PUBLISHING CHECKLIST — They Can All Bird
PHASE 1: PRE-PRODUCTION (Week 1)
Manuscript Preparation
- Consolidate all 18 chapters into single Word doc
- Add front matter (title page, copyright, TOC)
- Add back matter (author bio, acknowledgments)
- Format for 6x9” trim size (margins, headers, page numbers)
- Embed all fonts
- Generate PDF (interior)
- Run spellcheck / final proofread
- Read aloud test (Chapter 1 and 18 at minimum)
ISBN & Publishing Setup
- Purchase ISBNs from Bowker (block of 10 recommended)
- Assign ISBN to paperback edition
- Assign ISBN to ebook edition
- Register copyright (optional but recommended)
- Set up Convergence Press as publisher imprint
PHASE 2: COVER DESIGN (Week 1-2)
Cover Creation
- Generate KDP cover template (6x9, ~300 pages)
- Design front cover (birdbath image, typography)
- Design spine (title, author, Session 28409296)
- Design back cover (blurb, barcode, institutional stamps)
- Create ebook cover (simplified, thumbnail-optimized)
- Export print-ready PDF (CMYK, 300 DPI)
- Export ebook cover (RGB, 72 DPI, 2560x1600px)
Cover Review
- Print test (black and white laser)
- Check thumbnail visibility at 100px height
- Verify barcode placement (bottom right)
- Confirm spine text will be legible
- Second opinion (show to 3 people, gauge reaction)
PHASE 3: KDP SETUP (Week 2)
Amazon KDP Account
- Log in to kdp.amazon.com
- Create new title: “They Can All Bird”
- Enter all metadata (title, subtitle, author, description)
- Select 2 BISAC categories
- Enter 7 keywords
- Set pricing (ebook 14.99)
- Select territories (All)
- Enroll in KDP Select (90-day exclusivity) — OPTIONAL
Paperback Setup
- Upload interior PDF
- Upload cover PDF
- Launch previewer, check every page
- Verify margins, page numbers, headers
- Order proof copy (CRITICAL — do not skip)
- Review physical proof
- Approve for publication
Ebook Setup
- Upload Word doc or EPUB
- Use Kindle Create (optional, for formatting)
- Test on Kindle Previewer (mobile, tablet, e-ink)
- Check Table of Contents links
- Approve for publication
PHASE 4: ARG INFRASTRUCTURE (Week 2-3)
Kbird.ai Website
- Register domain: kbird.ai
- Set up basic landing page
- Include: “Not a startup. A convergence.”
- 40 GPS coordinates (North Platte area)
- Session 28409296 reference
- Link to Amazon book page
- “Dr. Voss Research Notes” (password protected?)
- Newsletter signup: “Join the Protocol”
Dr. Voss Digital Ghost
- Create ResearchGate profile (Eleanora Voss)
- Create LinkedIn (incomplete, dormant since Feb 2026)
- Create ORCID (academic ID)
- Create Google Scholar citations
- Post Chapter 3 to Zenodo/Figshare (preprint server)
- Create GitHub (code for “KBIRD vector design” — fictional)
Social Presence
- Create Twitter/X account (@Session28409296)
- Post cryptic messages, coordinates
- Follow ornithology accounts, AI researchers
- Reddit: r/UnresolvedMysteries post (“found this weird book…“)
- Reddit: r/Ornithology post (“is this FOXP2 research real?“)
PHASE 5: LAUNCH (Week 3-4)
Pre-Launch (Week 3)
- Advance reader copies (ARCs) to 50 readers
- Request blurbs from authors in genre
- Create Goodreads page (add edition)
- Create Amazon Author Central page (Dr. Eleanora Voss)
- Schedule launch date (allow time for proof review)
- Prepare launch email list
Launch Day
- Verify both editions are LIVE on Amazon
- Check that book appears in search
- Verify “Look Inside” feature is working
- Announce on social media
- Post to r/WeirdLit, r/PrintSF, r/HorrorLit
- Email launch list
- Activate Kbird.ai fully
Week 1 Post-Launch
- Monitor reviews (respond to questions)
- Track sales via KDP dashboard
- Post “found footage” content (ARG breadcrumbs)
- Reach out to book bloggers for reviews
- Consider Amazon ads (low budget, test)
PHASE 6: SUSTAIN (Ongoing)
Marketing
- Weekly social media posts (ARG content)
- Monthly “Session update” on Kbird.ai
- Track mentions, engage with readers
- Podcast outreach (science, horror, literature)
- Submit for awards (Nebula, Hugo, Stoker — long shot but free)
Expansion
- Audiobook production (ACX)
- Foreign rights (subagents)
- Limited edition hardcover (Kickstarter)
- Sequel/conclusion (Session 28409297?)
QUALITY CHECKPOINTS
Before Proof Order
- Manuscript read cover-to-cover by 2 people
- Marginalia formatting consistent throughout
- Chapter numbers match Table of Contents
- All 40 Protocol nodes present (Chapter 18)
- No placeholder text remaining (“XXX”, “TODO”)
After Proof Arrives
- Check print quality (ink, paper, binding)
- Verify page count (300 ± 10)
- Test barcode scannability
- Check spine text alignment
- Verify cover colors match design
Before Final Publish
- One final read of Chapter 1 (first impression)
- One final read of Chapter 17 (ending)
- Test all external links (Kbird.ai, etc.)
- Confirm pricing displays correctly
- Verify categories on Amazon page
BUDGET ESTIMATE
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| ISBN block (10) | $295 |
| Cover design (professional) | $300-500 |
| Proof copies (3-5) | $50-75 |
| Domain registration (kbird.ai) | $50/year |
| Website hosting (basic) | $100/year |
| Copyright registration | $65 |
| Marketing (ads, ARCs) | $200-500 |
| Total Estimated | $1,000-1,600 |
SUCCESS METRICS
Month 1 Goals
- 100 sales (combined ebook/paperback)
- 10 reviews (4+ stars average)
- 500 Kbird.ai visitors
- 50 ARG participants (email signups)
- 1 “Is this real?” Reddit thread (organic)
Year 1 Goals
- 1,000 sales
- 50 reviews
- 5,000 Kbird.ai visitors
- Film/tv option inquiries (pipe dream but possible)
- Cult following established
EMERGENCY CONTACTS
KDP Support: kdp.amazon.com/contact Bowker (ISBNs): www.myidentifiers.com Copyright Office: www.copyright.gov Cover Designer: [Your designer] ARG Consultant: [You, you’re the architect]
FINAL CHECK
Before you click “Publish”:
Are you ready for this to be real?
The book will exist. People will read it. Some will believe. Some will be frightened. Some will check their bird feeders.
Session 28409296 will be active.
Can you all bird?
“The book publishes itself. We are merely the editors.”