adding export checklists and script to do the export

notes/kindle-publish-checklist.md

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+# Kindle Publishing Checklist — Book 1
+
+Generated from `export_kindle.py`. Review and complete before uploading.
+
+EPUB: `kindle/exports/book1-kindle.epub`
+
+---
+
+## Front & Back Matter
+
+- [ ] Copyright page — fill in year, pen name, legal text (`kindle/templates/copyright-page.md`)
+- [ ] Dedication (optional) — add to front matter if desired
+- [ ] Author’s Note (optional) — add to back matter if desired
+- [ ] “Also by the Author” page — create `kindle/templates/also-by.md` when applicable
+- [ ] Next book preview — append preview chapter to back matter when available
+
+## Metadata
+
+- [ ] Confirm pen name / author name
+- [ ] Confirm book title and subtitle
+- [ ] Write book description / blurb (for KDP listing)
+- [ ] Choose KDP categories (2 allowed)
+- [ ] Select 7 keywords for KDP search
+- [ ] Set price (consider KU 70% royalty tier: $2.99–$9.99)
+
+## Cover Image
+
+- [ ] Cover image ready (2560×1600px recommended for Kindle)
+- [ ] Cover passes KDP image quality checks
+- [ ] Run `export_kindle.py --cover path/to/cover.jpg` to embed cover in EPUB
+
+## Quality Checks
+
+- [ ] Open EPUB in Kindle Previewer — check rendering on multiple devices
+- [ ] Verify Table of Contents links work
+- [ ] Verify chapter breaks (each chapter starts on new page)
+- [ ] Verify scene breaks (`* * *`) are centered and styled
+- [ ] Check smart quotes, em dashes, ellipses throughout
+- [ ] Check first paragraphs are not indented after headings/scene breaks
+- [ ] Proofread front and back matter
+- [ ] Confirm no `[CONTINUITY FLAG]` markers remain in text
+
+## Upload
+
+- [ ] Log in to KDP (kdp.amazon.com)
+- [ ] Create new Kindle eBook
+- [ ] Upload EPUB manuscript
+- [ ] Upload cover image
+- [ ] Fill in metadata (title, description, categories, keywords)
+- [ ] Set pricing and royalty
+- [ ] Enroll in Kindle Unlimited (KDP Select)
+- [ ] Preview and publish