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General FAQs

Find answers to frequently asked publishing questions

landon.mccaig avatar
Written by landon.mccaig
Updated this week

Account & Access Issues


How do I access my Publishing Accelerator dashboard?

Steps to access:

  1. Look for the product labeled "Publishing Accelerator"

  2. Click "Access" next to it

This should provide immediate access without issues.

How do I access the 7 Day Profit Challenge?

Steps to access:

  1. Log in to your Library at: http://aia.publishing.com/library

  2. Select "7 Day Profit Challenge" to get started

How do I find my login details?

Solution steps:

  1. Check your welcome email received when you signed up

  2. Search your spam folder for emails from Publishing.com

  3. Search your inbox for "Publishing.com" emails

If you still cannot locate your login details, contact support.

How do I change my password for AIA access?

Steps to change password:

  1. Go to the top left of the AIA dashboard

  2. Click "Programs" link

  3. Click your profile picture/avatar on the top right

  4. Select "Profile Settings"

  5. Change your password from this menu

I thought I registered for AIA but didn't receive a login email. What should I do?

Troubleshooting steps:

  1. Check your junk mail/spam folder

  2. Verify your email address was entered correctly during registration

  3. If issue persists, contact support for account assistance

How can I update my email address and ensure meeting information goes to my new email?

Steps to update email:

  1. Go to your account settings

  2. Edit your contact information

  3. Update your email address

  4. Meeting information will automatically be sent to the new address


Publishing Requirements & Guidelines


Are ebook and paperback versions meant to have the same ASIN number?

Answer: No. Each format has different identifiers:

  • Ebooks: Use ASIN numbers

  • Paperbacks: Use ISBN numbers

This is the expected and correct format.

Do I need an ISBN to publish my book?

Requirements:

  • ISBN is required for publishing on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

  • Amazon provides free ISBN option (works for Amazon platform only)

  • Obtain your own ISBN if planning to sell across multiple platforms

  • For 30k-word books: ISBN helps facilitate sales and distribution on other platforms

Do I need to copyright my book?

Copyright information:

  • Yes, you can register copyright before publishing

  • Copyright page protects your book from theft during registration

  • Reedsy provides copyright page template for 7DPC

  • AIA members: Find copyright page template in Module 4

Do I need an Amazon Business account to retrieve ASIN numbers?

Answer: No, you do not need an Amazon Business account.

Alternative solution:

  • Use DS Amazon Quickview (free Google Chrome extension)

  • Shows best-seller rankings and book ASINs at a glance

  • Refer to Module 2's Essential Research Tools lesson for detailed instructions

How does sales tax work with Amazon KDP for US book sales?

Tax handling:

  • Amazon KDP typically handles collection and remittance of sales tax

  • Tax laws vary by state and subject to change

  • Recommendation: Consult a tax professional or state Department of Revenue

  • Get tailored advice for sole proprietorship and state-specific obligations


Publishing.ai Software


Can I use Publishing.ai software to create my next book?

Answer: Yes, you can use Publishing.ai for future books.

Features:

  • Seamless and easy-to-use tool

  • Step-by-step guide for creating high-quality manuscripts

  • Comprehensive book content creation support

Does Publishing.ai manuscript save changes automatically?

Save functionality:

  • Yes, there is autosave but it's not immediate

  • Manual backup recommended: Copy and paste work into Google Doc

  • Especially important if working all day and stepping away

  • Team is improving save times and considering manual save button

How much is the price of a manuscript credit now?

Current pricing:

Has the writing style selection option changed in Publishing.ai?

Recent changes:

  • Previous: Writing style selection at outline step

  • Current: Writing style selection at writing sample step

  • You can still select writing style during the writing sample phase

How are references handled in Publishing.ai outline stage?

Reference handling changes:

  • References no longer included in outlines

  • Reference page attached to full manuscript only

  • Benefits of change:

  • Streamlined writing process

  • Enhanced content quality

  • Reduced risk of errors

  • More efficient process

  • Better focus on content articulation

I'm having trouble launching Publishing.ai software - it keeps showing signup page

Troubleshooting:

How can I request a manuscript re-write from Publishing.ai?

Request process:

  1. Gather specific details about discrepancies between outlined requirements and delivered content

  2. Provide the section in your outline where you requested specific content

  3. Highlight corresponding sections in manuscript where elements are missing/insufficient

  4. Submit detailed feedback to help improve the process


7-Day Publishing Challenge (7DPC)


Is the 7 Day Publishing Challenge free?

Answer: Yes, the 7DPC is completely free to join and complete.

Is Publishing.ai software included in 7DPC?

Software access:

  • Publishing.ai is NOT included in 7DPC

  • Requires active AIA student status to access Publishing.ai

  • Available AI tools in 7DPC:

  • Dall-E

  • Midjourney

  • Follow Days 1-7 lessons and attend live sessions for maximum benefit

How do I choose a topic for my 7DPC book?

Topic selection guidelines:

  • Use 5-minute activity from Day Two of the challenge

  • Choose something you're passionate about (interests or hobbies)

  • No right or wrong answers for topic selection

  • Avoid trademarked content:

  • Brands

  • People

  • Movies

  • Must align with Amazon's publishing guidelines

  • Follow the lesson steps provided

How do I set up Canva and Reedsy for 7DPC?

