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Book Publishing Checklist

This checklist is an overview and leaves out the literally hundreds of individual tasks to be completed during the process of getting your manuscript turned into an actual published book. 

It is not difficult. It is time-consuming and has a steep learning curve. 

DIY is entirely doable and you are encouraged, if this is what you enjoy, to do it yourself. However, there's  no reason to do it entirely alone. 

The Book Writer Success Coach offers services that cover the entire process: from idea to editing to publishing to book launch to getting recognized as a best-seller. Click the button below and let's talk about how to get your book published!

Thanks for downloading this checklist. We look forward to seeing your book in print! And if you are still on the fence, here's the link to sign up for the Publish-it Now! Boot Camp. 

3 Steps Before You Publish

Prepare Your Book for Success!

Step 1: Finesse Your Manuscript

  • Finish writing the entire book and get it into a form that can be shared digitally (e.g., MS Word or Google Docs)
  • Send the book to beta readers and proofreaders
  • Decide on what kind of editing you will get. Developmental or copyediting are the main two types. Budget for professional editing. If you are uncertain what's needed, get a manuscript evaluation. 
  • Finalize your Title!
  • Give it a rest. You are too close to the words. A bit of time and distance will let you see your book with fresh eyes.

Step 2: Get Ready to Publish

  • Decide how you will distribute your book. Print and eBook? Print on Demand? Expanded Distribution? Traditional Publisher. 
  • Finalize your Cover. This includes front and back, images and written copy. Recommend professional design here. 
  • Write the book description and the author bio. Get testimonials and endorsements (optional)
  • Perform your final read through. 
  • Decide who will do your book interior design. Layout and formatting are separate processes and are usually performed by the same person. Strongly recommend professional services here. 
  • After the interior design is complete, arrange for a final proofread. A professional reader is advised--at the least be sure to avoid messing with the layout and formatting!

Step 3: Publish Your Book

  • Create your author platform. For instance, create an Amazon Author Central page, get active on social media, and create an author web page. 
  • Create the accounts with CreateSpace, KindleDirect, IngramSpark, and other book printing and distribution channels.
  • Upload your book files (interior and cover) to each printer according to their specifications and directions
  • Proofread the uploaded files! Strongly recommend requesting a hard copy of your book be sent to you prior to release for publication.
  • Approve the book files and hit the Publish button! 

Bonus Step: Launch Team!

A launch team is a group who get your book for free, in advance, so they can read it, leave a review, and promote it when you launch. The goal is to get as many early reviews in on the first few days of your launch or before. It's about social proof. Readers are more likely to buy a book someone else has recommended.  

  • Get a close-to-final manuscript into a pdf format for digital download and make it easy for your team to download your review book
  • Make it a goal to reach 10 reviews as soon as possible.
  • Provide the tools the team needs (i.e., links to review sites, keywords you'd like them to use).
  •  Stay in touch with your team to motivate and build enthusiasm for your book.
  • Create a community, a fan base that you can use for your next launch, too!
  • Remember to add influencers to your team! 

Publish Your Book with Us

This checklist is an overview and leaves out the literally hundreds of individual tasks to be completed during the process of getting your manuscript turned into an actual published book. 

It is not difficult. It is time-consuming and has a steep learning curve. 

DIY is entirely doable and you are encouraged, if this is what you enjoy, to do it yourself. However, there's  no reason to do it entirely alone. 

The Book Writer Success Coach offers services that cover the entire process: from idea to editing to publishing to book launch to getting recognized as a best-seller. Click the button and we'll talk. Get your book published!

Thanks for downloading this checklist. We look forward to seeing your book in print! And if you are still on the fence, here's the link to sign up for the Publish-it Now! Boot Camp. 

BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION