Checklist for Self-publishing - for newbies
Feb 22, 2019 18:49:32 GMT -5
Admin Kbatz and Joseph VanBuren like this
Post by Emz on Feb 22, 2019 18:49:32 GMT -5
Self-publishing is a very personal journey. There is no "right" way to pursue it, but here is a nice over-view newbie checklist for those who are looking to pub their own work. There may be steps missing that you will add as you go along, but this is a good way to start.
STEPS OF PUBLICATION – self-publication PRINT BOOK
1. Finish the first draft.
2. Copyright it. (Easy online)
3. Re-read and have 1st readers (3-5 people) read and make comments. Make sure they have an interest in your work or the subject matter and that you trust their opinion.
4. Input edits.
5. Ask for cover blurbs if you are going to and give them time to read the book (month?).
6. Write up: Back cover blurb, copyright page, acknowledgments, author bio and pic, back page ads, and any extras you may wish to add. Insert these into the text.
7. Decide whether you will pay for an editor or not. If yes, have editor review it. If not, have more experienced people read it.
8. Input edits.
9. Format the book. Including margins, chapter breaks, internal artwork, copyright page, acknowledgments, author bio and pic, back page ads, and any extras you may wish to add.
10. Format the cover or get someone to do this. Artwork should be paid for and so should cover design. Make sure your back cover blurb has been copyedited before going to graphic artist.
11. Re-read the formatted version for copyediting only (typos) and have a second group of 1st readers read for copyediting only. Pay special attention to any word graphics, chapter heads, etc… that may be spelled wrong.
12. Input edits.
13. Format/upload the entire book into the KDP website and submit for approval. Wait for approval.
14. Once approved (or not) look at the errors or notes KDP has made and adjust accordingly. Also, check the online proof for any visual issues that may be wrong.
15. Once satisfied with the proof online, order a proof for yourself. Wait for mail.
16. Review live copy. Check all graphics for quality and color. Check all cover items for spelling and clarity. Re-read the entire text for typos or formatting issues.
17. If the proof is perfect, you are ready to publish. If there are issues, fix and resubmit. You may order as many proofs as you need to get it right. It’s best to wait to order the proof until the entire text is right.
18. Submit to publish, order your copies, PROMOTE!
19. Submit to KDP for eBook version. Important to wait to make the eBook version until you have fully edited and approved the print, that way you don’t have to make edit changes in two different formats.
STEPS OF PUBLICATION – self-publication PRINT BOOK
1. Finish the first draft.
2. Copyright it. (Easy online)
3. Re-read and have 1st readers (3-5 people) read and make comments. Make sure they have an interest in your work or the subject matter and that you trust their opinion.
4. Input edits.
5. Ask for cover blurbs if you are going to and give them time to read the book (month?).
6. Write up: Back cover blurb, copyright page, acknowledgments, author bio and pic, back page ads, and any extras you may wish to add. Insert these into the text.
7. Decide whether you will pay for an editor or not. If yes, have editor review it. If not, have more experienced people read it.
8. Input edits.
9. Format the book. Including margins, chapter breaks, internal artwork, copyright page, acknowledgments, author bio and pic, back page ads, and any extras you may wish to add.
10. Format the cover or get someone to do this. Artwork should be paid for and so should cover design. Make sure your back cover blurb has been copyedited before going to graphic artist.
11. Re-read the formatted version for copyediting only (typos) and have a second group of 1st readers read for copyediting only. Pay special attention to any word graphics, chapter heads, etc… that may be spelled wrong.
12. Input edits.
13. Format/upload the entire book into the KDP website and submit for approval. Wait for approval.
14. Once approved (or not) look at the errors or notes KDP has made and adjust accordingly. Also, check the online proof for any visual issues that may be wrong.
15. Once satisfied with the proof online, order a proof for yourself. Wait for mail.
16. Review live copy. Check all graphics for quality and color. Check all cover items for spelling and clarity. Re-read the entire text for typos or formatting issues.
17. If the proof is perfect, you are ready to publish. If there are issues, fix and resubmit. You may order as many proofs as you need to get it right. It’s best to wait to order the proof until the entire text is right.
18. Submit to publish, order your copies, PROMOTE!
19. Submit to KDP for eBook version. Important to wait to make the eBook version until you have fully edited and approved the print, that way you don’t have to make edit changes in two different formats.