Self-Publishing a Book

20 items · Lifestyle · Hard difficulty · 2 hours

Step-by-step checklist to finish, publish, and launch your self-published book.

• Finish manuscript draft

  Complete the manuscript text and save a master copy.

• Complete structural edit and revise manuscript

  Address plot, pacing, chapter flow, and large changes.

• Complete copyedit for grammar and clarity

  Improve sentence-level clarity, consistency, and style.

• Proofread final manuscript

  Do a final pass for typos, formatting, and quirks before formatting.

• Finalize book metadata (title, subtitle, series, author name)

  Lock the official values to use across stores and marketing.

• Write book description and research keywords/categories

  Craft a 1-2 paragraph blurb and pick 5–7 keywords and categories.

• Design book cover (decide DIY or hire a designer)

  Decide budget and style, then create or commission the cover.

• Check cover specs (trim size, bleed, spine width)

  Match distributor template for correct dimensions and resolution.

• Create or commission thumbnail and print-ready cover files

  Export high-res print PDF and thumbnail JPG/PNG for stores.

• Format manuscript for ebook and print

  Prepare separate files for reflowable ebooks and fixed-layout print.

• Format ebook (ePub/Kindle)

  Create clean ePub or .mobi with linked TOC and responsive layout.

• Format paperback/print interior (PDF with margins and bleed)

  Set proper margins, gutters, page numbers, and export print-ready PDF.

• Obtain ISBN or decide to use distributor's free ISBN/ASIN

  Buy ISBNs if you want full publisher control or use KDP/Ingram identifiers.

• Set up publisher accounts on KDP and/or IngramSpark

  Create and verify accounts, enter payment and tax details.

• Upload files and choose distribution options

  Upload cover, interior files, metadata, select territories and channels.

• Order proof copy and review the physical book

  Inspect print quality, trims, margins, and cover colors in hand.

• Set price, royalties, and distribution channels

  Choose list price and royalty settings based on goals and markets.

• Prepare back matter (copyright page, author bio, buy links)

  Include copyright, dedications, author contact, and reader links.

• Build launch team and distribute ARCs for early reviews

  Recruit readers, influencers, and set deadlines for ARC feedback.

• Collect reviews and execute launch marketing (email, ads, socials)

  Track reviews, activate promotions, and engage readers post-launch.

Printed from TickYouOff — the interactive version tracks your progress and can be shared with others.