Manuscript to Market

The publishing checklist

Every task, in order, from completed manuscript to live book. Check items off as you go. Your progress saves automatically.

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1. Manuscript preparation

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✓
Final proofread completeGrammar, spelling, and punctuation reviewed throughout
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Chapter structure confirmed and consistent
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Front matter writtenTitle page, copyright page, dedication, table of contents
✓
Back matter writtenAuthor bio, acknowledgements, call to action or resource page
✓
Manuscript saved as clean .docx file
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Backup copy stored in Google Drive or cloud storage

2. ISBNs and legal setup

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Publishing imprint name chosenNot your personal name. A business-sounding name that matches your brand.
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ISBNs purchased at Bowker (myidentifiers.com)Buy two: one for print, one for ebook. Register under your imprint name.
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Print ISBN assigned to your title in Bowker
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Ebook ISBN assigned to your title in Bowker
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Copyright page updated with correct ISBNs and year

3. Cover design

0 / 5
✓
Competing covers researched in your categoryStudy the top 10 bestsellers in your BISAC category on Amazon
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Front cover designed and approved (title, subtitle, author name, visual)
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Back cover copy written (100 to 150 word description)
✓
Full print cover PDF exported at 300 DPI (front, spine, back)Spine width calculated based on page count and paper type
✓
Ebook front cover exported as JPG (2500px height minimum)

4. Interior formatting

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Print trim size selectedMost common for nonfiction: 6 x 9 inch
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Interior formatted (Reedsy, Atticus, or professional formatter)Includes margins, chapter openers, headers, page numbers, font selection
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Print interior PDF exported and reviewed
✓
EPUB file exported or created separately for ebook editions
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Both files reviewed and approved using IngramSpark file checker

5. IngramSpark setup and upload

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IngramSpark account created and configured (ingramspark.com)
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Payment and tax information completed in account settings
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Title entered: exact title, subtitle, and author name as they appear on cover
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Book description written and entered (150 to 250 words)
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BISAC subject categories selected and keywords entered
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Pricing set for print and ebook editions
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Print interior PDF and cover PDF uploaded and approved in system

6. Proof review and approval

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Physical proof copy ordered from IngramSpark
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Proof reviewed: cover, spine, back, interior layout and page numbers
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Any corrections made and re-uploaded if needed
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Final approval submitted in IngramSpark dashboard

7. Amazon Author Central

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Amazon Author Central account created (authorcentral.amazon.com)
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Author bio and photo uploaded to Author Central
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Book claimed and linked to your Author Central profile
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Amazon book description reviewed and updated if needed

8. Launch and post-publication

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Launch date set (minimum 3 weeks after proof approval)
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Launch team assembled and advance reader copies distributed
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Social and email announcements posted on launch day
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Author profiles updated with published author status

Every item checked.

Your book is published. Your checklist is complete. Now it is time to build the platform your book makes possible.

Explore The Missing Chapter →