A Self-Publishing Writer’s Checklist Before Publishing

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1. You’ve finished more than just the first draft

If you’re calling your first draft your final draft… My Writer Friend, no.

Your first draft is the baby bird version of your novel — messy, half-bald, and screaming for help. A true “ready-to-publish” book has been rewritten, not just reread. You should be able to say:

• I’ve done at least one full structural rewrite
• I’ve trimmed the fluff, strengthened the weak scenes, and deepened the emotion

If it’s still full of plot holes, pet phrases, and passive voices, it’s not done.

2. You’ve had outside eyes on it (not just your mum)

Unless your mom is a savage developmental editor with no mercy and a red pen, she doesn’t count (your bestie either).

You need:

• Beta readers (at least 2-3 who represent your target audience)
• Feedback that challenges your ego
• A professional editor (even if just a freelance line editor from Fiverr or Reedsy)

Self-publishing doesn’t mean DIY-everything. It means you’re the boss, so hire the team you need.

3. Your book has a solid structure

Let’s keep it real: if your novel has no midpoint, no climax, no real stakes — readers will feel it. Even if you’re not writing to a strict “three-act structure,” your story should still:

• Build tension
• Show character growth
• Resolve in a satisfying (or intentionally unsatisfying) way

If readers can’t tell what changed between page 1 and the last chapter, it’s not cooked yet… put that turkey back in the oven.

4. You’ve formatted it for your publishing platform

Formatting can make or break your reader’s experience. No one wants to read a book with:

• Funky line breaks
• Giant spaces
• Missing page numbers
• Chapter titles that scream in ALL CAPS FOR NO REASON

Whether you’re using Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, Lulu or all three— take time to format your book professionally for both eBook and print.

Tools like Atticus, Vellum (Mac only), or even Reedsy Book Editor are your new BFFs.

5. You have a strong book cover (and you didn’t make it in Canva at midnight)

Let’s not pretend covers don’t matter. They’re the first thing people see, and Pinterest lives for a scroll-stopping book cover. So:

• Invest in a pre-made or custom design from someone who knows what they’re doing
• Make sure it fits your genre
• Test it with readers to see which version gets the most “Ooooh!”

And please, make sure your title is readable in thumbnail size. Pinterest is mobile-first, baby.

6. Your back cover blurb makes people want to read, not nap

Your blurb is your elevator pitch. If it sounds like a college essay or an emotional dump, it won’t hook anyone. You want:

• One strong hook
• What the story is about (without spoilers)
• Why the reader should care

Think: “This story will gut you in the best way.” Not: “This book was written from my heart and means a lot to me.”

(Respectfully, we all feel that way. You’ve got to give readers a reason to care about your heart.)

7. You know your “why” for self-publishing

Before you hit publish, ask yourself:

• Why am I publishing this now?
• What’s my goal — impact, income, or both?
• Am I rushing out of fear or moving in obedience?

God doesn’t do chaos. So if you’re feeling panicked or unsure, it might be time to pause. Not quit. Just breathe and reassess.

Check out this self-publishing tutorial (on Youtube) to help you get started

You’re not just publishing a book — you’re planting a legacy. Whether one woman reads it or one million, your obedience matters more than your metrics.

So take this checklist. Print it. Highlight it. Tape it to your fridge. And when everything is checked off — Friend, hit that publish button like it owes you rent.

You’ve got this. And I’ve got you.

Stay faithful, stay quirky, and stay writing.

With love and fire,
V.S. Beals
Writer. Watchwoman. Woman of the Word.

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