Pre-Publication Checklist: Proofreading, Formatting, Cover Standards, and Copyright

A comprehensive checklist before hitting publish: typo sweeps, character consistency, device testing, copyright notices, barcode validation, and distributor metadata.

Pen checking items off a checklist notebook beside a book mock-up

Before you click "Publish" on Amazon KDP or send your manuscript to an editor, run through this rigorous quality checklist to catch easily preventable mistakes.

Text & Consistency Audit

Run a targeted search for common homophone typos (their/there, its/it's, peek/pique).
Verify character names, eye colors, and timeline continuity across all chapters.
Ensure chapter heading numbering is sequential and matches the table of contents.

Technical & File Verification

Preview the EPUB file on Kindle Previewer, Apple Books, and small-screen smartphones.
Check cover thumbnail legibility at 80px width on Amazon search results.
Confirm all back-matter hyperlinks point to active newsletter sign-up pages.