This is important because when you turn the .doc (or other raw file) into an eBook, the file will be split. Applying the Heading 1 style is the most common way to split the book, and if you use an automatic conversion program this is the default method.

Another advantage of using Heading 1, Heading 2, and Heading 3 is that your Table of Contents can be made to pick these headings up automatically. This gives readers a very detailed TOC, and saves you tons of time.

Make sure to set the same font for all of the heading styles. The spacing and other options (font size, bold/italic/underline, centered/justified) can be different for each one.

The biggest mistake you can make in an eBook? Using the "tab" key to indent. The next biggest mistake is to add space between paragraphs using the enter key. (I feel like crying when I read books with these problems, mostly because it SCREWS UP MY KINDLE!) Sorry for the outburst there, but this really bothers readers.

Set up your body text style to automatically include either an indent or spacing above/below the paragraph. (It's usually best to just choose one of these, though if you are careful you can use both and still have an easy to read book. Moderation is key.)

Besides setting the indent/paragraph spacing, decide if you want the text justified or not. Some ereaders (like Kindle) will only have a ragged left side if the body text style is specifically set that way, otherwise it will justify everything. Most readers prefer the device's defaults, but if you have a preference make sure you add it into the styles.

Each time you make a list with bullet points (and unordered list) or with numbers (an ordered list) your word processor will make a new list style. eBook readers have huge problems with anything beyond the simplest list styles, so if you've done any of the following, undo it now:

- funny custom icons in place of bullet points
- multiple indents before points in the list
- lists with complicated styles (numbers on one level, bullets on the next, letters on the third, kittens on the fourth, etc.) Avoid any lists with more than two levels, deeper than this will need to be hand-coded in HTML

How do you get rid of unwieldy lists? Highlight the entire list, click the list button (either bullets or numbers) in the toolbar to unapply it, then reclick to apply the default style. Do this for EVERY list in the book.

If you've followed each of these steps to clean up your manuscript, you're most likely ready to go. Good job!

If you have any questions or need more help, feel free to contact me through http://adamsebooks.com/help

May you have the best of luck on your publishing journey. :)