Enhanced DNA Publishing
3 min
Updated: Nov 18, 2023
Academy Content: Not an Academy Member? Click here to learn more about Enhanced DNA Publishing Academy and Your Road to AUTHORity. Already a Member and don't see the content? Click the login button at the top of the screen and login.
Before you launch your book for sale on Amazon, it's essential to ensure that it meets the highest standards of quality. One valuable step in this process is ordering a proof copy or advance review copy to thoroughly review and refine your work. In this blog post, we'll explore the importance of these copies and guide you through the process of obtaining them.
A proof copy is essentially a sneak peek of your book before it becomes available to the public. It allows you to scrutinize every aspect, from the cover to the content within, ensuring that it aligns with your vision and expectations.
Here's what you can review in a proof copy:
Cover Art: Check the front cover, spine, back blurb, and any author-related elements such as bio and photo. Does the cover capture the essence of your book and entice potential readers?
Formatting: Examine the layout, fonts, and formatting of your book. Ensure that it's visually appealing and easy to read.
Editing: Carefully go through the text to spot any typos, grammatical errors, or inconsistencies. This is your last chance to make necessary corrections.
Remember, a proof copy is not for sale and shouldn't be distributed to readers. It's purely for your review and quality assurance.
It's crucial to differentiate between proof copies and author copies. Copies bought directly from a website, like Amazon's KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing), are not meant for review purposes. They are standard copies available for purchase by readers. Proof copies, on the other hand, are labeled with a "Not for Resale" watermark and are specifically designed for your assessment.
Here are some distinctions between proof and author copies:
Watermark: Proof copies feature a "Not for Resale" watermark to prevent their distribution to readers.
ISBN and Barcode: Proof copies do not have an ISBN or barcode printed on the back cover, further indicating their non-saleable status.
Royalties: You won't receive any royalties for the purchase of a proof copy. These copies are solely for your use in the review process.
If you're using Amazon's KDP for self-publishing, ordering a proof copy is a straightforward process:
Access KDP Bookshelf: Log in to your KDP account and navigate to your Bookshelf.
Select Your Book: Find the paperback or hardcover book you want to order a proof copy for.
Request Printed Proofs: Click on the "Request Printed Proofs" option. You can order multiple proof copies if needed.
Follow the Instructions: Amazon will send you an email notification when your proof copy request is ready. You'll be able to add it to your cart and proceed with the order. Ensure you do this within the provided timeframe (usually 24 hours) because expired requests require resubmission.
Ordering a proof copy is an essential step in the self-publishing process. It grants you the opportunity to thoroughly review your work, ensuring that it meets industry, and your personal, quality standards before it reaches the hands of readers. Remember to take your time during the review process and make any necessary revisions.
By understanding the difference between proof and author copies and following the steps outlined by platforms like KDP, you can guarantee that your book is ready for publication. This attention to detail can result in a polished and professional final product that captivates your audience.