153 lines
4.7 KiB
Markdown
153 lines
4.7 KiB
Markdown
# Self-Publishing Standards Checklist
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Use this checklist to ensure your self-published book meets professional quality standards.
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## Cover Design
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- [ ] Professional cover design (not DIY unless experienced)
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- [ ] Title readable at thumbnail size
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- [ ] High resolution (2560 x 1600 px minimum for KDP)
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- [ ] Front, back, and spine designed (for print)
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- [ ] Cover conveys book topic clearly
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- [ ] Cover design appropriate for genre/topic
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- [ ] ISBN and barcode included (for print)
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## Formatting - eBook
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- [ ] Clean HTML/ePub formatting
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- [ ] Table of contents with working links
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- [ ] No formatting errors (extra spaces, missing paragraphs, etc.)
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- [ ] Images sized appropriately for e-readers
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- [ ] Code blocks formatted and readable
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- [ ] Tested on Kindle (Fire, Paperwhite, app)
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- [ ] Tested on Kobo/Nook (if distributing there)
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- [ ] Tested on iPad/iPhone Books app
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- [ ] Font choices appropriate (or use device defaults)
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## Formatting - Print (if applicable)
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- [ ] Proper page size selected (6x9, 7x10, 8.5x11, etc.)
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- [ ] Margins appropriate for binding
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- [ ] Headers/footers professional
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- [ ] Page numbers correct
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- [ ] Chapter starts formatted consistently
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- [ ] No orphans/widows (single lines at top/bottom of page)
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- [ ] Images high resolution (300 DPI minimum)
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- [ ] Bleed settings correct (if using bleed)
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## Front Matter
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- [ ] Title page
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- [ ] Copyright page with correct year and copyright notice
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- [ ] ISBN on copyright page (if using)
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- [ ] Edition statement (if applicable)
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- [ ] Disclaimers (if applicable)
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- [ ] Table of contents
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- [ ] Preface or introduction (optional but recommended)
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## Back Matter
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- [ ] About the author
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- [ ] Other books by author (if applicable)
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- [ ] Thank you / call to action (optional)
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- [ ] Contact information or website
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- [ ] Request for reviews (optional)
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## Metadata - All Platforms
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- [ ] Title accurate and searchable
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- [ ] Subtitle descriptive
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- [ ] Author name consistent across platforms
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- [ ] Book description compelling (150-300 words)
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- [ ] Keywords researched and targeted (up to 7 typically)
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- [ ] Categories selected strategically
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- [ ] Language set correctly
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- [ ] Publication date accurate
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## Pricing
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- [ ] Price competitive with similar books
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- [ ] Royalty tier considered (70% vs 35% on KDP)
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- [ ] Print price covers costs + margin
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- [ ] Different prices for different markets considered
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- [ ] Promotional pricing strategy planned
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## Legal Requirements
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- [ ] Copyright notice included
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- [ ] ISBN obtained (if required/desired)
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- [ ] No copyright violations
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- [ ] Permissions obtained for quoted material
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- [ ] Disclaimers appropriate for content
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## Quality Control
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- [ ] Professional editing completed (developmental, copy, proofread)
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- [ ] Beta readers provided feedback
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- [ ] Errors corrected from beta feedback
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- [ ] Final proofread by fresh eyes
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- [ ] All links tested (URLs, email, cross-references)
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## Preview and Samples
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- [ ] "Look Inside" / preview set up (first 10% typically)
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- [ ] Preview represents book well
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- [ ] No errors in preview section
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- [ ] Sample chapters engaging
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## Platform-Specific - Leanpub
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- [ ] Markdown formatted correctly
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- [ ] Book.txt configured with chapter order
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- [ ] Subset.txt configured for sample chapters
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- [ ] Metadata complete in Book.txt
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- [ ] Preview generated and reviewed
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- [ ] Pricing set (minimum, suggested, maximum)
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## Platform-Specific - Amazon KDP
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- [ ] KDP account set up with tax information
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- [ ] eBook uploaded and validated
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- [ ] Print book uploaded (if applicable) and validated
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- [ ] Cover meets KDP requirements
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- [ ] ISBN assigned (using free KDP ISBN or own)
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- [ ] Preview generated and reviewed
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- [ ] Categories selected (up to 2 + keywords)
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- [ ] Kindle Unlimited enrollment decision made
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## Platform-Specific - Gumroad
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- [ ] Product description complete
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- [ ] Files uploaded (PDF, ePub, extras)
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- [ ] Preview/sample provided
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- [ ] Pricing set
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- [ ] Payment processing configured
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- [ ] Email delivery set up
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- [ ] Thank you page configured
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## Marketing Preparation
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- [ ] Book website or landing page created
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- [ ] Social media announcements prepared
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- [ ] Email list notified (if applicable)
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- [ ] Launch plan in place
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- [ ] Review copy strategy (ARC readers, influencers)
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- [ ] Promotional materials ready (graphics, snippets, quotes)
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## Post-Launch
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- [ ] Monitor for errors or reader feedback
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- [ ] Plan for updates/revisions
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- [ ] Errata page prepared (if needed)
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- [ ] Review requests sent to readers
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- [ ] Respond to reader questions/feedback
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- [ ] Track sales and adjust marketing
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## Professional Standards
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- [ ] Book indistinguishable from traditionally published books
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- [ ] No obvious self-publishing markers (unless intentional)
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- [ ] Quality equals or exceeds competing books
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- [ ] Reader experience prioritized
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- [ ] Ongoing improvement mindset (update based on feedback)
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