Print on demand books

{{whyLabel}}: Knowing your audience determines your book's tone, length, and price point.

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• Identify 3-5 'comp titles' (similar books) published in the last 2 years.
• Note their average page count and pricing.
• Write a one-sentence summary of who your ideal reader is.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have a clear target reader profile and a list of 5 comparable books.

{{whyLabel}}: Different services offer different royalties and distribution reaches.

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• Choose Amazon KDP if you want the highest royalties on Amazon (60%) and a free ISBN.
• Choose IngramSpark if you want your book available in physical bookstores and libraries worldwide.
• Choose Lulu for specialty formats like spiral binding or high-end photo books.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: One primary platform is selected for the initial launch.

{{whyLabel}}: Trim size affects printing costs and reader expectations.

{{howLabel}}:

• Use 6 x 9 inches for standard non-fiction or trade paperbacks.
• Use 5.5 x 8.5 inches for memoirs or smaller novels.
• Use 8.5 x 11 inches for workbooks or manuals.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Final dimensions (e.g., 6x9) are decided.

{{whyLabel}}: An outline prevents writer's block and ensures a logical flow.

{{howLabel}}:

• Break your book into 10-15 chapters.
• Write 3 bullet points for each chapter describing the main events or arguments.
• Ensure each chapter transitions logically to the next.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A complete table of contents with chapter summaries exists.

{{whyLabel}}: Consistency is the only way to finish a large writing project.

{{howLabel}}:

• Schedule a 60-minute block at the same time every day.
• Use 'sprints' (25 mins writing, 5 mins break) to maintain focus.
• Do not edit while writing; focus purely on word count.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have established a 7-day streak of hitting your word count.

{{whyLabel}}: You cannot edit a blank page; getting the story down is the priority.

{{howLabel}}:

• Follow your outline strictly to avoid wandering.
• Mark areas needing research with '[RESEARCH]' and keep writing.
• Aim for a total word count of 40,000 to 70,000 words for a standard book.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A full manuscript exists from introduction to conclusion.

{{whyLabel}}: This stage fixes big-picture issues like plot holes or weak arguments.

{{howLabel}}:

• Read the entire draft aloud to catch awkward phrasing.
• Check if every chapter serves the book's main goal.
• Cut repetitive sections or fluff that doesn't add value.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: The manuscript's structure and flow are finalized.

{{whyLabel}}: External readers spot issues you are too close to see.

{{howLabel}}:

• Send the draft to 3 people who fit your target audience profile.
• Ask specific questions: 'Where did you get bored?' and 'What was confusing?'
• Give them a 2-week deadline for feedback.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have received and reviewed feedback from 3 readers.

{{whyLabel}}: Typos and grammar errors destroy author credibility.

{{howLabel}}:

• Use a tool like Grammarly or ProWritingAid for an initial pass.
• Read the manuscript backward (last sentence to first) to catch spelling errors.
• Check for consistent formatting of names and terms.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A clean, error-free final manuscript file.

{{whyLabel}}: POD printers require specific margins and gutter settings to ensure text isn't cut off.

{{howLabel}}:

• Use Kindle Create (free) or Reedsy Book Editor (free) for easy formatting.
• Set 'Mirrored Margins' with a gutter of at least 0.125" for books over 100 pages.
• Ensure all fonts are embedded in the final PDF export.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A print-ready PDF of the interior is generated.

{{whyLabel}}: The cover must be one continuous file; the spine width depends on your page count.

{{howLabel}}:

• Use the formula: Page Count / PPI (Pages Per Inch).
• For KDP White Paper, PPI is 444. (e.g., 200 pages / 444 = 0.45 inches).
• Use the official KDP or IngramSpark cover calculator for exact dimensions.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have the exact pixel or inch dimensions for your full cover.

{{whyLabel}}: Readers judge books by their covers; it is your primary marketing tool.

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• Use Canva with a custom dimension matching your calculated cover size.
• Include a 0.125" bleed on all outer edges.
• Ensure the title is legible even as a small thumbnail.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A high-resolution (300 DPI) PDF cover file.

{{whyLabel}}: Metadata (keywords and categories) helps readers find your book via search.

{{howLabel}}:

• Log into your chosen POD platform (e.g., KDP).
• Enter your title, description, and 7 relevant keywords.
• Upload the interior PDF and cover PDF.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Files are uploaded and pass the automated 'Previewer' check.

{{whyLabel}}: Digital previews can hide alignment issues or color shifts.

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• Select 'Order Proof' in the platform dashboard.
• Pay only the printing and shipping cost.
• Check for 'widows/orphans' (single lines at top/bottom of pages) and spine alignment.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have held the physical book and approved its quality.

{{whyLabel}}: This makes your book live on retail sites globally.

{{howLabel}}:

• Confirm your worldwide rights and pricing.
• Click the 'Publish' button.
• Share the direct link with your email list or social media followers.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: The book is 'Live' and purchasable on retail sites.