I'm glad that I saw your video before I got my proof copy, because the cover looks a little blurry and I wouldn't have known that it's probably because it's a proof copy :D
Hey Viola! In my case that was the interior that looked a bit blurry. I don't think your cover should look blurry though. Maybe it's worth having a closer look ;)
It's important to note that the Proof copy does not go through KDP quality control check, ONLY the published book does. For example, my Proof copy had incorrect margins on all the left facing pages even though I used the KDP (glitchy) manuscript template. That was not caught by me unfortunately on the web Preview. So - even though the Proof copy is a good idea for other reasons, I felt like it was a waste of money to get the Proof copy since they are not reviewing it for formatting errors at all. I guess it's a good step if you don't mind spending the money.
Proof copies also don't use premium colours (even if you selected premium). They only use it on author copies and customer copies. I find proof copies worth it if I'm unsure of the sizing of the book. Because once you publish it you can't change the size or title.
Hello, I am just seeing this video. It is great! I love the way that you answered the questions that was ask. You are very notable. Thanks for willing to help us understand the process. Me reading the questions helped me with questions that i had. It has confirmed all of the questions that's i was wondering about! I Just ordered a proof copy of my cookbook. I can't wait for it to come in. Thanks for the information about a authors copy. THANK YOU!😃
Thanks you Estelle for answering my question . New question: If I get a proof copy, use KDP ISBN, but don't publish, could I use my own ISBN when I am actually ready to publish or does the KDP ISBN still pop up on that book title forever? Thanks, you are the best. E.
Hi Edgaria, A proof copy is a copy that isn't available for sale. As long as you don't hit the publish button, you can always delete the book from the KDP bookshelf/dashboard. So I guess you can do the switch. But to be honest, I don't see the purpose of getting a KDP ISBN if you intent on using yours. As I said, the proof copy isn't for sale and has never been intended for sale. Amazon only puts its own barcode to make sure you don't sell it afterwards. Amazon will remove its barcode and let your own ISBN be on the book once you hit the publish button. So I'd put my own ISBN right away if I were you. Hope that helps ;)
Do correct me if I comprehended it incorrectly but the difference between the Author copy and the unproof or uncorrected copy is that the author copy is the version of the book you get to buy on bookstores whereas the uncorrected copy are the versions where it's released to find some grammatical errors, binding issue, or to make the covers more extravagant
I just so happened to buy a book budnle of a book and the seller gave an uncorrected copy as an extra. There's no difference in the plot between the author copy and uncorrected copy right??
Hi Jay, exactly, there's no difference in the plot between the author copy and the proof copy. Just like you said, the author copy is the one you'll find on bookstore. And the proof copy is just there to finalise the book in its grammar, spelling, formatting, etc.
@@EstelleVandeVelde thank you for answering!! I just so happened to buy a bundle book then the seller gave me an uncorrected copy as an extra so that's why I ended up on this video
Thanks for your video. I was hoping you'd compare the differences between the proof copy and author copy on Amazon KDP regarding the quality of paper, print of both the text and images inside, and binding quality. My proof copy for my first book has poor quality of paper, light print of both the text and b&w images, and the binding is falling apart! So I'm wondering if the final product/author copy will be a much more improved product. I also wonder if the quality of b&w images are crisper when a b&w manuscript is uploaded as opposed to a color one that Amazon transfers into a b&w version. I'd love to watch a video by you about the above points. Thanks for asking!
Hi Debra, Oh that's a good point. I didn't think it was relevant because a proof copy isn't meant for sales. I do think an author copy should be of better quality than the proof copy. I'll see what I can do about a future video ;) Thanks for watching!
I have 2 questions. Will Amazon KDP give me a isbn number AND a bar code? And how can I put the isbn number on my copyright page when I haven’t uploaded to Amazon yet and they haven’t given me one yet? I suppose I correct the page after upload and then reupload?
Hi! Thank you for your comment ;) Unfortunately, I don't have the answers to your questions. I do know it's possible to get an ISBN from Amazon, but I can't answer the rest of your questions. I suggest you check their FAQ at kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help
Thank you so much for your video! Question, how did your author copies arrive in the mail? Were they in Amazon-branded packaging? I reached out to them to see if I could sell author copies on my website & they said yes, but I don't want to throw off customers if it arrives in random Amazon packaging 😕 Your input would really really help! 🙏 TIA!
