The Self-Publisher’s Final AI-Assisted QA Checklist
AI automation in e-book formatting is a game-changer, but the final quality control rests with you. A polished, professional book requires meticulous pre-publish checks. Use this streamlined, AI-informed checklist for your quality assurance (QA) to ensure a flawless reader experience across all platforms.
Universal File & Metadata Checks
Begin with core technical integrity. File Type & Naming must follow platform specs (e.g., .epub, .kpf, .docx). Crucially, verify Language Tagging (e.g., `xml:lang=”en-US”`) in your file’s metadata. For print, your uploaded PDF must match the exact trim size and paper type from your project setup. Finally, record every ISBN in a master log with its corresponding format and distribution channel.
Front & Back Matter Completeness
AI can structure these, but you must verify Front Matter Completeness and order: Half-Title Page (title only), main title page, optional Dedication/Epigraph, and copyright. Back Matter Completeness is equally vital. It must include a short, professional Author Bio with a call-to-action, your Contact/Website URL, and a formatted List of Other Works/Series (the “Also by [Author]” page) with live sales links.
Formatting & Accessibility Review
This is where AI tools often reveal their limitations. Scrutinize Hyphenation for consistency. Excessive, illogical breaks (e.g., “the-rapist”) are a red flag. Ensure Navigation is robust: your Table of Contents must be comprehensive, logical, and include landmarks for screen reader users. For print (Print Book Specific Checks), meticulously check margins, gutters, and image resolution in your PDF.
The Non-Negotiable Final Step
Never skip the physical proof. ALWAYS ORDER A PHYSICAL PROOF COPY to check for binding issues, color accuracy, and overall feel. Digitally, heed all Previewer Warnings from platforms like Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, or Draft2Digital. If a system flags font embedding or margin errors, fix them. Do not ignore automated warnings; they are your last line of defense.
For a comprehensive guide with detailed workflows, templates, and additional strategies, see my e-book: AI-Assisted E-book Formatting for Self-Publishers.