Author Upload Guide

Prepare first — checklist before uploading

• ✅ Master PDF file — clean, fonts embedded, not encrypted/password-protected, max 50 MB
• ✅ Cover image — JPG/PNG/WebP, max 5 MB, 3:4 aspect ratio (e.g. 600×800 or 900×1200 px)
• ✅ Book title — final, clear, representative of the content
• ✅ Description — 200–800 characters ideal, explaining who the book is for and what it covers
• ✅ Table of contents — optional but highly recommended for buyers
• ✅ Category & tags — minimum 1 category, 3-5 relevant tags
• ✅ Price — between $1.00–$99.99
• ✅ Author account verified by admin (if not yet, wait 1-2 days after registering)

PDF file specifications

• Format: PDF (Portable Document Format) version 1.4 or later
• Size: max 50 MB
• Page count: no minimum/maximum, but 100–300 pages is optimal for readers
• Fonts: must be embedded in the PDF — in Word: Save As → Tools → Save Options → "Embed fonts"
• Not allowed: encrypted, password-protected, or using other DRM (our watermark system handles protection)
• Image resolution in PDF: 150-300 DPI is sufficient. Higher only wastes file size.
• Test before uploading: open in Adobe Reader or Chrome — must display correctly from first to last page

Cover image specifications

• Aspect ratio: 3:4 (portrait) — examples: 600×800, 900×1200, 1200×1600 px
• Format: JPG (recommended), PNG, or WebP. Max 5 MB.
• Cover content: book title clearly readable, author name (optional but helpful), attractive & representative visual
• Avoid:
  • Generic stock photos without proper licensing → may result in copyright issues
  • Images from the internet without attribution/permission
  • Covers that are too busy / text not readable in small thumbnails
• Recommended free tools for creating covers: Canva (use "Book Cover" template), Figma, GIMP, Photopea

How to write a compelling description

A structure that works for readers:

1. One-sentence hook — what problem/goal the book addresses
2. Who it's for — specific target reader (beginner? student? professional?)
3. What they'll get — 3–5 concrete takeaways
4. Proof / credibility — author experience/portfolio (optional)
5. Light call to action — "Click preview to see the first pages"

Avoid: exaggerated claims ("guaranteed to make you rich"), copy-paste from another book's blurb, descriptions too short (< 50 words) or too long (> 1000 words).

Pricing strategy

• Check competitors: open the same category, see the price range for similar books
• Rule of thumb:
  • Short tutorial / short ebook (50-100 pages): $2–$6
  • Mid-length book (100-200 pages): $6–$12
  • Comprehensive / reference book (200+ pages): $12–$25
  • Niche premium / exclusive case study: $25–$60
• Testing tip: launch with an "intro" price 25-50% lower for 2-4 weeks to build momentum with reviews/sales count. Then raise to normal price.
• Don't price too low — prices under $2 are often perceived as low quality, unless it's a very short ebook (<50 pages).

Step-by-step upload

1. Log in to your author account (dashboard at /author/dashboard)
2. Click + Upload Book in the dashboard header or My Books page
3. Fill in the form: title → category → price → description → table of contents (optional) → tags
4. Upload your cover (image) and master PDF file
5. Check AI Disclosure if you used AI in creating the book
6. Check Agreement (original content / you have the right to sell)
7. Click Submit for Moderation
8. Status changes to "Review" — admin will check within 1-2 business days
9. You will receive an email notification when approved (book goes live) or rejected (with a reason)

Common rejection reasons (and how to avoid them)

• "Invalid PDF file / encrypted" → unprotect the PDF first (Acrobat → File → Properties → Security)
• "Cover contains images with unclear licensing" → use self-made images, or Unsplash/Pexels (free) with proper attribution
• "Description too short/copy-paste" → write original description of at least 200 characters
• "Suspected plagiarism/piracy" → ensure you are the owner of the work, not copying from other sources without permission
• "Price out of range" → set in the $1.00–$99.99 range
• "Cover doesn't show book title" → title must be readable in small thumbnail (test at 200×267 px)

After going live — tips to increase sales

• Share your link: share your book URL (e.g. bookshelfcorner.com/books/your-book-title) to your audience (Instagram, Twitter, blog, newsletter)
• Be active in categories: upload a 2nd, 3rd book in the same category to build authority
• Update description: if you get feedback from early buyers, refine the description/title to be more on-target
• Strong preview: make sure the first 5 pages of your book are the strongest — those are used for the free preview
• Free content as a funnel: write related articles/social posts, add a link "Full version on bookshelfcorner.com"
• Natural bundling: if you have 3+ books on the same topic, hint at it in the description ("Also see my book on ...")

Editing / archiving books after going live

• Edit: dashboard → My Books → Edit. For substantial changes (new PDF file, title, price), the book goes back into review.
• Archive: click Archive in the My Books table. The book no longer appears in the public catalog, but existing buyers can still download.
• Cannot permanently delete if there are existing buyers — can only archive. Buyers have access rights for the duration of the active download link.

Prohibited actions

• Uploading books that are not your work / without permission from the rights holder (see §Prohibited Content)
• Uploading the same book multiple times with different titles to manipulate SEO/categories
• Manipulating sales counts or reviews
• Circumventing the watermark system (e.g. uploading an empty PDF + sharing the real PDF outside the platform)

Violations = book removed, pending royalties cancelled, and if repeated/serious = account permanently suspended.

Have a specific question? Visit the Help Center or email bookshelfcornercom@gmail.com.