Good Information Makes Better Decisions.

Tools worth keeping in your publishing folder

Create one folder per book with a predictable set of subfolders: manuscript, editing, artwork, production files, metadata, permissions, and promotion. This small organizational decision prevents the wrong cover or unapproved draft from being uploaded near launch.

A useful folder system for independent authors

Keeping book files organized is one of the simplest ways to prevent expensive revisions. Use an index file at the top of your project folder that lists the current approved manuscript, latest cover, publication date if known, and outstanding issues. Give images stable filenames so chapters refer to the correct artwork.

Create separate locations for manuscript revisions, editorial notes, licensed art, print files, digital exports, book descriptions, legal or permission records, retailer uploads, and promotional graphics. A shared naming convention is especially valuable when an author, editor, designer, and marketer all contribute to one project.

Finally, save final live retailer links and important account notes in a secure place controlled by the author. Do not include passwords or private identity data in the shared creative folder.