Ebook Publishing

Ultimate Ebook Publishing Skill

Covers the complete lifecycle: write → format → convert → publish → distribute → launch. Includes ebooks, print-on-demand, and AI-narrated audiobooks.

Reference Files — Load When Relevant

Project Context

If project-context.md exists in the skill directory or .claude/ folder, read it before any task. It contains brand voice, publishing setup, platform credentials paths, and infrastructure details — avoids re-explaining context each session.

Workflow Overview

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1. Write & Structure
2. Format (EPUB / PDF / HTML→PDF)
3. Cover Design
4. ISBN Decision
5. Platform Strategy (wide vs exclusive, ebook + print + audio)
6. Metadata & SEO
7. Pricing & Royalties
8. Pre-launch + Launch + Post-launch

EPUBCheck Compliance (EPUB 3.0)

EPUBs must pass EPUBCheck for D2D, Apple Books, Kobo, and most aggregators. Common errors and fixes:

Critical dt/dd fix: Do NOT wrap orphan <dt>/<dd> in <dl> — the source HTML often has them as siblings in a <div>, and grouping consecutive ones can create <dl> with only <dt> (missing required <dd>), which also fails EPUBCheck. Instead:

• Convert orphan <dt> → <p style="font-weight:700;margin-bottom:0.2em">
• Convert orphan <dd> → <p style="margin-left:1em;margin-top:0">

Step 1: Book Structure

Non-Fiction

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Front Matter:
  Title page · Copyright · Dedication (opt) · TOC · Foreword (opt)
Body:
  Introduction (promise) → Chapters (Hook → Concepts → Examples → Takeaways)
Back Matter:
  Conclusion/Next Steps · About the Author · Also by · Resources · Index (tech books)

Fiction

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Front matter: Title · Copyright · Dedication · TOC (optional)
Act structure: Three-act / Hero's Journey / Save the Cat
Back matter: Acknowledgements · About the Author · Also by · Newsletter CTA

Lead Magnet / Short Ebook (10–50 pages)

Title + promise → Problem → 3–7 steps → Quick wins → CTA (email, product, service)

Step 2: Format & DPI Requirements

File formats quick reference:

See references/formatting.md for full EPUB tool chain, HTML→PDF Puppeteer workflow, and Pandoc conversion commands.

Step 3: Cover Design

Universal shortcut: design at 2560 × 1600 px, 300 DPI — covers all platforms.

See references/cover-specs.md for verified specs across all 9 platforms.

Quick reference:

Step 4: ISBN Decision

See references/isbn-strategy.md for the full guide. Quick rules:

• Never use KDP's free ISBN if you plan to publish elsewhere — it locks you to Amazon
• Buy your own: Bowker (US) · Nielsen (UK) · Library and Archives Canada · other national agencies
• Each format needs its own ISBN: ebook ≠ paperback ≠ hardcover ≠ audiobook
• Best strategy: own ISBNs → publish KDP first (disable Expanded Distribution) → then IngramSpark

Step 5: Platform Strategy

Decision Tree

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Fiction writer? → Consider KDP Select (Kindle Unlimited) for 90-day windows
Non-fiction / established author? → Go Wide from day one
Want bookstore + library distribution? → KDP Print + IngramSpark (same ISBN)
Want maximum direct revenue? → Gumroad/Payhip for PDF, D2D for wide ebook
Want audiobook? → See references/audiobooks.md
Want Google Play? → Via PublishDrive ($9.99/mo) or direct (complex approval)
EU audience? → Payhip handles VAT automatically
International markets? → PublishDrive (400+ stores, 240k libraries) or StreetLib

MCP Automation Status

Step 6: Metadata & SEO

Book Description (Amazon / Apple / Kobo / Google Play)

1. Hook (1–2 sentences): who this is for + what they'll get
2. Problem (2–3 sentences): the pain without this book
3. Solution teaser (5–7 bullets)
4. Social proof (if available)
5. CTA: "Download your copy today" / "Get your copy now"

Amazon supports HTML in descriptions:

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<h2>Are you struggling with X?</h2>
<p>Most people who want Y fail because Z...</p>
<ul><li>✓ How to...</li><li>✓ The secret to...</li></ul>
<p><b>Scroll up and click Buy Now</b></p>

Amazon Keywords (7 fields, 50 chars each)

• Long-tail phrases only — not single words
• Include: use cases, audience type, difficulty level
• Never repeat words from title/subtitle
• Research: Publisher Rocket, Amazon autocomplete, "Customers also bought"

Categories (Amazon)

• 2 during upload; request up to 10 via Author Central support
• Strategy: one broad + one narrow lower-competition niche
• Browse category bestseller lists first

Step 7: Pricing & Royalties

Amazon KDP Ebook

Pricing Strategy by Format

Series Pricing

• Book 1: permafree or $0.99 (loss leader — drives series read-through)
• Books 2+: full price ($3.99–$5.99)
• Calculate read-through value: if 30% of Book 1 readers buy Book 2 at $4.99, each Book 1 reader is worth $1.50

See references/promotion.md for permafree mechanics and BookBub strategy.

Step 8: Launch

See references/promotion.md for the full launch playbook.

Quick Checklist

Pre-launch (4–6 weeks):

• Email list with early access offer
• 10–20 ARC readers lined up for reviews at launch
• Amazon Author Central page set up
• Social content scheduled (cover reveal, excerpts, testimonials)

Launch week:

• 3-email sequence: announcement → reminder → last chance
• KDP promotion (Countdown Deal or Free Days if KDP Select)
• Submit to BookBub, Freebooksy, BargainBooksy
• Outreach to podcast / newsletter partners

Post-launch:

• Request reviews via email (never inside the book — Amazon TOS)
• A/B test cover and description
• Annual content refresh
• Expand formats: audio, print, translations