So that, very broadly, is how to use Scribus to create a book. You can always import each chapter individually, adding styles similar to Microsoft Word and preparing some unique pages by manipulating the text frames, just like you would with InDesign. From there I can insert front matter pages and add a bunch of normal pages after.ĭoing it this way means I’ll have to go in and add styles for chapter titles and clean up the text.
I like to create a Front Matter Master too. Since you selected Spreads, you’ll have a Normal Right and Normal Left Master to begin with. You’ll also be able to create sections in the same way you would in MS Word. Just like other desktop publishing apps, you’ll have the option to build Master Pages to assign different profiles to sections in your book. If you don’t select this, importing your contents will be a pain. This will build a text frame into every page. Last one, and this is possibly the most important check the box Automatic Text Frames. Be sure to use the finished size here and select the Bleeds tab to include bleeds.
Scribus includes some preset page sizes, but you can always customize them.
It’s easy and once you’ve got the pages the way you like, you can always save them as a template to use later. I advise setting up your own pages though. You’ve got a lot of options here, including using some existing templates.
