Uploading Your First Book

Before You Begin

Make sure you have:

• An EPUB file - Your finished ebook in EPUB format (max 100MB)
• A cover image - Recommended size 1600x2400px, max 10MB (JPG, PNG, or WebP)
• Book metadata - Title, author name, description ready to copy/paste
• Pricing decided - Know what you want to charge

Learn about supported file formats →

Step 1: Access Your Shelf

After signing in, you'll land on the Dashboard. Navigate to My Shelf in the sidebar.

Click the "Add to Shelf" button or "Add Your First Title" to begin.

Step 2: Choose Your Format

A modal will appear asking you to select the type of book you're publishing:

For this guide, we'll focus on eBook. Select "eBook" to continue.

Step 3: Fill in Basic Information

You'll now see the book creation form with 5 tabs across the top. You're starting on the Basic Info tab.

Required Fields:

• Title - Your book's title (exactly as it should appear on stores)
• Subtitle - Optional subtitle for additional context
• Author Name - The name that will appear on your book (can be a pen name)
• Description - Your book's blurb or description. Use the formatting toolbar to add:
  • Bold and italic text
  • Bullet points
  • Block quotes
  • Links (if needed)

Optional Fields:

• ISBN - If you have an ISBN, enter it here (optional - Shelf Indulgence can distribute without one)
• Language - Select your book's primary language from the dropdown
• Contributors - Add editors, illustrators, translators, etc. with their specific roles

Click the "Files" tab to continue.

Learn more about metadata best practices →

Step 4: Upload Your Files

The Files tab is where you upload your actual book file and cover image.

EPUB File Upload:

• Click the upload area or drag your EPUB file
• Format: .epub only (max 100MB)
• File should be properly formatted and validated

Cover Image Upload:

• Click the upload area or drag your cover image
• Recommended size: 1600x2400px (2:3 aspect ratio)
• Formats: JPG, PNG, WebP (max 10MB)
• Use high-resolution images for best quality

Click the "Classification" tab to continue.

Learn about EPUB requirements →

Learn about cover specifications →

Step 5: Set Classification (Categories & Keywords)

The Classification tab lets you categorize your book and add keywords to help readers discover it.

What You'll Set:

• Categories (BISAC codes) - Select the genres/categories that best describe your book
• Keywords - Add relevant search terms readers might use to find books like yours
• Age Range - If applicable, specify the appropriate age range

Click the "Distribution" tab to continue.

Step 6: Choose Distribution Channels

The Distribution tab lets you select which platforms and stores should sell your book.

Options Include:

• Major Retailers - Apple Books, Google Play, Kobo, Barnes & Noble
• Libraries - OverDrive
• Subscription Services - Kobo Plus, Storytel
• Regional Stores - Country-specific retailers
• Direct to Reader - Sell directly from your website

Click the "Pricing" tab to continue.

Learn about choosing distribution channels →

Step 7: Set Your Pricing

The final step is setting your book's price. Shelf Indulgence uses a three-tier pricing model to optimize revenue across different channels.

Three Pricing Tiers:

Currency Selection:

Choose one currency for all pricing. The platform will handle currency conversion for international sales automatically.

Learn about pricing strategies →

Understand our 10% of net profits model →

Step 8: Review & Publish

Once all tabs are completed, click the "Publish" button in the top right corner.

What Happens Next:

1. Validation - The system checks your files and metadata for errors
2. Distribution - Your book is sent to selected channels (24-72 hours)
3. Review - Each retailer reviews and approves your book (2-14 days depending on store)
4. Live - Your book appears in stores and becomes available for purchase!

Learn about publication timelines →

After Publishing

Track Your Book's Status:

• Return to My Shelf to see your book's publishing status
• Check the Dashboard for revenue updates
• Visit Sales & Analytics for detailed sales data

Making Updates:

You can update your book anytime:

• Metadata changes - Edit title, description, keywords (24-48 hours)
• Price changes - Adjust pricing (24-48 hours)
• Cover updates - Upload a new cover (2-5 days)
• Content updates - Upload a revised EPUB (3-7 days)

Learn how to update published books →