Please use this checklist to make sure you have all the resources you’ll need to make the design process run as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Please read through the Helpful Links & Resources section before going through this checklist.
Some of the items below may not be applicable to your specific project.
Manuscript & Content Preparation
- Manuscript is fully edited and proofread
- Manuscript is styled according to this Style Guide. A properly styled Word document can cut formatting and typesetting time in half! An improperly styled document can double, sometimes triple or quadruple the workload. Unless otherwise requested, I will format your book in Adobe InDesign, and will only be using the text from your Word file, not any other settings.
- All chapter titles and headings finalized
- Front matter complete (dedication, copyright page, etc.).
- Back matter complete (about the author, appendix, acknowledgments, etc.)
- ISBN/s obtained. Please see Helpful Links & Resources for more information about ISBNs
Visual Assets & Images
- All images/illustrations collected in high resolution (300 DPI minimum for print). Please see the Helpful Links & Resources section to understand high resolution further
- All images sent independently from the manuscript file
- Image permissions/licenses secured for all non-original content
- Clear direction on image placement within text
- For color-critical projects: understanding that POD color may vary from screen
Project Specifications
- Book trim size decided (confirm with your printer/platform)
- Print format confirmed (paperback, hardcover, or both)
- eBook format confirmed (EPUB, KDP, etc.)
- Target publishing platform selected (IngramSpark, KDP, MCRL, Lulu, etc.)
- Paper type preference (white, cream, color for special projects)
Design Direction
For Your Cover
- Book title and subtitle (finalized – changes later require additional fees)
- Author name as it should appear on the cover
- Trim size (even if approximate – e.g., 6×9, 5×8)
- Genre/category and target audience
- Cover vision/direction: This can include:
- Mood boards, Pinterest links, or example covers they love
- Color preferences or colors to avoid
- Imagery ideas (photography vs. illustration, abstract vs. literal)
- Key themes or emotions the cover should convey
- Any specific elements that must be included
- Author photo (if needed for the cover)
- Brief book description or key themes (helps me understand the tone)
For full-wrap cover:
- Paper type (white, cream, color) and finish (matte or glossy) for the cover
- Publishing platform (IngramSpark, KDP, Lulu, etc.) – each has different spine width calculations
- Back cover copy (book description, author bio, endorsements/blurbs)
- Barcode preferences (I can generate or they can provide)
- Any back cover author photo (if different from front)
For Your Interior
- Interior style preferences communicated (fonts, chapter headers, etc.)
- Any “must avoid” design elements identified
- Special formatting needs disclosed (recipes, poetry, tables, etc.)
- Existing brand guidelines or color requirements shared
Platform-Specific Requirements
- Publishing account set up on chosen platform
- Understanding of platform’s file requirements
- Awareness of platform’s revision policies after upload
- Distribution preferences determined
- Pricing strategy decided (affects file setup for some platforms)
Final Confirmations
- Acknowledgment that changes after design begins may require additional fees
- Understanding that source files are provided based on contract terms
- Understanding that color appearance may vary between screen, proof, and final POD prints
- Confirmation that all content is original or properly licensed
- Recognition that designer is not responsible for final proofreading