Below is a list of suggested information to collect in one place for your book. Use this across platforms and websites for consistency, which will enhance your book’s visibility. For more detailed information about metadata, read Metadata – What to Gather and Why. For a printable, one-page checklist, click here.

Project Basics

  • Author Name (as it will appear on the book
  • Email
  • Phone
  • Website
  • Book Title
  • Subtitle
  • Series information, if applicable (name of series, book number, reading order)
  • Edition, if applicable (revised edition, second edition, etc.)

Format and Production Details

  • Formats (hardcover, paperback, ebook, audiobook)
  • Trim size for print formats
  • Page count
  • ISBNs (one for each format)
  • Publisher/Imprint (exact name)
  • Publication Date and/or Copyright year

Discoverability and Classification

Descriptions and Marketing Copy

  • Short description (150-250 words; use keywords)
  • Long description (300-600 words; use keywords)
  • Author bio
  • Tagline/hook
  • Endorsements or reviews

Distribution

  • Where the book will be sold (retail and distribution platforms)
  • For Ebook: Digital Rights Management (DRM) preferences (Recommend ON for Amazon KDP and OFF for all other platforms)
  • Sales territories (country-specific, regional, or worldwide)
  • Library distribution preferences

Pricing and Royalty Eligibility

  • Retail prices of each format
  • Library prices of each format
  • Promotional prices
  • Territory-specific pricing
  • Ebook: Choose royalty tier
  • Audiobook: Choose exclusivity (affects royalty rate)

Wholesale Discount (Print Books)

  • Wholesale discount percentage (40% vs. 55%)
  • Short discount option
  • Returnability

Other Enhancements

  • Table of Contents
  • Excerpt
  • Awards
  • Content Warnings
  • Illustration details

For a clickable, one-page checklist, click here.