FREE PUBLISHING ASSESSMENT

The Self-Publish Connection | Author Toolkit

The Self-Publish Connection Author Toolkit

Are You Ready to
Self-Publish?

Answer honestly. This assessment evaluates your readiness across every phase of the self-publishing journey as a Caribbean author, and gives you a personalised action plan.

Phase 1 of 5

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Phase 01

Manuscript & Editing

1. How complete is your manuscript?

I have an idea but haven't started writing yet I have a partial draft (less than 50% complete) I have a full rough draft My manuscript is fully written and revised

2. Have you had your manuscript professionally edited?

No, I haven't considered professional editing I've self-edited but haven't hired a professional I've had beta readers or a writing group review it I've worked with a professional developmental or copy editor

3. Has your manuscript been proofread for grammar, spelling, and punctuation?

Not yet — it still has many errors I've run spell-check but that's about it I've done a thorough self-proofread A professional proofreader has reviewed it

4. Does your book have a clear structure (chapters, front matter, back matter)?

I'm not sure what front or back matter is It has chapters but no other structural elements I have chapters and a basic title page / about-the-author Fully structured: title page, dedication, TOC, chapters, author bio, etc.

Answer all questions to continue

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Phase 02

Cover Design & Formatting

5. What is the status of your book cover?

I haven't thought about a cover yet I have a rough idea but no design I've made a DIY cover or have a concept ready I have a professionally designed cover ready to go

6. Have you researched cover conventions in your genre?

No — I want my cover to be completely unique I've looked at a few books but haven't done deep research Yes, I've studied bestseller covers in my genre Yes, and my cover design reflects those conventions intentionally

7. How is your interior manuscript formatted for publishing?

It's just a Word document with no special formatting I've done basic formatting (fonts, margins) in Word I've formatted it using a tool like Reedsy, Vellum, or Scrivener It's been professionally typeset and is print- and ebook-ready

8. Have you prepared separate ebook (EPUB/MOBI) and print-ready (PDF) files?

No, I don't know the difference I know I need them but haven't created them yet I've created one format (ebook or print) but not both Both ebook and print files are ready and formatted correctly

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Phase 03

Publishing Platform & Distribution

9. Have you chosen your publishing platform(s)?

No — I don't know where to start I've heard of Amazon KDP but haven't researched alternatives I've compared platforms (KDP, IngramSpark, Draft2Digital, etc.) I've chosen my platform(s) and understand their terms and royalties

10. Do you have an ISBN for your book?

What is an ISBN? I know I need one but haven't obtained it yet I plan to use a free ISBN from my publishing platform I've purchased my own ISBN(s) through my country's national library or an approved agency

11. Have you written your book's metadata (title, subtitle, description, categories, keywords)?

No — I'll figure it out when I upload I have a title but haven't worked on the rest I have a draft description and have thought about categories All metadata is researched, written, and keyword-optimised, including Caribbean/regional search terms

12. Have you decided between exclusivity (e.g. KDP Select) and wide distribution?

I don't know the difference I've heard of it but haven't decided I understand the trade-offs and am leaning one way I've made a deliberate, informed choice and know why

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Phase 04

Marketing & Launch Strategy

13. Do you have an author platform (website, newsletter, or social media presence)?

No — I'll build one after the book is out I have social media but no website or newsletter I have a basic website or a small newsletter audience I have an active platform with an engaged Caribbean and international audience ready for launch

14. Have you identified and reached out to potential ARC (Advance Review Copy) readers?

No — what are ARC readers? I know what ARCs are but haven't started this yet I have a list of potential ARC readers ready to contact I've sent ARCs out and have reviews lined up for launch day

15. Do you have a launch plan (pricing strategy, promotions, launch week activities)?

No — I'll just publish and see what happens I have a rough idea but nothing written down I have a basic plan with a few promotional activities outlined I have a full launch plan with timeline, pricing, and promotional partnerships

16. Have you researched book promotion services (BookBub, Freebooksy, newsletter swaps, etc.)?

No — I'm relying on organic discovery I've heard of a few but don't know how to use them I've researched options and have a budget allocated I've booked or applied to promotions in advance of my launch

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Phase 05

Financial & Legal Prep

17. Do you have a publishing budget set aside (editing, cover, formatting, marketing)?

No — I'm hoping to do everything for free I have a vague sense but no actual number set aside I have a rough budget but haven't allocated across all areas I have a detailed budget with funds allocated for each service

18. Do you understand how royalties work on your chosen platform(s)?

No — I assumed I'd just receive money from sales I have a basic idea but haven't read the platform terms carefully I understand the royalty percentages and payment thresholds I fully understand royalties, tax forms (including W-8BEN for Caribbean authors), and how to track income

19. Have you considered copyright protection and legal registration for your work in your Caribbean territory?

No — I didn't know I needed to I know copyright exists but haven't taken any formal steps I've researched it and understand my rights as the author I've formally registered copyright in my territory and/or consulted a Caribbean publishing or IP attorney

20. Have you considered liability — e.g. disclaimers, permissions for quotes, real-person references?

No — I haven't considered this at all I've thought about it vaguely but taken no action I've addressed obvious issues (disclaimer, avoiding real names) informally I've formally cleared permissions, added disclaimers, and reviewed for liability

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Your full readiness score across all 5 phases

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Overall Readiness Score

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Your Personalised Action Plan

Prioritised steps based on your answers — focus on high-priority items first.

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Caribbean Publishing Support

Need help bringing your book to life?

Murray Publishing & Professional Services Limited supports Caribbean authors through every stage — editing, cover design, formatting, and publishing strategy.

Visit mppslimited.com →

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Are You Ready to
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