As mentioned in the video, author copies are shipped to you without the “not for resale” band across the cover. You can perfectly sell them on your website, there won’t be any Amazon branded things on it 😉
Hey there!! I was wondering if it would be okay to print a fanfiction using this "proof copy" method. I wrote the fanfiction myself, mentioned both on the cover and in the inside of the book that it is a fanfiction, and am not going to sell the fanfiction. I would just really like a physical copy of the book I spent so long writing! Can I get in trouble for this even with the precautions? (Also, great video!)
Hi Milla, I think as long as you don’t press the publish button you’re fine. But if you’re not sure you can go to any printer and have one copy printed out for you I believe 😉 However, I’m no expert in fanfiction so you may want to gather more information on the topic.
Thanks 2logj :) It's not against KDP's rules to also publish through D2D. However, if you choose to enrol your ebook with Kindle Unlimited, then it's against the rules to have your ebook anywhere else. But that only concerns ebooks. There's no restrictions on paperbacks or hardcovers ;)
I'd say yes, indeed. Here's what Amazon says about author copies: "Author copies are prints of your "Live" paperback or hardcover that you've made available for sale on Amazon. Author copies don’t include unpublished (draft) changes you’ve made on KDP." 😉 If you'd like to sell physical copies at launch date, what you can do is publish your paperback, order your author copies and then unpublish it. That way, you don't mess up with launch date. Did I answer your question?
Hello, thanks for your informative video. I still have some questions, though: 1. Could I get a proof copy and later decide NOT to publish on KDP? What happens to my book then, does it stay on the KDP bookshelf forever? 2. Do I have to provide copyright information when applying for a proof copy? 3. You say KDP will provide an ISBN number for the proof copy and I can provide my OWN ISBN when I finally publish. How do I do that? Amend the proof and resubmit and then publish on KDP, if I am going to use them? 4. I am confused by the word "publisher". I understand as a self-publisher, I am the publisher, but is KDP the publisher when I publish my book through them? Will the real publisher please stand up! thanks you for your wonderfulness. E.
i learned a lot today. but now i am really concerned. i am creating a working book and ordered a proof copy because I am very concerned about how KDP handled shading of greys. If you state that the proof is not going to be representative of the actual printing then what should i do to handle this? BTW, thanks again for such a clear video, you are lovely.
Hi Steph :) thanks for your comment! A way around it could be to order an author copy (so publishing your working book) and then remove it from sales once you receive it. I know of a fellow authortuber who did it for his first book, to check the inside of the final product before the real publication date. But this technique depends on if you've got a large following or not, because people might be notified the book is out. So I'd suggest to still order a proof copy because even though the printing differs from the author copy, it does so very slightly. I think you could still see how they handle shading of greys. And if you still don't know, you could maybe ring up KDP's support service and simply ask them :) They're very reactive. Hope that helps!
Hi, thanks for this video! I got my proof copy yesterday and it didn't come with page numbers. I was wondering if the author copies/final product will include them? I didn't add them to my manuscript because I read that KDP adds page numbers when you submit it, or is that only for ebooks? Just wondering if I have to add them myself. Thanks again!
Hi! Congrats on finishing your book and getting ready for release :D I always include page numbers on the paperback file, I don't think Amazon does it for you if you don't. I do think it was only for ebook ;)
Why do I get a strange error when I try to order my author copy saying "Sorry, this item can't be shipped to your selected address. Learn more. You may either change the shipping address or delete the item from your order." Yet if I order a regular copy there is no problem?
@@EstelleVandeVelde LOL, Amazon and having actual people? They don't have a customer service anymore. MAYBE if I'm lucky after doing what they claim is customer service I'll get an automated email response, or if I'm REALLY lucky, and I get a person, it will be some random person from India who can't help at all. Thanks anyway.
Hi, thanks for watching. No, neither of them are free for the author. You can watch my other video where I talk about the cost of a proof copy and author copy for more information: th-cam.com/video/nV4JWbEnh-Y/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=EstelleVandeVelde
No, it is not, you've got to pay for the impression of the proof copy. For me it was something like 2 or 3 euros, but it of course depends on the number of pages your book has.
My unerstanding is that the proof copy costs the same as an author's copy - it is just the actual print cost of the book. You can find the price for you country in the Amazon KDP guide or search for KDP pricing.
Hi Paula, thanks for your interesting question! There is no option to return a proof copy once you ordered it from Amazon. But may I ask why would you want to return a proof copy? It’s purpose is to proof your book before its final version, so there will be errors in it.
