older binary format, while DOCM is the macro-enabled XML format. These extensions describe different files, not interchangeable names for the same book.

The default XML-based file format

Microsoft Learn, File format reference for Word
  • Microsoft lists DOC as the Word 97–2003 binary format and DOCX as the default XML-based format for the listed Word versions from 2007 through 2021.
  • DOCM can store VBA macro code. Choose the document type your editorial handoff actually requires rather than renaming an extension.
  • Strict Open XML is a separate DOCX profile under ISO/IEC 29500. An ordinary DOCX export should not be described as Strict unless that profile has been verified.

For a Bookeen editorial handoff, keep the approved DOCX manuscript identifiable and inspect its headings, comments and complex pages. Prepare and check the EPUB or PDF reader edition separately.

Source checked .

When should you choose the DOCX format for manuscripts?

Choose the DOCX file format when an author or editor still needs to revise the writing. A DOCX review can cover chapter order, repeated arguments, inconsistent terms or voice. Agree on the feedback needed before handing your DOCX manuscript to another person.

  • Prepare a copy for editorial feedback.
  • Work on wording, structure and supporting material.
  • Keep a readable record of the version being reviewed.

DOCX file revisions

Keep one working DOCX manuscript, a clear review scope and identifiable versions. Before applying DOCX edits, check whether they change wording, argument, facts or story. Resolve competing revisions and save the DOCX version you approve before generating another reading edition.

  • Label DOCX file versions and state the review scope.
  • Keep DOCX file comments tied to the relevant passage.
  • Resolve conflicting DOCX file edits before creating another edition.
  • Save the approved DOCX file for later reference.

Move from DOCX to a reader edition

Use the DOCX file format for manuscripts during editing, then prepare a reader edition from the approved text. After reviewing a DOCX from Bookeen, choose digital reading, page-based sharing or print. Check each output separately; a DOCX editing view does not guarantee the same layout elsewhere.

  • Choose EPUB, reading PDF or a print interior for the intended use.
  • Check headings, tables, images and contents entries after export.
  • Keep the manuscript and release file in step.
  • Do not assume external edits are automatically synced back to Bookeen.

DOCX for Kindle publishing workflows

Keep the DOCX manuscript as an editable source and review each platform’s converted reading edition.

DOCX for Amazon KDP

Amazon KDP accepts DOCX manuscripts for Kindle eBook conversion. Complex DOCX formatting can convert poorly, so inspect the result in Kindle Previewer before publishing. Keep your approved DOCX file for later revisions.

Amazon KDP: eBook manuscript formats

From DOCX to Apple Books

Use the DOCX manuscript for editing, then prepare the EPUB edition described in the Apple Books delivery guide. Check EPUB navigation and layout after conversion; the DOCX editing view is not the reader’s final edition.

Apple Books: EPUB delivery guide
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Compare DOCX with other book formats

DOCX questions

When should I use the DOCX file format for manuscripts?

Use the DOCX file format for manuscripts that still need editing or collaborator feedback. For a finished reading edition, choose and check EPUB or PDF instead. The editable document and the reader file serve different purposes.

Should I edit the DOCX or the PDF?

Make substantial content revisions in your editable manuscript, then review a fresh release file. That gives you a clear source for later changes. Avoid maintaining separate, conflicting versions of the same chapter in several formats.

Will external DOCX edits appear in Bookeen automatically?

Do not assume that editing a downloaded document updates the project in Bookeen. Keep track of the changes and bring approved revisions back into your working manuscript through the workflow available to you before generating another edition.

What should I check after opening an exported DOCX?

Read a representative chapter and inspect the most complex material: tables, images, lists and section breaks. Confirm that the structure remains useful for editing. Record any differences you need to resolve before using that copy for an editorial handoff.

Give your DOCX manuscript a clear next draft.

Use the DOCX file format for manuscripts that need another review. Develop the writing in Bookeen, then check the DOCX copy before editorial handoff.

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