If publishing your book has been on your to-do list for months or even years, this self-publishing checklist is designed to help make this the year you finally hit publish!
Whether you are a first-time author or early in your self-publishing journey, we’re here to help you finally hit that publish button. Bookmark this list. Print it. Check things off as you go. This is your year to realize your dream of becoming a published author!
Let’s dive in!
1. Finish the manuscript and commit to a final draft
Before anything else, commit to finishing your manuscript. Not a perfect manuscript, but a complete one. Set a realistic deadline and treat it like a non-negotiable appointment.
This is also a good moment to join the B&N Press newsletter or follow us on Facebook for writing tips, events, and motivation that can help you stay accountable while you finish strong.
Check list item:
- Manuscript completed and saved as a final draft
2. Decide what kind of author you want to be this year
Ask yourself what success looks like for you right now. Publishing your first eBook? Expanding your backlist? Adding a print edition for the first time?
B&N Press is a great choice for authors who want flexibility. Many authors start with eBooks, then grow into print and other formats as their audience expands.
Checklist item:
- Clear publishing goal defined for this year
3. Edit like a professional
Every published book needs editing. This may include developmental editing, copyediting, or proofreading, depending on your manuscript and budget.
Editing is an investment in your credibility as an author. Readers notice when a book is polished, and working with experienced professionals can make a meaningful difference. Check out B&N Press partner Reedsy to connect with vetted editors who can help bring your manuscript to its best possible version.
Checklist item:
- Editing complete or scheduled with a clear timeline
4. Prepare your book for multiple formats
Even if you start with an eBook, think ahead. Formatting for the future makes expansion easier.
B&N Press supports eBook publishing alongside a two-pronged print program. Authors can choose personal print-on-demand or create print books available for sale online and in stores. This flexibility allows you to build now and scale later. Many authors begin with digital and add print once they see traction. We also make the process simpler with our cloning option, so you only have to enter your metadata once.
Checklist item:
- eBook files ready
- Print-ready files planned or in progress
5. Create a professional cover and metadata
Your cover and metadata are your book’s first impression. In a crowded marketplace, a professional-looking cover is essential. While free tools like Canva make it easier than ever to create a cover, working with a professional designer, such as our partner 99designs, gives you more than a polished look. You get a cover that reflects current trends and speaks directly to today’s readers.
It is also important to understand the basics of metadata. This includes your title, subtitle, book description, keywords, and categories. Strong metadata improves discoverability and helps readers find your book faster. This is where SEO plays a key role, especially for authors building visibility across multiple platforms.
Checklist item:
- Final cover uploaded
- Book description optimized for search and readers
6. Set up your B&N Press account and publish your eBook
Publishing should not be intimidating. With B&N Press, you can upload your eBook, set pricing, and reach Barnes & Noble readers quickly.
If you have been waiting for the right moment, this is it. Sign up now, look around, familiarize yourself with the process of uploading your book so that when it comes time to publish you are only a few clicks away to published author.
Checklist item:
- B&N Press account created
- eBook submitted and published
7. Add a print edition when you are ready
Print remains important for many readers, events, and gifting. Even if eBooks are your primary focus, offering a print option can expand your reach, particularly if they are special editions.
B&N Press continues to grow its print capabilities, making it easier for authors to add print without rebuilding their entire process.
Checklist item:
- Print edition planned or published
8. Explore audiobooks through Author’s Republic
Audiobooks are one of the fastest-growing formats. Through B&N Press’s partnership with Author’s Republic, authors can distribute audiobooks widely without managing multiple platforms.
If your goal is long-term growth, indie authors need to embrace the power of voice and self-publish audiobooks today.
Checklist item:
- Audiobook distribution explored or initiated
9. Build visibility before and after launch
Publishing is not the finish line. It is the starting point.
Build your author presence by joining the B&N Press newsletter, following us and fellow authors on social, and engaging with the indie author community. Small, consistent actions help you stay visible, connected, and informed throughout the year.
If you want to learn more about building a successful author brand, explore our exclusive interview with bestselling author Dale Mayer, where she shares practical insights and lessons from her own publishing journey.
Checklist item:
- Author platform active and growing
10. Review, reflect, and plan your next release
The most successful self-published authors think beyond one book. At the end of the year, review what worked, what didn’t, and start planning your next project.
Publishing momentum builds over time, and B&N Press is designed to grow with you at every stage.
Checklist item:
- Next publishing goal identified
Publishing does not happen by accident. It happens when you turn intention into action. Use this check list to guide your year, stay focused, and move your book from manuscript to readers. This is the year you publish.
Write on!
