Uploading Your First Book

let's do this!

A complete walkthrough of publishing your ebook on Shelf Indulgence.

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 or PNG)
• 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, 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

Select the type of book you're publishing:

• eBook — EPUB format, distributed to digital platforms globally (cover: 1600x2400)
• Audiobook — Distribute audiobooks to listening platforms (cover: 3000x3000)
• Paperback — Print-ready paperback books (coming soon)

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

Step 3: Fill in Basic Information

You'll see the book creation form with 5 tabs. 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 with formatting toolbar (bold, italic, lists, quotes, links)

Optional Fields:

• ISBN — If you have one (optional, Shelf Indulgence can distribute without one)
• Language — Select your book's primary language
• Contributors — Add editors, illustrators, translators with specific roles

Learn more about metadata best practices

Step 4: Upload Your Files

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 (max 10MB)

EPUB requirements | Cover specifications

Step 5: Set Classification

• Categories (BISAC codes) — Select the genres/categories that best describe your book
• Keywords — Add relevant search terms (5-7 recommended)
• Age Range — If applicable

Step 6: Choose Distribution Channels

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

For maximum reach, we recommend selecting all available channels. Learn about choosing distribution channels

Step 7: Set Your Pricing

Shelf Indulgence uses a three-tier pricing model:

• Base Price — Standard retail pricing for general consumers
• Library Price — Required for OverDrive distribution (recommended: 2x base price)
• Direct to Reader — Price for readers who buy directly from your website

Learn about pricing strategies | Understand our 10% of net profits model

Step 8: Review & Publish

Once all tabs are completed, click the "Publish" button.

What Happens Next:

1. Validation — 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)
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:

• Metadata changes — 24-48 hours
• Price changes — 24-48 hours
• Cover updates — 2-5 days
• Content updates — 3-7 days

Learn how to update published books