# Publishing Checklist — KDP & IngramSpark

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## KDP (KINDLE DIRECT PUBLISHING) CHECKLIST

### Pre-Publication

- [ ] **Manuscript Ready**
  - [ ] All 28 files processed and validated
  - [ ] MASTER_BOOK.md created
  - [ ] Exported to EPUB format (for Kindle)
  - [ ] Exported to PDF format (for paperback)
  - [ ] Tested on Kindle Previewer
  - [ ] Table of contents verified
  - [ ] Page breaks correct
  - [ ] No formatting errors

- [ ] **Cover Design**
  - [ ] Front cover (eBook: 2560x1600px minimum)
  - [ ] Full wrap cover (Paperback: includes spine and back)
  - [ ] Spine width calculated based on page count
  - [ ] Back cover copy written
  - [ ] Cover meets KDP requirements (bleed, margins, etc.)

- [ ] **Metadata**
  - [ ] Title and subtitle finalized
  - [ ] Author name consistent
  - [ ] Description written (long and short)
  - [ ] BISAC categories selected
  - [ ] Keywords researched and selected
  - [ ] Publication date set

- [ ] **ISBN**
  - [ ] Decide: Use KDP free ISBN or purchase your own
  - [ ] If purchasing: Buy from Bowker (US) or Nielsen (UK)
  - [ ] ISBN assigned to manuscript

- [ ] **Pricing**
  - [ ] eBook price set
  - [ ] Paperback price set (based on page count)
  - [ ] Royalty structure understood (35% vs 70% for eBook)
  - [ ] Kindle Unlimited enrollment decision made

- [ ] **Territories**
  - [ ] Worldwide rights confirmed
  - [ ] Or specific territories selected

### Upload Process

- [ ] **eBook Upload**
  - [ ] EPUB file uploaded
  - [ ] Cover image uploaded
  - [ ] Preview checked on all device types
  - [ ] Metadata entered
  - [ ] Pricing set
  - [ ] Preview approved

- [ ] **Paperback Upload**
  - [ ] PDF manuscript uploaded
  - [ ] Full wrap cover uploaded
  - [ ] Proof copy ordered
  - [ ] Proof reviewed and approved
  - [ ] Final approval given

### Post-Publication

- [ ] **Amazon Author Central**
  - [ ] Author profile created/updated
  - [ ] Author photo uploaded
  - [ ] Bio added
  - [ ] Book linked to profile

- [ ] **Marketing**
  - [ ] Amazon product page optimized
  - [ ] A+ Content added (if eligible)
  - [ ] Author page updated
  - [ ] Social media announcements posted

---

## INGRAMSPARK CHECKLIST

### Pre-Publication

- [ ] **Account Setup**
  - [ ] IngramSpark account created
  - [ ] Tax information submitted
  - [ ] Banking information added

- [ ] **Manuscript Preparation**
  - [ ] PDF created (6x9 trim size recommended)
  - [ ] Fonts embedded
  - [ ] Page count finalized
  - [ ] Table of contents verified
  - [ ] No formatting errors

- [ ] **Cover Design**
  - [ ] Full wrap cover designed
  - [ ] Spine width calculated: `(page count ÷ 444) + 0.0625 inches`
  - [ ] Back cover copy finalized
  - [ ] Cover meets IngramSpark specifications
  - [ ] Bleed and margins correct

- [ ] **ISBN**
  - [ ] **MUST use your own ISBN** (not Amazon's)
  - [ ] ISBN purchased from Bowker (US) or Nielsen (UK)
  - [ ] ISBN assigned to manuscript

- [ ] **Metadata**
  - [ ] Title and subtitle
  - [ ] Author information
  - [ ] Description
  - [ ] BISAC categories
  - [ ] Keywords
  - [ ] Publication date

- [ ] **Pricing & Distribution**
  - [ ] Wholesale discount set (typically 55%)
  - [ ] Retail price set
  - [ ] Distribution channels selected
  - [ ] Territories selected

### Upload Process

- [ ] **Interior File**
  - [ ] PDF uploaded
  - [ ] File validated by IngramSpark
  - [ ] Any errors corrected

- [ ] **Cover File**
  - [ ] Full wrap PDF uploaded
  - [ ] Cover validated
  - [ ] Any errors corrected

- [ ] **Metadata Entry**
  - [ ] All fields completed
  - [ ] BISAC categories selected
  - [ ] Keywords entered
  - [ ] Description added

- [ ] **Proof Review**
  - [ ] Digital proof reviewed
  - [ ] Physical proof ordered (optional but recommended)
  - [ ] Proof approved

- [ ] **Final Approval**
  - [ ] All files approved
  - [ ] Metadata finalized
  - [ ] Distribution activated

### Post-Publication

- [ ] **Distribution**
  - [ ] Book available through IngramSpark network
  - [ ] Listed on major retailers (Barnes & Noble, etc.)
  - [ ] Available for libraries and institutions

- [ ] **Marketing**
  - [ ] Book listing optimized
  - [ ] Social media announcements
  - [ ] Press release distributed (if applicable)

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## IMPORTANT NOTES

### ISBN Considerations

**KDP:**
- Free ISBN available (but limits distribution)
- Can use your own ISBN for more control
- If using KDP ISBN, cannot use same ISBN on IngramSpark

**IngramSpark:**
- **MUST use your own ISBN**
- Cannot use KDP-assigned ISBN
- Purchase from Bowker (US) or Nielsen (UK)

### Simultaneous Publishing

You CAN publish on both KDP and IngramSpark, but:
- Use different ISBNs for each platform
- Or use your own ISBN on both (but this can cause distribution conflicts)
- Best practice: Use your own ISBN on IngramSpark, KDP's free ISBN on Amazon

### Pricing Strategy

**KDP:**
- eBook: 35% or 70% royalty (70% requires $2.99-$9.99 price range)
- Paperback: 60% royalty (after printing costs)

**IngramSpark:**
- Set wholesale discount (typically 55%)
- Retailers set final price
- You receive wholesale price minus printing costs

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## TIMELINE ESTIMATE

**KDP:**
- eBook: 24-48 hours after approval
- Paperback: 3-5 business days after proof approval

**IngramSpark:**
- Digital proof: 24-48 hours
- Physical proof: 5-7 business days (if ordered)
- Distribution: 1-2 weeks after final approval

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## SUPPORT RESOURCES

**KDP:**
- KDP Help Center
- KDP Community Forums
- KDP Support Email

**IngramSpark:**
- IngramSpark Help Center
- IngramSpark Support (via account dashboard)
- IngramSpark Community

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## FINAL CHECKLIST

Before going live:

- [ ] All files tested and validated
- [ ] Proof copies reviewed (if applicable)
- [ ] Metadata accurate and complete
- [ ] Cover designs approved
- [ ] Pricing finalized
- [ ] Marketing materials ready
- [ ] Social media announcements prepared
- [ ] Author website updated
- [ ] Email list notified

**Ready to publish!** 🚀