The final step before publishing is critical quality assurance (QA). While AI automation tools accelerate e-book formatting, human oversight remains essential. This checklist mergages AI efficiency with professional scrutiny to ensure a flawless product.
Front & Back Matter Integrity
AI can assemble components, but you must verify their completeness and consistency. Confirm your Front Matter includes a correct Half-Title Page, title page, and copyright. Check that Back Matter contains a professional Author Bio with a call-to-action, a complete “Also by [Author]” list, and your Contact/Website URL. For series authors, the List of Other Works must have live links.
Technical & Accessibility Checks
Technical errors can block distribution. Language Tagging (e.g., `xml:lang=”en-US”`) in metadata is mandatory. For ePub, ensure a logical, comprehensive Table of Contents with proper Navigation landmarks for screen readers. Scrutinize Hyphenation; AI can create nonsensical breaks like “the-rapist.” Always resolve any Previewer Warnings from platforms like KDP; never ignore font or file errors.
Distribution & Print Specifics
Platform requirements differ. Record every ISBN in a master log with its format and channel. For print, your uploaded PDF must match the exact trim size and paper type selected. ALWAYS ORDER A PHYSICAL PROOF COPY to assess margins, image quality, and binding. Digital previews are insufficient.
File & Metadata Finalization
Use clear, consistent File Type & Naming (e.g., “Title_Print_Final.pdf”). Verify platform-specific needs: Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, Draft2Digital, and Apple Books each have unique guidelines. This final human review of AI-generated files is what separates professional publications from amateur releases.
For a comprehensive guide with detailed workflows, templates, and additional strategies, see my e-book: AI-Assisted E-book Formatting for Self-Publishers.