Prepare your novel for publishing with this 12 page printable PDF checklist, designed to help writers prepare their manuscripts for publication.

This checklist covers all details necessary to prepare your book for print or digital release. Use this organised system for reviewing every stage of the publishing process.

Guides you through editing, formatting, cover design, consistency, marketing readiness, and final quality checks to make the publishing process easier to manage.

THIS RESOURCE GUIDES YOU THROUGH…
Manuscript Preparation: Ensure your story is fully prepared for publishing. Includes checkboxes for proofreading, revision, continuity checks, and improving hooks.
Story Structure Review: Check important narrative elements before publishing. Reflect on theme, characters, plot points, and dialogue.
Formatting Essentials: Review everything required for professional publishing. Includes checklists for chapter formatting, and file preparation for digital or print release.
Cover And Blurb Readiness: Confirm your cover design, typography, back cover blurb, and tagline are complete. Includes checks to ensure your book stands out within your target audience.
Publishing Requirements: Prepare the technical and legal elements. Includes checkboxes for ISBNs, copyright notices, query letters, and preparation for traditional or self-publishing routes.
Marketing And Launch Preparation: Plan your release strategy. Reflect on launch dates, audience targeting, ARC readers, and early reviews.
Final Quality Check: A complete end stage review to confirm everything is ready. Includes space to evaluate readability, file integrity, final formatting, polish, and last minute adjustments.

WHAT'S INCLUDED:
1 PDF File
12 Pages
A4 Size
Digital Download
Print Friendly

SEE WHAT'S INSIDE:

PRODUCT INFORMATION:
This is a downloadable product and no physical products will be sent. Once your payment has been confirmed, digital products will be made available through the 'Downloads' section of your account, and an email will be sent to the email address you provided at checkout.
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Fully compatible with PDF readers and apps (Adobe Reader, Firefox, Xodo, GoodNotes, Procreate, etc.) so you can check off items, annotate, or print.

UPDATES:

This worksheet may be updated over time with improvements or additional pages. If you've purchased this resource, you'll always have access to the latest version.
Current Version: v2.1 (Updated July 2026)

What's New?

Revised instructional material.

Corrected spelling errors and improved readability.

WHO IT'S FOR:

Suitable for first time authors or experienced writers who want a reliable workflow for publishing. Includes everything you need to confirm to prepare your files for traditional or self-publishing routes.

USAGE RIGHTS:
For personal, educational, and author use only. Commercial resale, reproduction, or redistribution is not permitted.
This template is protected under our Terms And Conditions. For more information about the rights to use this template, please click here.

WHAT MAKES THIS WORKSHEET SPECIAL?
This checklist focuses on the full publishing journey. It ensures your manuscript is ready for publication, then guides you step by step through preparing your files for publication in digital or print formats.