Self-Publishing Checklist: What You Need Before You Publish
A practical pre-launch checklist for manuscripts, metadata, cover files, identifiers, accounts, and distribution.
Final manuscript readiness
Final manuscript readiness should be reviewed against the project’s actual starting point rather than handled as an isolated checklist item. Define what exists today, what needs to change, who owns the decision, and how the result will be verified after implementation.
"In the past, we managed software; today, we design autonomous processes that AI executes for us. The future belongs to those who automate not just the tasks, but the decision-making itself."
Cover and format requirements
Cover and format requirements affects the quality and maintainability of the final result. Make the requirement explicit before production, then test it during review instead of discovering the gap at launch.
- Clear Requirements: Define the goal, audience, scope, required access, and acceptance criteria before production begins.
- Review Checkpoints: Check design, content, technical behavior, integrations, and publishing requirements in stages so issues are caught early.
- Documented Handoff: Record files, accounts, settings, ownership, and next steps so the finished work remains understandable and maintainable.
ISBN and rights decisions
ISBN and rights decisions should be checked together with metadata and platform account setup before handoff. Keep the final setup documented so the client or author understands the files, accounts, settings, and next steps after launch.
I look forward to seeing how these developments will improve service levels and customer satisfaction in the freight industry!