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The Self-Publishing Checklist

Every step from finished draft to launch day, in the order that saves money. Tick them off as you go; anything you would rather hand over, add to a custom quote at the bottom.

1. Manuscript

The draft is finished and you have revised it at least once yourself.
At least two or three readers outside your family have read it and told you where they lost interest.

2. Editing

If the structure or pacing needs work, a developmental edit comes first; fixing sentences in a chapter you later cut wastes money.
A copyedit for grammar, consistency and clarity.
A final proofread after formatting, because layout introduces its own errors.

3. Design

A cover whose title is readable as a small thumbnail, since that is how most buyers first see it online.
Spine width calculated from the final page count, not an estimate.
An interior formatted to your trim size with consistent fonts, margins, headers and page numbers.
An ebook file tested on a phone and an e-reader, not only on a computer.

4. Rights and identifiers

An ISBN for each format (paperback, hardcover and ebook are separate). A free platform ISBN lists the platform, not you, as the publisher of record.
A copyright page, and written permission for any quotes, lyrics or images you did not create.

5. Accounts

Publishing accounts in your own name, with tax and payment details completed.
A decision on distribution: Amazon only, or wider bookstore and library reach as well.

6. Metadata

A title and subtitle that tell a stranger what the book is.
A book description written for buyers, not a summary written for yourself.
Keywords and categories chosen from what readers actually search for.
An author bio and a price checked against comparable books.

7. Proofs

A printed proof ordered and checked before launch: cover colour, trim, margins and the first and last pages.

8. Launch

Early readers lined up to read and post honest reviews (paid or incentivised reviews breach Amazon rules).
An author profile set up, a launch date chosen, and a way for readers to hear about your next book.