Hope you learned a little something today 😉 Don't forget to subscribe to support this channel!
Mam please reply is proof copy free
@@sailajapeddakotla8248 Check your other comment, the answer's there ;)
Your helping a lot! Subscribed!
Glad I could help!
I'm glad that I saw your video before I got my proof copy, because the cover looks a little blurry and I wouldn't have known that it's probably because it's a proof copy :D
Hey Viola! In my case that was the interior that looked a bit blurry. I don't think your cover should look blurry though. Maybe it's worth having a closer look ;)
@@EstelleVandeVelde ok thank you :)
Exactly what I needed to know. Thanks!
My pleasure 😊
Good Information. keep it up
Thank you, I will 😄
Very clear knowledge on when and how to order Proof and/or Author copies of your book.
Thanks John
Thank you for your concise explanation. Great job. Blessings from Texas.
Thanks!
I do like the proof copies for checking mistakes and such, but the author copies are so pretty!
They are! I think that's because it doesn't come with the Not for Resale banner 😉
I LOVE YOU...NEEDED THIS VIDEO
Hahaha, glad it was helpful 😊
I like your style of teaching. very clear. thanks.
Thanks!
Thank YOU!!!
My pleasure 😉
Excellent video! Thank you so much for sharing this. 😀🙌✨
My pleasure ;)
Thanks for the information, very helpful !
My pleasure 😊
It's important to note that the Proof copy does not go through KDP quality control check, ONLY the published book does. For example, my Proof copy had incorrect margins on all the left facing pages even though I used the KDP (glitchy) manuscript template. That was not caught by me unfortunately on the web Preview. So - even though the Proof copy is a good idea for other reasons, I felt like it was a waste of money to get the Proof copy since they are not reviewing it for formatting errors at all. I guess it's a good step if you don't mind spending the money.
Very important note indeed! Thank you for sharing your experience 😊
Proof copies also don't use premium colours (even if you selected premium). They only use it on author copies and customer copies. I find proof copies worth it if I'm unsure of the sizing of the book. Because once you publish it you can't change the size or title.
Hello, I am just seeing this video. It is great! I love the way that you answered the questions that was ask. You are very notable. Thanks for willing to help us understand the process. Me reading the questions helped me with questions that i had. It has confirmed all of the questions that's i was wondering about! I Just ordered a proof copy of my cookbook. I can't wait for it to come in. Thanks for the information about a authors copy. THANK YOU!😃
I’m glad it was helpful! Thank you for sharing your feedback ❤️ It made my day.
@@EstelleVandeVelde You are welcome. Sorry for the typos that was in the previous comment. 😤
Thanks you Estelle for answering my question
. New question: If I get a proof copy, use KDP ISBN, but don't publish, could I use my own ISBN when I am actually ready to publish or does the KDP ISBN still pop up on that book title forever? Thanks, you are the best. E.
Hi Edgaria,
A proof copy is a copy that isn't available for sale. As long as you don't hit the publish button, you can always delete the book from the KDP bookshelf/dashboard. So I guess you can do the switch. But to be honest, I don't see the purpose of getting a KDP ISBN if you intent on using yours. As I said, the proof copy isn't for sale and has never been intended for sale. Amazon only puts its own barcode to make sure you don't sell it afterwards. Amazon will remove its barcode and let your own ISBN be on the book once you hit the publish button. So I'd put my own ISBN right away if I were you.
Hope that helps ;)
Do correct me if I comprehended it incorrectly but the difference between the Author copy and the unproof or uncorrected copy is that the author copy is the version of the book you get to buy on bookstores whereas the uncorrected copy are the versions where it's released to find some grammatical errors, binding issue, or to make the covers more extravagant
I just so happened to buy a book budnle of a book and the seller gave an uncorrected copy as an extra. There's no difference in the plot between the author copy and uncorrected copy right??
Hi Jay, exactly, there's no difference in the plot between the author copy and the proof copy. Just like you said, the author copy is the one you'll find on bookstore. And the proof copy is just there to finalise the book in its grammar, spelling, formatting, etc.
@@EstelleVandeVelde thank you for answering!! I just so happened to buy a bundle book then the seller gave me an uncorrected copy as an extra so that's why I ended up on this video
No problem :) Hope it helped!
