Publishing checklist
Printed September 18, 2026 from AuthorChecklist.com
| Category | Job | Step | Status | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Your Publishing Plan | Decide who is publishing the book | Identify the publishing path and responsible parties | ||
| Your Publishing Plan | Decide who is publishing the book | Map the contract responsibilities | ||
| Your Publishing Plan | Decide who is publishing the book | Record your publishing contacts | ||
| Your Publishing Plan | Decide who is publishing the book | Create the master deadline calendar | ||
| Your Publishing Plan | Decide who is publishing the book | Define who approves descriptions, biographies, images, and claims | ||
| Your Publishing Plan | Map every edition and release date | List all planned editions and formats | ||
| Your Publishing Plan | Map every edition and release date | Record the official publication date for each format | ||
| Your Author Identity | Choose and standardize your author name | Decide the name you publish under | ||
| Your Author Identity | Choose and standardize your author name | Verify consistent author-name formatting across profiles | ||
| Your Author Identity | Build your author presence | Write your bio in three lengths | ||
| Your Author Identity | Build your author presence | Get a headshot you can use everywhere | ||
| Your Author Identity | Build your author presence | Set up your author website | ||
| Your Author Identity | Build your author presence | Secure your social handles | ||
| Your Author Identity | Build your author presence | Publish a canonical book page | ||
| Your Author Identity | Build your author presence | Add complete book and author structured data | ||
| Your Author Identity | Build your author presence | Publish your identifier page | ||
| Your Author Identity | Claim your author profiles | Claim your Amazon author page | ||
| Your Author Identity | Claim your author profiles | Claim your Goodreads author profile | ||
| Your Author Identity | Claim your author profiles | Claim your BookBub author profile | ||
| Your Author Identity | Connect your public identity records | Find or request your ISNI | ||
| Your Author Identity | Connect your public identity records | Add yourself to Wikidata | ||
| Book Identity & Identifiers | Create and connect the book's identity | Create the canonical Book Identity Sheet | ||
| Book Identity & Identifiers | Create and connect the book's identity | Establish the exact title and subtitle | ||
| Book Identity & Identifiers | Create and connect the book's identity | Record publisher, imprint, distributor, and sales territory | ||
| Book Identity & Identifiers | Create and connect the book's identity | Verify contributor roles and name spelling | ||
| Book Identity & Identifiers | Create and connect the book's identity | Check the physical details and price | ||
| Book Identity & Identifiers | Assign and check every ISBN | Record every edition's ISBN | ||
| Book Identity & Identifiers | Assign and check every ISBN | Verify ISBN ownership and imprint | ||
| Book Identity & Identifiers | Assign and check every ISBN | Check the data attached to each ISBN | ||
| Book Identity & Identifiers | Assign and check every ISBN | Search every ISBN in a general search engine | ||
| Book Identity & Identifiers | Assign and check every ISBN | Add your book to Wikidata | ||
| Descriptions, Subjects & Discoverability | Describe and classify the book | Decide the book's primary audiences and use cases | ||
| Descriptions, Subjects & Discoverability | Describe and classify the book | Select and verify BISAC subject headings | ||
| Descriptions, Subjects & Discoverability | Describe and classify the book | Verify Thema codes for international distribution | ||
| Descriptions, Subjects & Discoverability | Describe and classify the book | Create the short description | ||
| Descriptions, Subjects & Discoverability | Describe and classify the book | Create the long description | ||
| Descriptions, Subjects & Discoverability | Describe and classify the book | Check age and reading guidance | ||
| Descriptions, Subjects & Discoverability | Describe and classify the book | Check platform search terms | ||
| Descriptions, Subjects & Discoverability | Find and control the metadata source | Find the metadata source | ||
| Descriptions, Subjects & Discoverability | Find and control the metadata source | Create a correction log for metadata discrepancies | ||
| Descriptions, Subjects & Discoverability | Find and control the metadata source | Audit the publisher's official book page | ||
| Cataloging, Copyright & Library Records | Confirm the copyright plan | Confirm the copyright notice | ||
| Cataloging, Copyright & Library Records | Confirm the copyright plan | Confirm who registers copyright | ||
