A Publisher’s Checklist (Work-in-Progress Resource)

by | Aug 15, 2023 | Checklist, Creative Process

1: Setup the Project

Write a Creative Brief (set your intention and outline budget, book theme, timeline)
Create a Project Folder System 
Design Template Files 
Discuss it with Investors, Mentors, and possible Contributors

2: Make the Manuscript

Research and Create a Storyboard Outline
Write it All Down
Edit the Manuscript
Review with a Team (repeat and revise as needed)

3: Refine & Design

Design your Book’s Style Guide
Create the Images and Graphics
Put it all together in a Design File
Review with your Team and send out to your Advanced Readers

4: Going to Press

Order the Final Printed Proof
Review and Approve
Upload and Publish to your Print-on-Demand source (or work with a local printer)
Order a Box of Author Copies, gift your book into your Community

 

NOTE: Promote and Share throughout the entire process, including giving away samples, posting on social media, sending out press releases, speaking on podcasts, talking to mentors, experts, shop owners, and community members.

 

Checklist Outline of Book Elements

Library of Congress Number
ISBN (+Barcode)
Copyrights

Contributors
Experts
Reviewers

Editor
Photographer
Designer

Book Size
Margins
Cover and Binding Type

Fonts
Colors
Sizes

Page Count
Paper Type
Interior Color / BW

Headers
Footers
Section Breaks

Foreword
Afterword
Cover Text

Quotes
Table of Contents
Disclaimer / Contraindications

Dedication
Thank Yous / Acknowledgements
Resources / Glossary

Author Bio
Author Photo
Author Website

Call to Action
Sales Funnel
PR Packet

Cost of Goods
Retail / Wholesale Pricing
Marketing

Investment Budget
Target Audience
Expected Return on Investment

Where it will go (shops, etc)
Who it will go to (reviewers, press)
When it will be released (timeline)

Value book provides
Ways it can be used
Community testimonials

Book landing page
Author Events
Workshop

 

 

Amazon KDP Bookshelf Listing

BOOK DETAILS

  1. Book Title
  2. Subtitle
  3. Series (optional)
  4. Edition Number (optional)
  5. Author Full Name
  6. Contributors (Full name + Roles: Author, Editor, Foreword, Illustrator, Narrator, Photographer, Preface, Translator, Contributions by) *Note: All names will be listed on Amazon page in the product description
  7. Book Full Description
  8. Publishing Rights (yes I own them, or this is a public domain work)
  9. Primary udience (Optionally add reading age)
  10. Primary Marketplace (ie. Amazon.com USA or other country)
  11. Book Categories (Choose Three from KDP detailed lists)
    Keywords (choose 7)

BOOK CONTENT

  1. ISBN (assigned KDP free ISBN or add purchased ISBN)
  2. Print Options
    – Ink & Paper Type
    – Trim Size
    – Bleed Settings (bleed or no bleed)
    – Cover Finish (matte or glossy)
  3. Upload Files (Upload Book Manuscript + Upload Book Cover)
  4. Launch Previewer — Review & Approve (or save for later) *See Cost
  5. APPROVE (or keep Editing)

PRICING

  1. Set Pricing
  2. Request Proof
  3. Publish your Book
  4. Order Author Copies

 

This is a work-in-progress as we work to create an effective and easy-to-use checklist that teaches the ZieBee Media book publishing formula and provides a resource for new and published authors alike. 

About the Author

Mackenzie Bakewell, or ZieBee, is the lead author and artist here at ZieBee Media. Mackenzie is a travel photographer, illustrator, and professional book maker. She specializes in helping people turn their ideas into reality, tapping into her background in web design, publishing, and portrait photography. She is passionate about the use of coloring as a tool for health and happiness.

Related products