Upcoming Tasks

• Edit and Proofread your manuscript.
• Consider using free editing tools or beta readers for initial feedback.
• Utilize free versions of software like Grammarly and ProWritingAid to catch grammar issues.

Tasks

• Edit and Proofread your manuscript.
• Consider using free editing tools or beta readers for initial feedback.
• Utilize free versions of software like Grammarly and ProWritingAid to catch grammar issues.
• Have trusted individuals in your target audience read and provide feedback on drama and pacing.
• Format your manuscript for readability and for each publication format.
• Use standard tools like Microsoft Word or Google Docs for basic styling.
• For professional results, try a free online book formatting tool like Reedsy’s free book editor to paste your text, apply a template, and export formatted files for print (PDF) or eBook (EPUB)Reedsy’s free book editor
• Alternatively, use free software like Sigil or Calibre to refine your EPUB eBook files.
• Keep formatting simple with consistent fonts, proper chapter titles, and page breaks.
• Design your book cover for e-book, print, and audiobook.
• Use free tools like Canva to create a professional-looking coverCanva
• Ensure a high-resolution front cover image (JPEG, ~2560 x 1600 px) for eBooks.
• Design a full wrap cover (front, spine, back) for the print version, utilizing templates in Canva or KDP’s cover creator for correct dimensions.
• Create a 2400 x 2400 px square JPG or PNG for the audiobook cover.
• Ensure your cover and title fit your genre to attract the right readers.
• Prepare your book's metadata.
• Write a compelling blurb (back cover description).
• Write your author bio.
• Determine relevant keywords and categories for store listings. Consider themes like “emotional thriller” or “underdog story”.
• If you have any editorial reviews or endorsements, add them to your book description.
• Integrate interactive elements into your manuscript (eBook & considerations for audiobook companion PDF).
• Sprinkle short reader prompts and reflections at the end of intense chapters.
• Identify potential hyperlinks to bonus content (character backstories, fake news, music playlists) to host on your website or free blogging platform. You can link to free music platforms like Spotify or YouTube.
• Consider including a few embedded images or illustrations (create them using Canva or free AI image generators carefully).
• Explore one or two choose-your-own-adventure mini-branches using hyperlinks.
• Plan quizzes or questions at the end of chapters with answers or commentary on the next page.
• Plan your feedback collection method and prompts.
• Decide whether to use Google Forms (free), a free tier of a survey tool like Typeform, or a chatbot on Facebook Messenger (ManyChat free tier) or Telegram (free).
• Develop short, engaging questions to ask readers about their emotions, predictions, and thoughts at the end of chapters.
• Design the concept for your AI-powered personalized review.
• Determine if it will be a letter from the author, a summary, or another format.
• Think about how to incorporate the reader's name, their feedback, and perhaps acknowledge their predictions.
• Prepare print-ready PDF files.
• Format your interior to your chosen trim size (6”x9” or 5”x8”) with proper margins and page numbering.
• Use free templates from Amazon KDP Print or Reedsy’s free formatter to export a PDF interior that meets print specificationsReedsy’s free formatter
• Ensure images are high resolution and fonts are embedded.
• Design the full wrap cover PDF using KDP’s free template generator once you know the exact page count.
• Prepare your eBook file (EPUB).
• Convert your formatted Word document to EPUB using free tools like Calibre or export to EPUB via tools like Reedsy.
• Amazon also offers free Kindle Create software to import your Word file and format a Kindle file.
• Include a clickable table of contents (most tools do this automatically from headings) and ensure chapters start on new pages.
• Keep formatting simple and validate your EPUB with free validators like EPUBCheck or Kindle Previewer.
• Prepare your audiobook files.ACX Check
• Ensure your audio files are in MP3 format, 44.1 kHz sample rate, and 192 kbps constant bitrate.
• Separate each chapter (or section) into individual MP3 files with specific silence at the start and end.
• Verify average loudness (-23dB to -18dB RMS), peaks (no louder than -3dB), and noise floor (below -60dB).
• Use free tool Audacity with the ACX Check plug-in to analyze your MP3 filesACX Check
• Use Audacity’s Normalize and Limiter effects or a free online tool like Auphonic to adjust levels if needed.
• Output final audio files in stereo if you added background music.
• Publish your paperback.
• The primary free platform is Amazon KDP Print. Upload your interior PDF and cover PDF. KDP provides a free ISBN.Amazon KDP Print
• Consider Barnes & Noble Press as another free option for the B&N website.
• Order a proof copy on KDP to ensure formatting looks good in physical form.
• Publish your eBook.
• Publish on Amazon Kindle (KDP) for free. Upload your EPUB file and cover image. KDP assigns a free ASIN (no ISBN needed).Amazon Kindle (KDP)
• Consider wide distribution via a free aggregator like Draft2Digital (D2D). D2D distributes to Apple Books, Google Play, Kobo, B&N Nook, and libraries. D2D takes a percentage of the retail price.Draft2Digital (D2D)
• Alternatively, publish directly on other stores like Apple, Kobo, etc. (more time-consuming).
• Decide whether to enroll in KDP Select for exclusivity and benefits like Kindle Unlimited and promotional tools.
• Publish your audiobook.