| Cataloging, Copyright & Library Records | Confirm the copyright plan | Record the copyright registration number when issued | ||
| Cataloging, Copyright & Library Records | Handle Library of Congress prepublication records | Ask whether the title is eligible for CIP | ||
| Cataloging, Copyright & Library Records | Handle Library of Congress prepublication records | Obtain or verify the LCCN | ||
| Cataloging, Copyright & Library Records | Handle Library of Congress prepublication records | Verify CIP data in the final copyright page | ||
| Cataloging, Copyright & Library Records | Check how libraries identify the author | Check how libraries file your name (VIAF) | ||
| Cataloging, Copyright & Library Records | Check how libraries identify the author | Search LC Authorities for the author name | ||
| Cataloging, Copyright & Library Records | Check the book's library catalog records | Search WorldCat by title and every ISBN | ||
| Cataloging, Copyright & Library Records | Check the book's library catalog records | Record OCLC numbers for each catalog record | ||
| Cataloging, Copyright & Library Records | Check the book's library catalog records | Check whether editions are incorrectly split or merged | ||
| Cataloging, Copyright & Library Records | Check the book's library catalog records | Search the Library of Congress catalog | ||
| Production Files & Advance Copies | Collect the final cover assets | Confirm final cover approval and credit | ||
| Production Files & Advance Copies | Collect the final cover assets | Obtain high-resolution front cover art | ||
| Production Files & Advance Copies | Collect the final cover assets | Obtain full jacket or cover spread where permitted | ||
| Production Files & Advance Copies | Plan and manage advance copies | Confirm final manuscript or galley availability date | ||
| Production Files & Advance Copies | Plan and manage advance copies | Confirm ARC format and quantity | ||
| Production Files & Advance Copies | Plan and manage advance copies | Check the ARC information | ||
| Production Files & Advance Copies | Plan and manage advance copies | Create a digital review-copy plan | ||
| Production Files & Advance Copies | Plan and manage advance copies | Create a physical review-copy inventory | ||
| Production Files & Advance Copies | Plan and manage advance copies | Create a review-copy request and shipment log | ||
| Production Files & Advance Copies | Inspect every finished format | Confirm audiobook narrator, producer, ISBN, and release date | ||
| Production Files & Advance Copies | Inspect every finished format | Audit ebook front matter, links, navigation, and sample | ||
| Production Files & Advance Copies | Inspect every finished format | Order and inspect a finished copy | ||
| Production Files & Advance Copies | Inspect every finished format | Inspect the finished book | ||
| Production Files & Advance Copies | Inspect every finished format | Make the ebook accessible | ||
| Distribution & Availability | Set up your print and ebook distribution | Decide how wide your distribution needs to be | ||
| Distribution & Availability | Set up your print and ebook distribution | Set up Amazon KDP for print and Kindle | ||
| Distribution & Availability | Set up your print and ebook distribution | Set up IngramSpark for wide print distribution | ||
| Distribution & Availability | Set up your print and ebook distribution | Set up an ebook aggregator beyond Amazon | ||
| Distribution & Availability | Set up your print and ebook distribution | Avoid double-listing the same ISBN | ||
| Distribution & Availability | Confirm trade distribution and terms | Confirm national or regional distribution arrangements | ||
| Distribution & Availability | Confirm trade distribution and terms | Confirm wholesaler availability | ||
| Distribution & Availability | Confirm trade distribution and terms | Verify Ingram availability and metadata | ||
| Distribution & Availability | Confirm trade distribution and terms | Check returnability and trade discount | ||
| Distribution & Availability | Confirm library distribution routes | Baker & Taylor closed: check your library wholesaler | ||
| Distribution & Availability | Confirm library distribution routes | Verify GOBI availability for academic or professional books | ||
| Distribution & Availability | Confirm library distribution routes | Identify public-library acquisition channels | ||
| Distribution & Availability | Confirm library distribution routes | Identify academic-library acquisition channels | ||
| Distribution & Availability | Confirm library distribution routes | Verify ebook and audiobook library availability | ||
| Retail Listings & Buy Links | Create and test every purchase link | Create canonical buy links for each format | ||
| Retail Listings & Buy Links | Create and test every purchase link | Create or verify preorder links | ||