Thanks for your video. I was hoping you'd compare the differences between the proof copy and author copy on Amazon KDP regarding the quality of paper, print of both the text and images inside, and binding quality. My proof copy for my first book has poor quality of paper, light print of both the text and b&w images, and the binding is falling apart! So I'm wondering if the final product/author copy will be a much more improved product. I also wonder if the quality of b&w images are crisper when a b&w manuscript is uploaded as opposed to a color one that Amazon transfers into a b&w version. I'd love to watch a video by you about the above points. Thanks for asking!
Hi Debra,
Oh that's a good point. I didn't think it was relevant because a proof copy isn't meant for sales. I do think an author copy should be of better quality than the proof copy. I'll see what I can do about a future video ;) Thanks for watching!
Great book. Really loved it.
Thank you Christof!
Thank you this was very helpful 🙏🏾
Glad it was helpful! :)
thank you !! very helpful !
Glad it helped! ;)
I have 2 questions. Will Amazon KDP give me a isbn number AND a bar code? And how can I put the isbn number on my copyright page when I haven’t uploaded to Amazon yet and they haven’t given me one yet? I suppose I correct the page after upload and then reupload?
Hi! Thank you for your comment ;)
Unfortunately, I don't have the answers to your questions. I do know it's possible to get an ISBN from Amazon, but I can't answer the rest of your questions. I suggest you check their FAQ at kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help
Thank you for sharing!
My pleasure! :)
Thank you for the info!
My pleasure ;)
What is the procedure to print first copy
I think you’ll find the answer in the video 😉
Thank you so much for your video! Question, how did your author copies arrive in the mail? Were they in Amazon-branded packaging? I reached out to them to see if I could sell author copies on my website & they said yes, but I don't want to throw off customers if it arrives in random Amazon packaging 😕 Your input would really really help! 🙏 TIA!
As mentioned in the video, author copies are shipped to you without the “not for resale” band across the cover. You can perfectly sell them on your website, there won’t be any Amazon branded things on it 😉
@@EstelleVandeVelde Yes thank you! My question is about the packaging, like did they come in Amazon branded shipping packaging?
If you order the book through Amazon, yes it will come in a branded Amazon packaging.
Hey there!! I was wondering if it would be okay to print a fanfiction using this "proof copy" method. I wrote the fanfiction myself, mentioned both on the cover and in the inside of the book that it is a fanfiction, and am not going to sell the fanfiction. I would just really like a physical copy of the book I spent so long writing! Can I get in trouble for this even with the precautions?
(Also, great video!)
Hi Milla, I think as long as you don’t press the publish button you’re fine. But if you’re not sure you can go to any printer and have one copy printed out for you I believe 😉 However, I’m no expert in fanfiction so you may want to gather more information on the topic.
Oooo okay, I will definitley give it a go! Yay, I'm excited about that! (PS: thanks for responding, and so quickly as well! I've subbed 😊).
My pleasure 😉
Very useful.one question. If you publish in kdp and then also publish in D2D will it be against the rules of kdp?please can you do a vedio on this
Thanks 2logj :)
It's not against KDP's rules to also publish through D2D. However, if you choose to enrol your ebook with Kindle Unlimited, then it's against the rules to have your ebook anywhere else. But that only concerns ebooks. There's no restrictions on paperbacks or hardcovers ;)
So the amazon release date (going live), cant be the same as the book launch event date if you want to sell physical copies at the event?
I'd say yes, indeed.
Here's what Amazon says about author copies: "Author copies are prints of your "Live" paperback or hardcover that you've made available for sale on Amazon. Author copies don’t include unpublished (draft) changes you’ve made on KDP." 😉
If you'd like to sell physical copies at launch date, what you can do is publish your paperback, order your author copies and then unpublish it. That way, you don't mess up with launch date.
Did I answer your question?
@@EstelleVandeVelde yes thank you
Hello, thanks for your informative video. I still have some questions, though:
1. Could I get a proof copy and later decide NOT to publish on KDP? What happens to my book then, does it stay on the KDP bookshelf forever?
2. Do I have to provide copyright information when applying for a proof copy?
3. You say KDP will provide an ISBN number for the proof copy and I can provide my OWN ISBN when I finally publish. How do I do that? Amend the proof and resubmit and then publish on KDP, if I am going to use them?
4. I am confused by the word "publisher". I understand as a self-publisher, I am the publisher, but is KDP the publisher when I publish my book through them? Will the real publisher please stand up!
thanks you for your wonderfulness.
E.
Hi Edgaria! Thanks for your comment
Do l need to pay for proof copy ?
