The Self-Publishing Checklist Every Author Needs

So, you’ve written a book—congrats! That’s a huge deal. But before you ride off into the sunset with dreams of bestseller lists and glowing reviews, there’s a big question you need to ask yourself: is your book truly ready to be published?

Self-publishing is an incredible journey. It offers creative freedom, full ownership, and direct connection with your readers. But let’s be honest—going in without a solid plan is like skydiving without checking your parachute. You might land… or you might end up in a tangled mess of confusion, typos, and one-star reviews.

That’s why we’ve created the ultimate self-publishing checklist. It’s your map, compass, and flashlight for the winding path of publishing. Whether you’re launching your debut novel or your third poetry collection, this guide will help you sidestep the common pitfalls and launch your book like a pro.

1. Manuscript Perfection: Final Edits & Proofreads

First things first—don’t publish your first draft. Or even your third. Your manuscript should be as polished as a diamond in a Tiffany's window.

Start with developmental editing (big picture stuff like plot, pacing, characters), move to line editing (sentence structure, style, tone), and end with proofreading (grammar, spelling, punctuation). Each layer is crucial.

If you’re self-editing, take breaks between drafts to gain fresh perspective. Even better? Bring in a professional editor. They’ll catch things your brain has learned to overlook.

2. Formatting Matters: Interior Layout Done Right

Your book could be the next To Kill a Mockingbird, but if the formatting is a mess, readers will bounce fast. Proper formatting includes margins, spacing, chapter breaks, page numbers, headers, and fonts that don’t make readers squint.

Choose whether you're publishing a print book, ebook, or both—each has different formatting requirements. Programs like Vellum or Atticus can help with DIY formatting, or you can hire someone who lives and breathes layout design.

Bonus tip: Don’t forget to include front and back matter—acknowledgments, copyright, dedication, about the author, etc. These little touches build your author brand.

3. A Cover That Actually Sells

Yes, we’ve all heard “don’t judge a book by its cover.” But let’s be real—everyone judges a book by its cover. Your book needs one that’s not just attractive, but market-savvy.

A great cover:

• Reflects your genre (romance, thriller, fantasy, etc.)
• Uses eye-catching fonts and color schemes
• Looks good in thumbnail view (especially on Amazon)

DIY design might save you a few bucks, but unless you’re a graphic design wizard, hiring a professional is usually the smarter move. First impressions matter.

4. Nail Your Blurb (AKA Your Book’s Sales Pitch)

Your book blurb isn’t just a summary—it’s a hook. It should tease the story, highlight the stakes, and make readers want more. It’s not easy to write, but it’s one of the most important sales tools you’ve got.

Here’s a quick format to help:

• Open with a compelling situation or question
• Introduce your protagonist and what’s at risk
• Leave them wanting more—without spoilers
• Keep it under 200 words

Test it on friends, writing groups, or even your dog. If they start wagging their tail halfway through, you’re onto something.

5. ISBNs, Copyright, and Other Legal Stuff

Boring? Maybe. Necessary? Absolutely.

You’ll need:

• ISBNs (International Standard Book Numbers) for each version (print, ebook, audiobook)
• Copyright registration (especially in the U.S., this offers legal protection)
• Library of Congress Control Number (LCCN) if you’re aiming to be in libraries
• To check for plagiarism, just in case anything unconsciously snuck in

These things might not feel creative, but they protect your work and make you look like a serious professional.

6. Metadata Magic: Keywords & Categories

Metadata is the secret sauce of discoverability. Choose the right keywords and categories on Amazon (or any platform), and your book becomes easier to find.

Ask yourself:

• What words would your ideal reader type to find your book?
• What books are similar to yours, and where are they ranked?

Tools like Publisher Rocket or even browsing Amazon can help you find the best fit. Just don’t be vague—“fiction” is too broad. Go specific: “YA dystopian romance” or “cozy mystery with a librarian sleuth.”

7. Reviews: Start Lining Them Up Early

Reviews are social proof. They build credibility, boost visibility, and help you convert browsers into buyers.

Start gathering advance readers weeks before your launch. Offer free copies in exchange for honest reviews (just don’t buy fake ones—Amazon frowns on that). Use platforms like BookSirens or Reedsy Discovery, or tap into your author network.

Make it easy: provide reminders, links, and a thank-you note. A little gratitude goes a long way.

8. Pricing Strategy: Finding Your Sweet Spot

Don’t just slap a price on your book because it “feels right.” Research your genre, your competition, and what readers expect.

Some tips:

• New authors often price ebooks between $2.99–$4.99 to attract first-time readers
• Consider limited-time discounts or free promos to build buzz
• For paperbacks, factor in printing costs, royalties, and your profit margin

Test and tweak—pricing isn’t set in stone, and what works today might not tomorrow.

9. Launch Plan: Build Hype Before You Hit Publish

A strong launch can skyrocket your book’s visibility. Waiting until after release to market is like throwing a party and telling no one about it.

Create a pre-launch checklist that includes:

• Cover reveal events
• Countdown posts on social media
• Email newsletter blasts
• Preorder bonuses (stickers, extra chapters, behind-the-scenes)
• Scheduled blog interviews or podcast appearances

The goal is to have people waiting for your book before it even drops.

10. Post-Launch Momentum: Don’t Vanish

Publishing day isn’t the finish line—it’s the starting gun. Keep the momentum going with:

• Weekly social media posts
• Reader Q&As
• Ads on Amazon or Facebook
• Contests or giveaways
• Pitching book clubs or indie bookstores

Engage your readers. Thank your supporters. Keep building your author presence.

Final Thought: Don’t Go It Alone

Self-publishing doesn’t mean doing everything by yourself. The smartest indie authors know when to get help—whether it's editing, cover design, or marketing strategy.

If you're feeling overwhelmed (and hey, that’s totally normal), know that you’re not alone. There are communities, tools, and expert resources out there designed to support authors every step of the way.

And speaking of expert resources—if you’re looking for a team that lives and breathes the indie publishing journey, check out Writers Bloom. They’ve helped countless authors navigate every twist and turn, and they get what it takes to launch a book the right way. No pressure, just people who understand the publishing hustle from every angle.

Ready to publish with confidence?
Then bookmark this checklist, take a breath, and dive in. You’ve got a story to share—and now you’ve got the roadmap to do it right.