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The Author's Publishing Checklist
From Manuscript to Marketplace
A polished, practical checklist you can use throughout your publishing journey—organized into eight clear phases from book strategy through post-launch promotion.
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What's Inside
Phase 1Book Strategy
- Define why I am writing this book
- Identify my target reader
- Define the primary problem, transformation, story, or experience
- Determine my book's positioning
- Research comparable books
- Create a working title
- Create an outline
- Establish a writing schedule
Phase 2Manuscript
- Complete first draft
- Self-review manuscript
- Obtain beta-reader feedback if appropriate
- Complete developmental editing
- Revise manuscript
- Complete line editing if needed
- Complete copy editing
- Finalize manuscript
Phase 3Publishing Strategy
- Choose self-publishing, hybrid publishing, or traditional publishing
- Review publishing agreements
- Confirm intellectual property ownership
- Confirm ISBN ownership
- Determine publishing timeline
- Establish publishing budget
Phase 4Book Production
- Professional cover design
- Interior formatting
- ISBN
- Copyright considerations
- Author bio
- Book description
- Metadata
- Categories
- Keywords
- Final proofreading
- Print proof review
- Ebook review if applicable
Phase 5Author Platform
- Author website
- Professional author photo
- Author bio
- Email list
- Social media
- Media kit
- Speaking page
- Book purchase page
- Contact page
Phase 6Pre-Launch
- Recruit ARC readers
- Develop launch team
- Create launch timeline
- Gather endorsements
- Prepare podcast pitches
- Prepare media pitches
- Create social media assets
- Consider book trailer
- Build preorder strategy if applicable
- Prepare launch emails
- Schedule launch events
Phase 7Launch
- Announce publication
- Email subscribers
- Share across social platforms
- Appear on podcasts
- Request honest reviews
- Engage launch team
- Conduct launch event
- Monitor book links and listings
Phase 8Post-Launch
- Continue podcast outreach
- Continue media outreach
- Pursue speaking opportunities
- Promote reviews and testimonials
- Pitch book clubs
- Repurpose book content
- Create workshops
- Explore corporate opportunities
- Use book for lead generation
- Continue evergreen marketing