Hi! Yes, you do. I'd suggest you to watch another video I created for more info: th-cam.com/video/nV4JWbEnh-Y/w-d-xo.html 😉
Thank you!
My pleasure :)
Very pretty cover. Who designed it?
Thank you! The designer is Asya Blue. You can find her at asyablue.com/ or through Reedsy
Goede video, dankjewel
Thank you for watching ;)
@@EstelleVandeVelde Graag gedaan! Ik heb net mijn boek gepubliceerd, mocht je interesse hebben: Imaginary Adventures: Amy and the Enchanted Journey
Gonna check it out, thank you for sharing ;)
@@EstelleVandeVelde Graag gedaan. Ik hoop dat je het boek leuk gaat vinden!
i learned a lot today. but now i am really concerned. i am creating a working book and ordered a proof copy because I am very concerned about how KDP handled shading of greys. If you state that the proof is not going to be representative of the actual printing then what should i do to handle this? BTW, thanks again for such a clear video, you are lovely.
Hi Steph :) thanks for your comment!
A way around it could be to order an author copy (so publishing your working book) and then remove it from sales once you receive it. I know of a fellow authortuber who did it for his first book, to check the inside of the final product before the real publication date. But this technique depends on if you've got a large following or not, because people might be notified the book is out.
So I'd suggest to still order a proof copy because even though the printing differs from the author copy, it does so very slightly. I think you could still see how they handle shading of greys.
And if you still don't know, you could maybe ring up KDP's support service and simply ask them :) They're very reactive.
Hope that helps!
thank you ma'am...
My pleasure ;)
Hi, thanks for this video! I got my proof copy yesterday and it didn't come with page numbers. I was wondering if the author copies/final product will include them? I didn't add them to my manuscript because I read that KDP adds page numbers when you submit it, or is that only for ebooks? Just wondering if I have to add them myself. Thanks again!
Hi! Congrats on finishing your book and getting ready for release :D
I always include page numbers on the paperback file, I don't think Amazon does it for you if you don't. I do think it was only for ebook ;)
@@EstelleVandeVelde thank you!! I've added them and will see how it looks now!
No problem ;) Also, before ordering your proof copy, you should be able to check if everything looks ok in the preview.
Is they a cost for the proof copy
Hi! Yes, there is. I made a video about it here: th-cam.com/video/nV4JWbEnh-Y/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=EstelleVandeVelde 😉
Why do I get a strange error when I try to order my author copy saying "Sorry, this item can't be shipped to your selected address. Learn more. You may either change the shipping address or delete the item from your order." Yet if I order a regular copy there is no problem?
Hey, thanks for your comment :)
I don’t have the answer to your question, though. I’d suggest you contact KDP customer service ;)
@@EstelleVandeVelde LOL, Amazon and having actual people? They don't have a customer service anymore. MAYBE if I'm lucky after doing what they claim is customer service I'll get an automated email response, or if I'm REALLY lucky, and I get a person, it will be some random person from India who can't help at all. Thanks anyway.
Hi... How many author copies i can order? Say 50...100??
As many as you want
Good video
Thanks! Hope you'll like the others too ;)
Question:
Are proof copy's free for the author
Or
are author copys free for the author?
Please answer
Hi, thanks for watching. No, neither of them are free for the author. You can watch my other video where I talk about the cost of a proof copy and author copy for more information: th-cam.com/video/nV4JWbEnh-Y/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=EstelleVandeVelde
Is proof copy free ?
No, it is not, you've got to pay for the impression of the proof copy. For me it was something like 2 or 3 euros, but it of course depends on the number of pages your book has.
My unerstanding is that the proof copy costs the same as an author's copy - it is just the actual print cost of the book. You can find the price for you country in the Amazon KDP guide or search for KDP pricing.
Yes, exactly 😉
Can you return the proof copy ?
Hi Paula, thanks for your interesting question! There is no option to return a proof copy once you ordered it from Amazon. But may I ask why would you want to return a proof copy? It’s purpose is to proof your book before its final version, so there will be errors in it.
Nyc info. 👍 New JK Rowling😊💯
Haha, I wish I had half her success. Glad this video helped 😉
@@EstelleVandeVelde Plz Dm wants to talk with you regarding books publishments and business
You can message me on any platform you want ;) You'll find all the contact details at vdvestelle.com
I don’t get it really.
Sorry to read that. What don't you get exactly? Maybe I can help :)
Very clearly and charmingly explained. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful! 😄