Overview
This guide explains how to properly format chapter titles and section headings in Google Docs for Reedsy import during the 7-Day Publishing Challenge.
What you'll learn:
How to apply correct heading formats to chapter titles
Which sections need formatting
Step-by-step Google Docs instructions
Prerequisites
Your manuscript must be in Google Docs
You need access to the Google Docs formatting toolbar
Your manuscript should have clearly identifiable chapter titles and sections
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Format Your First Section Title
Open your Google Doc containing your manuscript
Highlight the first section title in your manuscript
This could be: Introduction, Chapter 1 Title, Prologue, etc.
Locate the formatting dropdown in the top left of your Google Doc
Look for the dropdown that currently shows "Normal Text"
Click the dropdown arrow next to "Normal Text"
Select "Heading 1" from the dropdown menu
Your section title will appear larger and formatted as Heading 1
Step 2: Apply Formatting to All Remaining Sections
Navigate through your manuscript to find each chapter title and section heading
Repeat the formatting process for every section title:
Highlight the text
Click the "Normal Text" dropdown
Select "Heading 1"
Continue until all sections are formatted
Sections That Need Heading 1 Format
Apply Heading 1 formatting to all of these section types:
Chapter titles (Chapter 1, Chapter 2, etc.)
Introduction
Prologue
Conclusion
Resources
Acknowledgements
Appendix
Bibliography
Any other major section dividers
Important Notes
Consistency is key: All major sections must use Heading 1 format
Visual confirmation: Properly formatted headings will appear larger than normal text
Reedsy requirement: This formatting is essential for successful Reedsy import
Don't skip sections: Even supplementary sections like Acknowledgements need proper formatting
Summary
After completing these steps, all your chapter titles and major sections will be properly formatted with Heading 1 styling. This ensures your manuscript will import correctly into Reedsy for the 7-Day Publishing Challenge.