Phelan_Varrent/notes/kindle-publish-checklist.md

Kindle Publishing Checklist — Book 1

Generated from export_kindle.py. Review and complete before uploading.

EPUB: kindle/exports/book1-kindle.epub

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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