Getting Started
Three steps take a manuscript to a book readers can buy. They are the same three your dashboard shows; here is what happens inside each one.
1. Add your book
Set your metadata and print specs, then optionally upload your print files.
1a. Answer two questions, then fill in your book
Start from Add a book. It opens by asking whether the book will be sold in stores and whether your print files are ready, and builds the rest of the form from your answers. If you're printing copies for yourself, that's a title, an imprint and your print specs — trim size, paper, binding and page count. If you're selling in stores, it also asks for the things a listing needs: an ISBN, a description, contributors, categories, keywords and your pricing.
1b. Upload your print files
Download the cover template for your book — it is generated from your trim size, paper type and page count — then upload your cover and interior PDFs. You can skip this and come back to the Print Files tab later. Nothing can be reviewed until both files are in.
1c. Pay the $25 setup fee
One time, per book. It covers the file review and the digital preview, and it has to be paid before you can approve your preview.
2. Approve your digital preview
We review and verify your print files first — checking both against the template and the print specs you chose. Review time varies with our current workload, and if something needs changing the file comes back rejected with notes explaining what to fix. Once your files pass, we prepare your digital preview and it appears on the Preview tab.
2a. Download the preview
The digital preview is exactly what will print, cover and interior. Check it the way a reader would before you approve it.
2b. Approve it
Approving does three things: it opens up ordering, it locks your print specs so changing them afterwards means a new review, and it starts distribution on whichever channels you chose — your book goes on sale on its publication date. Distribution channels need a valid ISBN and a completed Stripe payout profile before they can be selected at all.
3. Place an order
With the preview approved, your book is available for you to order.
3a. Order a proof
A single physical copy, so you can judge print quality yourself before anyone else sees it. Worth doing before your publication date rather than after.
3b. Order copies
Order in quantity for a launch, a signing, or stock you sell yourself. Bulk pricing and shipping are quoted before you pay.