| Retail Listings & Buy Links | Create and test every purchase link | Test every purchase link on mobile and desktop | ||
| Retail Listings & Buy Links | Audit every retailer listing | Audit Amazon listing for each format | ||
| Retail Listings & Buy Links | Audit every retailer listing | Audit Barnes & Noble listing for each format | ||
| Retail Listings & Buy Links | Audit every retailer listing | Audit Bookshop.org listing and author association | ||
| Retail Listings & Buy Links | Audit every retailer listing | Audit Google Books record and preview | ||
| Retail Listings & Buy Links | Audit every retailer listing | Audit Apple Books listing | ||
| Retail Listings & Buy Links | Audit every retailer listing | Audit Kobo listing | ||
| Retail Listings & Buy Links | Audit every retailer listing | Audit audiobook retailer listings | ||
| Retail Listings & Buy Links | Audit every retailer listing | Check for duplicate or incorrectly merged editions | ||
| Retail Listings & Buy Links | Audit every retailer listing | Check every major book listing | ||
| Retail Listings & Buy Links | Audit every retailer listing | Track listing corrections | ||
| Trade Reviews & Advance-Copy Platforms | Build the trade-review plan | Build the trade review submission plan | ||
| Trade Reviews & Advance-Copy Platforms | Build the trade-review plan | Prepare for the LibraryReads nomination window | ||
| Trade Reviews & Advance-Copy Platforms | Build the trade-review plan | Identify subject-matter journals and trade publications | ||
| Trade Reviews & Advance-Copy Platforms | Build the trade-review plan | Identify regional media and local review outlets | ||
| Trade Reviews & Advance-Copy Platforms | Decide on paid and advance-copy services | Decide on a Kirkus Indie review | ||
| Trade Reviews & Advance-Copy Platforms | Decide on paid and advance-copy services | Decide on a Clarion review | ||
| Trade Reviews & Advance-Copy Platforms | Decide on paid and advance-copy services | Create or verify the NetGalley campaign | ||
| Trade Reviews & Advance-Copy Platforms | Decide on paid and advance-copy services | Check the Edelweiss listing and review copy | ||
| Trade Reviews & Advance-Copy Platforms | Submit to relevant trade-review outlets | Submit or verify submission to Publishers Weekly | ||
| Trade Reviews & Advance-Copy Platforms | Submit to relevant trade-review outlets | Submit or verify submission to Booklist | ||
| Trade Reviews & Advance-Copy Platforms | Submit to relevant trade-review outlets | Submit or verify submission to Library Journal | ||
| Trade Reviews & Advance-Copy Platforms | Submit to relevant trade-review outlets | Submit or verify submission to School Library Journal | ||
| Trade Reviews & Advance-Copy Platforms | Submit to relevant trade-review outlets | Submit or verify submission to Kirkus editorial consideration | ||
| Trade Reviews & Advance-Copy Platforms | Submit to relevant trade-review outlets | Confirm the Foreword Reviews submission | ||
| Trade Reviews & Advance-Copy Platforms | Submit to relevant trade-review outlets | Submit or verify submission to Choice | ||
| Trade Reviews & Advance-Copy Platforms | Submit to relevant trade-review outlets | Confirm a children's review submission | ||
| Trade Reviews & Advance-Copy Platforms | Submit to relevant trade-review outlets | Submit or verify submission to AudioFile | ||
| Trade Reviews & Advance-Copy Platforms | Track and use review results | Record every review submission and route | ||
| Trade Reviews & Advance-Copy Platforms | Track and use review results | Record every review result | ||
| Trade Reviews & Advance-Copy Platforms | Track and use review results | Confirm review quotation rights | ||
| Libraries | Prepare the library pitch | Create a library-ready book information sheet | ||
| Libraries | Prepare the library pitch | Collect professional review links for librarians | ||
| Libraries | Research and contact relevant libraries | Research each library's purchase-suggestion or author-submission policy | ||
| Libraries | Research and contact relevant libraries | Submit through library purchase-suggestion forms where eligible | ||
| Libraries | Research and contact relevant libraries | Ask librarians for the right process | ||
| Libraries | Research and contact relevant libraries | Track library systems contacted, forms used, and outcomes | ||
| Libraries | Monitor reported library reach | Monitor reported library holdings | ||
| Libraries | Monitor reported library reach | Save useful library evidence | ||
| Awards | Build the award plan | Build an awards calendar before publication | ||
| Awards | Build the award plan | Identify publisher-only major awards | ||
| Awards | Build the award plan | Identify genre-specific awards | ||
| Awards | Build the award plan | Identify subject-specific awards | ||
