Use this guide when your book is written and edited and you want to publish it as an ebook yourself. Have your final manuscript, a short description of the book and time to test the finished file on a phone and an e-reader.
Step by step
Finalise and proofread the text
Make sure all edits are complete before formatting, because changes later are slower and riskier. Have the text proofread by someone other than you. Add front matter such as the title page and copyright page, and back matter such as an author note.
Format the ebook file
Use consistent heading styles for chapters so a table of contents can be generated automatically. Avoid manual spacing, tabs and fixed page breaks, as ebooks reflow to fit different screens. Export to the format your chosen platforms accept, usually EPUB.
Get a professional-looking cover
Your cover must be readable as a small thumbnail, so use a clear title and a simple image. Check each platform's current size requirements. Make sure you have the rights to any image or font you use.
Decide on an ISBN
In the UK, ISBNs are sold by the UK ISBN Agency, run by Nielsen, and each format needs its own. Some platforms provide a free identifier that only works with them. Decide whether you want to be listed as your own publisher and check the current options and costs before buying.
Prepare your metadata
Write your title, subtitle, author name, book description, categories and keywords, keeping them consistent across every platform. Choose categories that match what readers of similar books browse. Good metadata is how readers find your book in search.
Upload, preview and publish
Upload the file and cover to your chosen platforms and use their previewer to check every chapter. Test the file on at least one real phone and e-reader. Set the price and territories, then publish and check the live listing for errors.
Ready-to-use checklist
- Manuscript proofread by someone else
- Chapter headings styled consistently
- EPUB file exported and tested
- Cover readable as a thumbnail
- Image and font rights confirmed
- ISBN decision made
- Description, categories and keywords ready
- Live listing checked
Practical tips
- Keep a master copy of your manuscript separate from the formatted ebook files.
- Record which ISBN belongs to which format and edition in a simple spreadsheet.
- Read the platform's content and pricing rules in full before you upload, as they differ.
Common problems
The table of contents does not work in the ebook.
Your chapter headings are probably not using a heading style. Apply the same heading style to every chapter title, regenerate the table of contents and export again.
The formatting looks odd on some devices.
Remove manual line breaks, extra spaces and fixed font sizes, which do not reflow well. Keep the design simple and test again on the platform's previewer and a real device.
My upload was rejected.
Read the rejection message carefully, as it usually names the issue, such as cover size or metadata. Fix that one thing, check the platform's current guidelines and upload again.