Self-Publishing Checklist
- Heather Cash
- 16 minutes ago
- 2 min read
This is a checklist that has all of the steps you will need to publish a children's book! It comes in PDF format with links. I also have all the steps and links listed below!
Planning
◻ Decide Software > Video: Photoshop / Canva / Procreate
◻ Decide Plaform(s) > Video: KDP / IngramSpark / both?
◻ Decide ISBN > Video: Free / Own | Product: ISBN
◻ Decide Art > Illustrate (video) / Use Graphics (video | course) / Commission an Artist
◻ Decide Art Style > Flat colors vs shading vs watercolor?
◻ Choose Book Size > I recommend 8.5x11 for vertical, 8.5x8.5 square
Creative
◻ Create or choose characters / commission character illustrations
◻ Write story
◻ Optional: Get story edited / proofread > I recommend Christy Reuling
◻ Create storyboard > free Canva storyboard template
◻ Create IngramSpark cover (if applicable) > Canva
◻ Convert IngramSpark pages & cover to PDF/x-1a > Free PDF Converter Tool
◻ Optional: Book review by Heather
Publishing
Publish to KDP (if applicable)
◻ Upload files to KDP > Video
◻ Fix KDP Errors > Video
◻ Optional: Paid KDP error fixing service
Publish to IngramSpark (if applicable)
◻ Upload files to IngramSpark > Video
◻ Fix IngramSpark Errors > Video
◻ Optional: Paid IngramSpark error fixing service
After Publishing
◻ Order author copies: Allow 3-4 weeks to receive them
◻ Ask friends & family for book reviews
◻ Sign up for goodnightreads.co (video)
◻ Watch video: How to sell books
◻ Create list of stores to bring books to
◻ Bring books to stores
◻ Set up book signing at local bookstore
◻ Sign up for literary festivals & craft shows
◻ Do book readings at schools
◻ Request your book at your local library
Marketing
◻ A+ content > Video
◻ Author website > Video
◻ Amazon author page > Video
◻ One-Sheet > Video
◻ Bookmarks > Video
◻ Coloring page > Video
◻ Stickers > Video
◻ Book trailer > Video
◻ Read-aloud video > Video
Questions? Email me! heather@heathercash.com
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