1: Setup the Project
Write a Creative Brief (set your intention and outline budget, book theme, timeline)
Create a Project Folder System
Design Template Files
Discuss it with Investors, Mentors, and possible Contributors
2: Make the Manuscript
Research and Create a Storyboard Outline
Write it All Down
Edit the Manuscript
Review with a Team (repeat and revise as needed)
3: Refine & Design
Design your Book’s Style Guide
Create the Images and Graphics
Put it all together in a Design File
Review with your Team and send out to your Advanced Readers
4: Going to Press
Order the Final Printed Proof
Review and Approve
Upload and Publish to your Print-on-Demand source (or work with a local printer)
Order a Box of Author Copies, gift your book into your Community
NOTE: Promote and Share throughout the entire process, including giving away samples, posting on social media, sending out press releases, speaking on podcasts, talking to mentors, experts, shop owners, and community members.
Checklist Outline of Book Elements
Library of Congress Number
ISBN (+Barcode)
Copyrights
Contributors
Experts
Reviewers
Editor
Photographer
Designer
Book Size
Margins
Cover and Binding Type
Fonts
Colors
Sizes
Page Count
Paper Type
Interior Color / BW
Headers
Footers
Section Breaks
Foreword
Afterword
Cover Text
Quotes
Table of Contents
Disclaimer / Contraindications
Dedication
Thank Yous / Acknowledgements
Resources / Glossary
Author Bio
Author Photo
Author Website
Call to Action
Sales Funnel
PR Packet
Cost of Goods
Retail / Wholesale Pricing
Marketing
Investment Budget
Target Audience
Expected Return on Investment
Where it will go (shops, etc)
Who it will go to (reviewers, press)
When it will be released (timeline)
Value book provides
Ways it can be used
Community testimonials
Book landing page
Author Events
Workshop
Amazon KDP Bookshelf Listing
BOOK DETAILS
- Book Title
- Subtitle
- Series (optional)
- Edition Number (optional)
- Author Full Name
- Contributors (Full name + Roles: Author, Editor, Foreword, Illustrator, Narrator, Photographer, Preface, Translator, Contributions by) *Note: All names will be listed on Amazon page in the product description
- Book Full Description
- Publishing Rights (yes I own them, or this is a public domain work)
- Primary udience (Optionally add reading age)
- Primary Marketplace (ie. Amazon.com USA or other country)
- Book Categories (Choose Three from KDP detailed lists)
Keywords (choose 7)
BOOK CONTENT
- ISBN (assigned KDP free ISBN or add purchased ISBN)
- Print Options
– Ink & Paper Type
– Trim Size
– Bleed Settings (bleed or no bleed)
– Cover Finish (matte or glossy) - Upload Files (Upload Book Manuscript + Upload Book Cover)
- Launch Previewer — Review & Approve (or save for later) *See Cost
- APPROVE (or keep Editing)
PRICING
- Set Pricing
- Request Proof
- Publish your Book
- Order Author Copies
This is a work-in-progress as we work to create an effective and easy-to-use checklist that teaches the ZieBee Media book publishing formula and provides a resource for new and published authors alike.
About the Author
Mackenzie Bakewell, or ZieBee, is the lead author and artist here at ZieBee Media. Mackenzie is a travel photographer, illustrator, and professional book maker. She specializes in helping people turn their ideas into reality, tapping into her background in web design, publishing, and portrait photography. She is passionate about the use of coloring as a tool for health and happiness.
