Everything You Need to Upload Your Book to KDP, IngramSpark, and More
Publishing your book is exciting—but the uploading process? It can feel overwhelming. Whether you're using Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, Draft2Digital, Barnes & Noble Press, or another platform, the core information you need is surprisingly similar. And if you have everything prepped and organized ahead of time, it can turn a stressful day into a smooth, celebratory milestone.
In this post, I’m walking you through all the assets and information you need to upload your book like a pro. This is the exact checklist I use with my clients, and I recommend keeping all of these items in a single, clearly labeled folder for each book. You’ll reference it over and over—especially when it comes time to market.
Your Upload Checklist: What You Need to Publish Your Book
Here’s everything you’ll need to prepare and upload your book to any major publishing platform:
1. Book Title and Subtitle
Be sure your title and subtitle (optional) are finalized and consistent across all your platforms and materials. Typos here can cause delays and inconsistencies in distribution.
Tip: Your subtitle is a great place to add keywords or clarify the hook of your book.
2. Author Name and Contributor Info
Use your author name exactly as you want it to appear publicly. You can also list contributors like editors, illustrators, or foreword authors.
3. ISBNs (One Per Format)
You need a unique ISBN for each format of your book (e.g., eBook, paperback, hardcover). I recommend purchasing your ISBNs directly through Bowker (U.S. authors) so you own your ISBN and publisher name.
Tip: Don’t use free ISBNs if you want full control over your book's metadata or plan to publish wide.
4. Book Description (Marketing Copy)
This is what readers will see on your book's sales page. It should be:
Engaging
Clear about the genre and tone
Highlighting the hook or benefit
Broken up with spacing for readability (especially on Amazon)
Tip: Save your description as both plain text and formatted HTML so you're ready for any upload requirements.
5. Keywords (Long-Tail, Genre-Specific)
Each platform will ask for 5–7 keywords or phrases. These help readers find your book when searching.
Use:
Specific genre terms (e.g., small-town romance, cozy mystery)
Reader interests (e.g., slow-burn, enemies to lovers)
Character types (e.g., single dad, strong heroine)
Tip: Think like a reader. What would they type into the search bar?
6. Categories (BISAC Codes or Amazon Categories)
You'll select 2–3 categories or BISAC codes that best fit your book.
Tip: Research your comparable authors and their books to see where they're listed.
7. Interior Files
You’ll need the properly formatted manuscript files:
EPUB for ebooks
PDF for paperbacks and hardcovers
Make sure they’re:
Free of errors
Correctly sized with margins, headers, and page numbers
You can format yourself using tools like Reedsy Editor, Atticus, or Vellum, or hire a professional formatter (recommended at least once).
8. Cover Files
You'll need different files depending on the format:
Ebook: High-resolution JPEG (usually 1600x2560px)
Paperback/Hardcover: Full-wrap PDF including back, spine, and front
Make sure to:
Match the trim size and spine width for your page count
Include the barcode or leave space for it
Tip: Always get your final page count before requesting your paperback cover.
9. Trim Size and Paper Type
Each platform will ask for these when uploading your print book:
Common trim sizes: 5x8, 5.5x8.5, 6x9
Paper type: White or cream
Check your genre norms (e.g., cream paper is typical for fiction).
10. Pricing and Territories
You’ll be asked to:
Set your retail price
Choose currency
Select global territories (usually "Worldwide")
Research pricing for similar books in your genre.
11. Publisher Name and Imprint (Optional)
If you bought your ISBNs, you'll assign a publisher name. This can be your author name or a small press name you create.
12. Marketing & Rights Information (Optional but Recommended)
Some platforms (like IngramSpark) allow you to upload metadata like:
Author bio
Audience age range
Rights territory and formats
Series title and number
Save these details in your file folder for future marketing use.
Bonus: Keep a "Book Metadata" Sheet for Each Title
Create a spreadsheet or document with all of the following in one place:
Title, subtitle
Author name
ISBNs
Descriptions (short and long)
Keywords
Categories
Trim size, page count, paper type
Cover designer, formatter info
Publication dates (eBook, print)
Upload confirmation links
This will save you hours when you:
Set up ads
List your book on new platforms
Pitch your book for promo opportunities
Schedule newsletters
Create graphics or social media content
Save this checklist! You’ll use it every time you publish, promote, or update your book.
Organization = Visibility
Uploading your book doesn’t have to feel chaotic. When you have everything gathered and labeled, you can move confidently through each platform’s requirements and get back to what you love: writing.
More importantly, this information isn’t just for uploading—you’ll reference it over and over again when marketing, applying for promos, building your author website, or setting up ads.
So take the time now to build a clear system. It’s a small step that leads to long-term ease, professionalism, and growth.
Want More Guidance?
Grab my free Self-Publishing Starter Kit to walk through the full process with confidence, from ISBNs to marketing strategy.
P.S. Letters From Story Flow is your bi-weekly resource for authors who are ready to grow their careers with clarity and ease—without relying on hustle-heavy strategies that don’t feel like you.
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