The Complete Self-Publishing Checklist: Don't Hit Publish Without This
37 essential steps from manuscript to launch day, organized by phase. First-time author or tenth book — this is everything.
Phase 1: Manuscript Ready
No launch strategy compensates for a book that isn't ready
Professional proofreading/editing complete
Consistent chapter formatting throughout the manuscript
Front matter: title page, copyright page, table of contents (if applicable)
Back matter: author bio, also-by page, review request, ARC/newsletter signup link
Correct file format — DOCX for KDP upload, or formatted EPUB
Images are 300 DPI minimum (print) or 72 DPI (ebook)
Chapter headings use heading styles (not bold text) for ebook navigation
Beta reader feedback incorporated
Phase 2: Cover Design
Readers judge books by covers — because it works
Front cover professionally designed
Title readable at thumbnail size (150×250px — the size browsers see on Amazon)
Genre signals are clear — thriller looks like a thriller, romance like romance
KDP print cover has correct spine width based on page count
Cover file meets KDP specs: JPG or TIFF, 72 DPI for ebook cover, RGB color
All cover images are copyright-free or properly licensed for commercial use
Phase 3: Amazon Metadata
Metadata determines who Amazon shows your book to — get it right
Book title in KDP matches exactly what is on the cover
Subtitle includes search keywords naturally
Book description written with hook, benefits, and a strong CTA
2 KDP categories selected strategically for competitive ranking
Research categories →7 keywords entered based on real reader search behavior
Find keywords →Author name spelled consistently across all Amazon products
Author Central page claimed and populated with bio, photo, and website
Author Central guide →BISAC codes selected accurately for your book's category and audience
Phase 4: Pricing & Publishing Settings
Some of these settings can't be changed after publishing — double-check them
Pricing set for each target market: US, UK, DE, and other active regions
Royalty rate confirmed — 70% requires $2.99–$9.99 for ebooks
KDP pricing guide →KDP Select enrollment decision made — exclusivity required
KDP Select pros & cons →Publication date set 2–4 weeks ahead if using pre-orders
DRM setting confirmed — cannot be changed after publishing
Print book pricing covers printing costs plus royalty margin
IngramSpark considered for expanded print distribution
IngramSpark vs KDP →Phase 5: Launch Preparation
What you do in the 3–4 weeks before launch determines your launch day result
ARC copies sent 3–4 weeks before launch so reviews are ready on day one
10+ reviews lined up and ready to post on or before launch day
Build your ARC team →iWrity campaign running — start at least 3 weeks before launch
Start iWrity campaign →Email launch sequence prepared: announcement, day-3 reminder, review request
Email strategy guide →A+ Content designed and submitted to improve listing conversion
A+ Content guide →Goodreads author profile set up and book added before launch
Goodreads guide →Social media launch posts scheduled across all relevant platforms
Book is live — verify the "Look Inside" feature displays correctly
Get a free Amazon review for your book
iWrity is a reader community for indie authors. Add your book for free, earn points by reviewing a book you pick, and a different reader chooses yours and reviews it. Honest reviews from real readers, no card needed.
Get my free reviewComparing options? Read our guide to free book reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start preparing for self-publishing?+
Start preparing at least 6–8 weeks before you want to publish. This gives you time for editing, cover design, metadata research, and ARC distribution. Launch preparation — sending ARCs, setting up email sequences, scheduling social media — should begin 3–4 weeks before your target date. Rushing any of these phases is the most common cause of a weak launch.
Do I need a professional editor to self-publish on Amazon?+
Technically no — Amazon does not require you to hire an editor. Practically, yes. Reader reviews will call out poor editing, and negative reviews are very hard to recover from. At a minimum, invest in a professional proofreader. For first-time authors especially, a developmental edit or line edit significantly improves your book's chances of earning strong reviews and repeat readers.
How long does KDP review take before my book goes live?+
KDP review typically takes 24–72 hours for most books. During peak periods — around the holidays or major industry events — it can stretch to 5 business days. Plan for up to 72 hours in your publishing timeline. If you set a pre-order, the final file must be submitted at least 10 days before your launch date.
Do I need an ISBN to self-publish on Amazon KDP?+
No. Amazon KDP assigns a free ASIN to all ebooks and a free ISBN to print books published only through KDP. If you want to sell your print book through other retailers — IngramSpark, bookstores, libraries — you need your own ISBN, purchasable from Bowker in the US. For ebook-only or KDP-exclusive print publishing, you do not need to buy an ISBN.
What's the biggest mistake first-time self-publishers make?+
Publishing with no reviews on launch day. Amazon's algorithm rewards books that receive early sales and reviews. A book that launches with 0 reviews has no social proof, low conversion rates, and almost no organic visibility. The fix is to build an ARC team before launch — either through your own reader list or through a platform like iWrity — so you arrive on launch day with 10+ honest, verified reviews already live.