Quick Start with EBook Maestro STANDARD: From Manuscript to Marketplace
Overview
A concise, step-by-step walkthrough to take a manuscript through formatting, validation, and distribution using EBook Maestro STANDARD — focused on speed and reliable results for first-time and intermediate users.
1. Prepare your manuscript
- Format: Use a clean Word (.docx) file with consistent headings (H1/H2), paragraph styles, and a single font family.
- Clean up: Remove manual page breaks, extra tabs, and tracked changes; ensure images are high-resolution (300 DPI) and inline.
- Structure: Include front matter (title page, copyright), table of contents (use Word’s TOC styles), main body, and back matter (about the author, acknowledgments).
2. Set up a new project in EBook Maestro STANDARD
- Open the app and choose New Project → select output type (EPUB/MOBI).
- Import your .docx manuscript; the software will map Word styles to ebook elements automatically.
3. Apply styles and layout
- Headings: Confirm H1/H2 mapping to chapter and section headings.
- Paragraphs: Set body text style, first-line indents, and spacing.
- Images: Insert or verify inline images; set alt text for accessibility.
- Fonts: Embed allowed fonts for consistent display across devices.
4. Create and test navigation
- Generate an automatic table of contents from mapped headings.
- Add internal links (front/back matter, references) and test navigation in the preview pane.
5. Metadata, identifiers, and rights
- Fill in Title, Author, Publisher, ISBN/ASIN (if available), language, and publication date.
- Add keywords and categories for discoverability.
- Set DRM preferences if you plan to enable protection.
6. Validate and preview
- Run the built-in EPUB/MOBI validator; fix any errors (missing alt text, invalid CSS, broken links).
- Preview on multiple device presets (phone, tablet, e-reader) and export a sample file for external testing.
7. Export and package
- Choose export format(s): EPUB for most stores, MOBI/KF8 for legacy Kindle.
- Create distribution packages (ZIP) including cover, manuscript, metadata, and rights info.
8. Upload to marketplaces
- For each retailer (Amazon KDP, Apple Books, Kobo, etc.):
- Use platform-specific guidelines for cover size and metadata.
- Upload the exported file, cover image, and metadata.
- Set pricing, territories, and royalty options.
9. Final checks and publish
- Order a final proof (if available) and review on multiple devices.
- Publish and monitor sales/reporting dashboards for early issues.
Quick checklist
- Clean .docx manuscript
- Mapped styles and generated TOC
- Embedded fonts and optimized images
- Filled metadata and identifiers
- Passed validation and previews
- Exported correct formats and uploaded to stores
If you want, I can convert this into a printable checklist or provide store-specific upload steps (Amazon KDP, Apple Books, Kobo).
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