Self-Publishing Checklist

Heather Cash
Jan 13
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

◻ Optional: Purchase & download template > Canva | Photoshop

◻ Create pages > Canva | Photoshop | Procreate videos

◻ Create KDP cover (if applicable) > Canva | Photoshop | Procreate videos

◻ 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