| Awards | Build the award plan | Identify identity, community, and regional awards | ||
| Awards | Build the award plan | Identify independent-publishing awards if eligible | ||
| Awards | Build the award plan | Record eligibility, fees, copy requirements, and exact cycle | ||
| Awards | Build the award plan | Evaluate expected usefulness before paying an entry fee | ||
| Awards | Build the award plan | Choose the best award category | ||
| Awards | Enter and track awards | Enter the award and save the details | ||
| Awards | Enter and track awards | Record every award result | ||
| Awards | Use meaningful award results | Obtain permission and correct artwork for award seals | ||
| Awards | Use meaningful award results | Update records after an award | ||
| Awards | Use meaningful award results | Share meaningful award news | ||
| Awards | Use meaningful award results | Monitor awards calendars for the correct publication year | ||
| Media, Events & Reader Outreach | Build the outreach lists | Build a media list by topic and audience | ||
| Media, Events & Reader Outreach | Build the outreach lists | Build a podcast list by audience fit | ||
| Media, Events & Reader Outreach | Build the outreach lists | Build bookstore and event targets | ||
| Media, Events & Reader Outreach | Build the outreach lists | Build association and professional-community targets | ||
| Media, Events & Reader Outreach | Build the outreach lists | Identify bulk-purchase audiences | ||
| Media, Events & Reader Outreach | Prepare the launch materials | Create a media kit | ||
| Media, Events & Reader Outreach | Prepare the launch materials | Create a one-page book sheet | ||
| Media, Events & Reader Outreach | Prepare the launch materials | Gather launch files and facts | ||
| Media, Events & Reader Outreach | Prepare the launch materials | Draft sample interview questions and topic angles | ||
| Media, Events & Reader Outreach | Prepare the launch materials | Prepare outreach emails by audience | ||
| Media, Events & Reader Outreach | Prepare the launch materials | Create an endorsement and contributor follow-up plan | ||
| Media, Events & Reader Outreach | Prepare the launch materials | Prepare launch-day and publication-week assets | ||
| Media, Events & Reader Outreach | Run outreach and events | Establish who sends each type of outreach | ||
| Media, Events & Reader Outreach | Run outreach and events | Confirm events, inventory, payment, and signing logistics | ||
| Media, Events & Reader Outreach | Run outreach and events | Track pitches, responses, interviews, publication dates, and links | ||
| Media, Events & Reader Outreach | Run outreach and events | Add UTM parameters to campaign links | ||
| Media, Events & Reader Outreach | Ask for reader reviews responsibly | Ask for honest reader reviews | ||
| Media, Events & Reader Outreach | Ask for reader reviews responsibly | Follow platform rules for review requests and incentives | ||
| Launch & Ongoing Maintenance | Run the launch-week availability audit | Run a launch-day identity audit | ||
| Launch & Ongoing Maintenance | Run the launch-week availability audit | Verify availability of every announced format | ||
| Launch & Ongoing Maintenance | Run the launch-week availability audit | Verify price and release date across retailers | ||
| Launch & Ongoing Maintenance | Run the launch-week availability audit | Verify author-profile associations | ||
| Launch & Ongoing Maintenance | Run the launch-week availability audit | Capture baseline search results and listings | ||
| Launch & Ongoing Maintenance | Resolve metadata corrections | Follow up on pending corrections | ||
| Launch & Ongoing Maintenance | Repeat the post-publication audits | Audit metadata at 30 days | ||
| Launch & Ongoing Maintenance | Repeat the post-publication audits | Audit metadata at 90 days | ||
| Launch & Ongoing Maintenance | Repeat the post-publication audits | Audit metadata annually | ||
| Launch & Ongoing Maintenance | Keep public materials current | Update published reviews and media links | ||
| Launch & Ongoing Maintenance | Keep public materials current | Refresh public materials after news | ||
| Launch & Ongoing Maintenance | Add and audit later editions | Record new editions, translations, paperback, and audiobook releases | ||
| Launch & Ongoing Maintenance | Add and audit later editions | Create separate edition-level tasks for new formats | ||
| Launch & Ongoing Maintenance | Review sales, royalties, and rights | Check the BookScan report | ||
| Launch & Ongoing Maintenance | Review sales, royalties, and rights | Review sales and royalty-reporting access | ||
| Launch & Ongoing Maintenance | Review sales, royalties, and rights | Review rights sales and territory updates | ||
| Launch & Ongoing Maintenance | Export the permanent book record | Export and retain the complete book record |