• Publish through ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange), Amazon’s self-pub audiobook platform. Create an account as the Rights Holder and upload your audio files chapter by chapter, cover image, and metadata.
• Decide on exclusivity (40% royalty on Audible/Amazon sales) or non-exclusivity (25% royalty on Audible/Amazon).
• Consider Findaway Voices for wider distribution (including Audible) if choosing non-exclusive or instead of ACX. Findaway takes a percentage of royalties but distributes to many outlets.
• Prepare a short retail sample (1-5 minutes) from Chapter 1 for ACX.
• ACX will review files for technical compliance.
• Build your author brand and online presence.
• Establish your author brand – consistent persona and look.
• Set up author accounts on one or two comfortable social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (X), TikTok).
• Create an author website or hub. Use free options like a free Wordpress.com site, Medium, or Tumblr.
• At minimum, fill out your author profiles on Amazon Author Central and Goodreads (both free).
• Maintain branding consistency across all platforms.
• Plan your book launch timeline.
• 1-2 Months Before Release: Cover reveal, start posting about writing journey/themes, share eBook pre-order link (if applicable), collect list of bloggers/reviewers.
• 2-4 Weeks Before Release: Send out Advance Review Copies (ARCs) of the eBook (or PDF). Continue building buzz with snippets, quotes, character introductions, teaser graphics (use Canva for free). Start a countdown.
• Launch Week: Big push on social media, virtual launch event (Facebook Live, Instagram Live), encourage reviews, consider Kindle Free Days or a 99¢ sale (if in KDP Select).
• Post-Launch (Month 1 and on): Thank readers, share positive reviews, ongoing outreach.
• Leverage social media and communities.
• Focus on one or two platforms where your target audience is.
• Create short videos on TikTok describing your book.
• Join reader communities: Goodreads is essential. Add your book and be active in groups. Consider a Goodreads giveaway (eBook giveaways have a fee).
• Engage on Reddit in relevant subreddits (r/books, r/writing, r/indieauthors, genre-specific). Follow self-promo rules carefully.
• Use relevant hashtags on Twitter and Instagram (#AmReading, #IndieAuthor, #Thriller, #BookLaunch). Use relevant tags on TikTok (#BookTok, #PsychologicalThriller, #BookRecommendation).
• Engage with others, don't just promote your book. Ask questions, share relevant content.
• Collect early reviews and testimonials.
• Ask friends and family to read and honestly review your book on Amazon/Goodreads.
• Ask beta readers/online critique partners if they’d be willing to leave a review. Find ARC readers on Goodreads groups or Twitter (#bookreview, #ReviewWanted).
• Identify and reach out to 5-10 book bloggers or Instagram “bookstagrammers” who enjoy your genre. Offer a free copy and a simple press kit. Find lists of book review blogs on Reedsy and other sites.
• Consider carefully joining “review swap” communities, ensuring authenticity.
• Integrate reader prompts into your eBook manuscript.
• Set up your chosen feedback collection method.
• Create Google Forms with your chapter-specific questions.Google Forms
• Generate QR codes (e.g., using QRCode Monkey) for your print book and eBook to link to the forms.QRCode Monkey
• Set up your chatbot flow on ManyChat (if chosen).ManyChat
• Or explore setting up a Telegram bot.
• Plan how to deliver bonus content linked in your eBook (website/blog pages).
• Create a companion PDF for the audiobook including interactive elements and links.
• Develop your personalized AI review process.
• Set up an account with OpenAI API (if automating).OpenAI API
• Consider using ChatGPT manually for a small number of readers.
• Explore automation with Zapier to connect your feedback data to OpenAI and email (free tier might be sufficient initially).Zapier
• Plan how readers will access their review (link in form, email collection, etc.).
• Add in-book prompts (eBook & Print) and narrator prompts (Audiobook) directing readers/listeners to the feedback mechanism.
• Implement pricing promotions (if applicable): Kindle Free Days or 99¢ sale on Amazon (if in KDP Select). Promote these deals on social media and free book deal communities (e.g., r/FREEbooks on Reddit, Facebook groups).
• Host a virtual launch event on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube. Consider a Reddit AMA (check subreddit rules).
• Write a press release about your book launch, highlighting unique angles (local author, interactive elements). Send to local media, community websites, and use free PR distribution sites or your blog.
• Promote the audiobook: Share a sample audio clip on social media. Mention its availability. Leverage ACX promo codes for reviews.
• Encourage social shares by creating a book hashtag or memorable phrase. Consider a low-cost incentive for using the hashtag.
• Engage with readers: Respond to reviews, answer messages, be approachable. Start a monthly email newsletter (Mailchimp free tier for small lists).Mailchimp
• Create content marketing: Write blog posts, record podcast episodes related to your book’s themes. Look for podcast interview opportunities.
• Plan periodic promotions: Price promos, holiday campaigns. Consider small-budget Amazon Advertising (AMS) campaigns. Focus on free traffic by engaging in forums and collaborating with other authors (newsletter swaps).
• Explore in-person opportunities: Approach local libraries or indie bookstores for talks or consignment.
• Continuously emphasize the unique interactive reading experience in all marketing.
• Collect feedback on the feedback system itself and make adjustments as needed.