The compact version for anyone who already knows the broad strokes and just needs a sequence to check off. For background and explanation on each point: full beginner's guide →
Before publishing
- [ ] Manuscript fully edited — at least one outside pass, whether professional or from experienced beta readers
- [ ] Distribution strategy decided — exclusive via Amazon KDP Select (incl. Kindle Unlimited) or wide across multiple platforms (Kobo, Apple, Google Play, and others)
- [ ] ISBN sorted out — buy your own if wide distribution is planned; Amazon's free ISBN only makes sense if you're staying exclusively on Amazon long-term
- [ ] Price set — on Amazon: 70% royalty only between $2.99 and $9.99, 35% outside that range
- [ ] Cover commissioned or created — respect genre conventions, not just personal taste
Languages & formats
- [ ] Target languages defined — makes more sense for series or books already selling in your home market than for a debut title
- [ ] Audiobook yes/no decided — not a must for a debut, but a channel that becomes more relevant as your backlist grows
- [ ] Ebook and print version planned — both, just one, or staggered (ebook first, print later)?
Distribution & visibility
- [ ] Metadata prepared — blurb, categories, keywords (critical for discoverability in stores)
- [ ] Publication date set — with enough lead time for cover, editing, and possibly translation
- [ ] Early reviews planned — beta/ARC readers lined up before the official launch day
After publishing
- [ ] Check sales numbers after 4–6 weeks — the basis for deciding whether translation/audiobook makes sense for this book
- [ ] Keep the backlist strategy in mind — standalone titles rarely sell as well as a growing series/backlist catalog
The order above causes the fewest detours — the most common trap is leaving the cover until the very end, even though professional cover designers often have lead times of several weeks.