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Interactive planning tool

Indie Author Launch Checklist

A practical set of optional prompts for preparing a book and its release. No account or email is needed. Work through the stages that fit your project; there is no single required path for every author or publishing platform.

Stories That Endure.

When available, checklist progress is saved only in local storage on this browser and device. If local storage is unavailable, checks last only while this page stays open. Your answers are not tied to an account, emailed, uploaded, transmitted to Crest&Ember, or stored on our servers.

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These are optional prompts, not requirements. Skip anything that does not fit your book, chosen platform, budget, or way of working.

Manuscript preparation

Bring the draft and project files into a shape you can review.

0/5

Finish the current manuscript draft.
Revise the structure, pacing, and clarity for your intended reader.
Check names, timelines, terminology, citations, and continuity.
Organize the latest manuscript and supporting files in one project folder.
Review permissions or credits needed for any quoted or visual material.

Editing and proofreading

Choose the review that fits your book, budget, and working process.

0/5

Decide which kind of editorial review would help this manuscript.
If hiring an editor, compare sample work, scope, timing, and revision terms.
Complete the planned edit and review the changes.
Proofread the final text and front or back matter.
Ask a fresh reader to check a final proof if that is available to you.

Cover and interior

Prepare presentation files for each format you intend to publish.

0/5

Write a short cover brief for the genre, reader, and format.
Check the title, author name, series details, and format-specific cover dimensions.
Format the interior for the selected print or digital editions.
Review page breaks, margins, images, links, and chapter headings in a proof or preview.
Check readability and navigation in the formats you plan to offer.

Publishing setup

Make platform and distribution choices that fit your plans.

0/5

Compare distribution options, format availability, fees, and control.
Choose the formats and territories you intend to make available.
Read the current file, account, and content requirements for each platform.
Prepare the platform accounts and information you need to publish.
Order or review a print proof if your chosen service offers one.

Metadata and listing

Write clear book information and review every retailer field.

0/5

Confirm the title, subtitle, series information, and author display name.
Draft a concise description that accurately reflects the book.
Choose relevant categories and search terms using current platform guidance.
Review pricing and ISBN needs for the formats and services you selected.
Proofread the listing fields and preview the reader-facing page.

Author platform and book presentation

Make the book easy to understand wherever you already appear.

0/5

Prepare a current author bio suited to the places you use.
Update an existing website or profile with clear book information.
Use consistent title, cover, and description details across your materials.
Add useful image descriptions and readable text to your own book materials.
Check that any public author contact details you choose to share are current.

ARC and early readers

If you use advance readers, set clear expectations and a manageable window.

0/5

Decide whether advance readers suit your book and release plan.
Make a manageable reader list and explain the voluntary scope.
Prepare a review copy in a format readers can access.
Set a reasonable feedback window and say that honest feedback is optional.
Collect notes for your own review; do not treat reviews as guaranteed.

Launch preparation

Plan a launch that matches your time, audience, and available channels.

0/5

Choose a few launch priorities that fit your capacity.
Add realistic preparation dates to a calendar you already use.
Draft a clear announcement for the channels you already use.
Gather retailer or book-page links when they are available.
Review current rules before using a promotion or advertising service.

Release week

Check the reader-facing experience and share the news at a comfortable pace.

0/4

Check the live listing and intended formats where available.
Test the book links you plan to share.
Share a release update on the channels you choose to use.
Note any urgent file or listing issue and follow the platform’s current correction process.

Post-launch

Review the book’s presentation and capture useful lessons for next time.

0/4

Revisit the book page and reader-facing files after release.
Thank early readers who helped, if that fits your plan.
Record what worked for you and what you would change next time.
Choose a sustainable next step for this book or your next project.

Continue with a guide

Related Field Notes

A First-Time Indie Author’s Roadmap to Publishing
What ARC Readers Are and When to Use Them
Building a Strong Amazon/KDP Book Description

Optional services are listed on the existing Author Services page: Book Description — $49 and Author Package — $79. Their current scopes and deliverables are described there.

Book Description — $49
Author Package — $79

This checklist is optional planning guidance, not a required sequence or a guarantee.

Crest&Ember Publishing is not accepting unsolicited manuscripts. Author Services does not publish, represent, endorse, or acquire rights to clients’ books. Authors retain their rights. No step guarantees retailer approval, publication timing, sales, reviews, rankings, or marketing results.

Stories That Endure.