Exporting
Export your manuscript for publication, professional editing, or backup. Generate files ready for retailers, formatters, or your own archives.
Why Export?
Export your manuscript when you need to:
- Send to a professional editor
- Upload to a formatter or retailer
- Create a backup outside StorytellerOS
- Share with beta readers
- Generate a print-ready file
Export Formats
StorytellerOS can export your manuscript in several formats:
DOCX (Microsoft Word)
The most common format for sharing with editors and formatters:
- Industry standard for manuscripts
- Works with Google Docs, LibreOffice, Pages
- Track changes compatible
- Best for professional editing
ePub
Standard ebook format for most retailers:
- Works with Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes & Noble
- Reflowable text for different screen sizes
- Can be converted to other formats
Fixed-layout format for print and sharing:
- Looks the same on every device
- Good for print proofs
- Not ideal for ebook distribution
Plain Text
Simple text file with no formatting:
- Works everywhere
- Good for backup
- Loses all formatting
Tip
Most editors prefer DOCX files. When in doubt, export to Word format.
How to Export
- Open your book
- Click the Export button (or menu)
- Choose your format
- Configure export options
- Click Generate Export
- Download the file when ready
Export Options
Content Selection
- Full book — All chapters and scenes
- Selected chapters — Only chosen chapters
- Front/back matter — Include or exclude
Formatting Options
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Chapter headings | How chapter titles appear |
| Scene breaks | Asterisks, blank line, or custom |
| Font | Times New Roman, Garamond, etc. |
| Font size | 12pt is standard for manuscripts |
| Line spacing | Double for editing, single for reading |
| Paragraph indent | First line indent or block style |
Metadata Options
- Include title page — Auto-generated title page
- Include copyright — Standard copyright notice
- Author name — Which name appears
Note
Export options are saved per book. Once you configure them, the same settings apply to future exports until you change them.
Standard Manuscript Format
For submissions to agents or editors, use standard manuscript format:
- 12pt Times New Roman or Courier
- Double-spaced lines
- 1-inch margins on all sides
- First line indent of 0.5 inches
- Page numbers in header
- Author name and title in header
Select the Manuscript Format preset to apply these settings automatically.
Retailer-Ready Exports
For direct upload to retailers:
Amazon KDP
- Export as DOCX or ePub
- KDP accepts both formats
- Include front and back matter
Other Retailers
- Apple Books — ePub
- Kobo — ePub
- Barnes & Noble — ePub
- Draft2Digital — DOCX or ePub
Covers Are Separate
Manuscript exports do not include cover images. Upload your cover separately to each retailer. Cover images are managed in the book's Variations tab.
Exporting for Professional Editors
When sending to a professional editor:
- Export as DOCX
- Use double spacing
- Include chapter numbers/titles
- Do not include front/back matter (they do not need copyright pages)
- Name the file clearly (AuthorName_BookTitle_Draft.docx)
Tip
Ask your editor what format they prefer before exporting. Some have specific requirements.
Exporting for Beta Readers
For beta readers, you might want:
- ePub for reading on devices
- PDF for consistent appearance
- Clear chapter breaks
- Draft watermark (optional)
Creating Backups
Export regularly for offline backups:
- Export as DOCX for full formatting
- Export as plain text for ultimate compatibility
- Store on external drive or cloud storage
- Include date in filename
Even though StorytellerOS backs up to GitHub, it is wise to keep your own copies.
Your Work Is Yours
You can export your complete manuscript at any time. Your work is never locked into StorytellerOS. Export and take it anywhere.
Troubleshooting Exports
Export looks wrong
- Check your formatting options
- Make sure scenes are in the right order
- Verify chapter status (drafts might be excluded)
Missing content
- Check that all chapters are included in selection
- Verify scene status is not "Outline" (outlines may be excluded)
- Make sure front/back matter inclusion is correct
Formatting inconsistent
- Clear formatting in the editor, then reapply
- Check for pasted content with hidden formatting
- Use the "Clean Formatting" option before export
Best Practices
- Export before major edits — Keep a backup of your current state before big changes.
- Use descriptive filenames — Include book name, date, and version in the filename.
- Test your ePub — Open it in an ebook reader before publishing to catch issues.
- Keep master copies — Store DOCX versions as your archival format.
- Export final version — After all edits, export a clean final copy for your records.