AI automation is revolutionizing e-book formatting, offering self-publishers unprecedented speed. However, the final gatekeeper must be a meticulous human eye. AI is a powerful tool, but not a replacement for rigorous quality assurance (QA). This checklist ensures your AI-formatted manuscript is polished and professional before hitting publish.
Universal File & Metadata Checks
Start with the fundamentals. Confirm your File Type & Naming follows platform specifications (e.g., .docx for KDP, .epub for others). Language Tagging (xml:lang="en-US") in the file’s metadata is critical for proper retailer categorization and accessibility. Record every ISBN in a master log with its corresponding format and distribution channel to avoid costly assignment errors.
Front & Back Matter Completeness
AI can structure, but you must verify. Check Front Matter Completeness: ensure the Half-Title Page has the correct title only, and that any Dedication/Epigraph is correctly placed. In the back, your Author Bio should be short, professional, and include a call-to-action. The “Also by [Author]” section must be a complete, consistently formatted list of your other works. Always include a Contact/Website URL and, if applicable, a List of Other Works/Series with live, correct sales page links.
Content & Accessibility Review
This is where AI formatting often stumbles. Scrutinize Hyphenation for consistency. Excessive, illogical breaks (e.g., “the-rapist”) are a red flag. Verify that the Table of Contents Navigation is comprehensive, logical, and includes landmarks like “begin main content” for screen reader users. Never ignore Previewer Warnings from platforms like Amazon KDP; errors flagged in fonts or margins must be fixed.
Print-Specific & Final Verification
For print (IngramSpark/Draft2Digital), ensure your uploaded PDF matches the exact trim size and paper type from your project setup. Check for proper margins, image resolution, and that no text is cut off. Then, take the most crucial step: ALWAYS ORDER A PHYSICAL PROOF COPY. Do not rely on digital previews. Check binding, color, and physical readability.
For a comprehensive guide with detailed workflows, templates, and additional strategies, see my e-book: AI-Assisted E-book Formatting for Self-Publishers.