Setup information:

  • Detailed setup instructions provided on Day 2 of 7DPC

  • Includes:

  • Step-by-step instructions

  • Direct links

  • Cover templates in PDF cheat sheet

  • Canva usage: Creating and designing book covers

  • Reedsy usage: Formatting book text

  • Access: Login to 7DPC dashboard at https://aia.publishing.com/library and navigate to Day 2

How can I access the 7-day challenge if it's not in my account?

Access solutions:

  • Ask the person who invited you to share resources and 7DPC material

  • Use someone else's account (like your partner's) if preferred

  • Ensure compliance with terms of service

  • Challenge benefits:

  • Gain publishing experience

  • Complete at your own pace

How do I upload my PDF on Day Six when file is bigger than 10MB?

Solution for large files:

  1. Complete the progress form and proceed to next day

  2. Create new Google Doc stating "I have completed my manuscript"

  3. Download as PDF and upload to Day 6 progress form

  4. This counts as valid submission

I don't know how to write - can I start my 7DPC book now?

Answer: Yes, you can start writing now.

Support provided:

  • Writing instruction provided during Days 3-5 of the challenge

  • No prior writing experience required

  • Complete guidance included in the program


Book Creation & Writing


Can I publish a book if I'm under 18?

Answer: Yes, you can publish if under 18.

Requirements:

  • Parent or guardian assistance needed for:

  • Contracts and agreements

  • Setting up accounts (including KDP)

  • Managing financial transactions

How can I create an outline for my book using AI?

Process:

  1. Use AI prompts to generate initial outline

  2. Edit in detail to fit your specific story and insights

  3. Combine AI-generated content with your own knowledge and experience

How can I self-publish successfully without being an expert?

Success strategies:

  • You don't need to be a subject expert

  • Work with ghostwriters to build your book

  • Publisher responsibilities:

  • Research

  • Build book outline

  • Conduct customer research

  • Perform copyright and trademark checks

  • Publishing.ai tool helps with:

  • Book outline creation

  • Customer research

  • Book manuscript creation

  • Course teaches extensively how to navigate all steps

How do I choose the best topic for my project?

Evaluation criteria:

  • Topic uniqueness

  • Popularity level

  • Potential for future related books/projects

  • Research different variations

  • Check competition level

How do I decide on a topic and improve book titles/subtitles?

Topic decision process:

  1. Review results for the topic

  2. Analyze titles and subtitles

  3. Ensure topics are consistent and speak to same audience

  4. Get inspiration from Best Sellers list

  5. Use KDspy to look at other books

  6. Experiment with different search terms and word order

Title/subtitle improvement:

  • Include 2-5 related keywords

  • Include 3 benefits

  • Use appealing word choice

  • Include promises in subtitle

  • Reflect desired outcomes readers want to achieve

How can I create an effective book title for basketball stories for kids?

Title creation guidelines:

  1. Identify primary audience (parents or kids)

  2. Align language and focus with target audience

  3. Use simpler, direct language for younger audience

  4. Emphasize story benefits:

  • Encourage confidence

  • Promote teamwork

  • Build perseverance

5. Create appealing and reflective title of content and tone

Do I need to format my book outline before hiring a ghostwriter?

Formatting requirements:

  • Not necessary to format outline before hiring ghostwriter

  • Good practice: Ask for consultations or share outline for feedback

  • No payment to Publishing.ai required if choosing ghostwriter option

  • Publishing.ai software intended for those who don't want to hire ghostwriters

  • Ghostwriter hiring is optional - decide based on:

  • Personal preferences

  • Budget

  • Writing abilities

Should I correct informal pronouns like "you" in my book?

Answer: Completely up to the author.

Considerations:

  • If informal pronouns make sense for your audience, keep them

  • Consider tone that engages most with target audience

  • Base decision on:

  • Topic

  • Niche

  • Target audience research

Is it okay to use passive phrasing in ghostwriter-written books?

Answer: Yes, any style that engages your target audience.

Decision factors:

  • Consider tone of voice that makes most sense for:

  • Topic

  • Niche

  • Target audience

  • Base on your research findings

What are the character limits for book titles and subtitles?

Character limits:

  • Maximum combined: 200 characters

  • Ideal range: 120-180 characters

Revision strategies:

  • Focus on concise, engaging title that captures book essence

  • Remove or shorten non-essential phrases

  • Combine related ideas to save space

  • Balance information with conciseness

  • Appeal to target audience


Marketing & Promotion


How can I promote my book and get more reviews?

Promotion strategies:

  • Start by getting initial reviews on your book

  • Run advertising campaigns

  • Promote on social media platforms (especially Facebook)

  • Begin Facebook review process

  • Boost book sales through reviews and ads combination

How can I create a 3D mock-up of my book for promotion?

Resource: Team-created video tutorial available at:

Can you give me examples of books sold on Amazon using your system?

Available examples:

What does "allowed to run Amazon Ads for this topic" mean?

Amazon advertising:

  • Amazon allows advertising for wide range of book topics

  • Restrictions based on Amazon's advertising guidelines

  • Guidelines ensure positive and appropriate advertising environment

  • Review Amazon's Book Advertising Guidelines for detailed information on:

  • Ad content requirements

  • Creative requirements

How can I update my book description and avoid Amazon issues?

Update book description steps:

  1. Go to KDP dashboard

  2. Click three dots

  3. Choose "Edit book details"

  4. Delete previous description

  5. Add new description

  6. Publish again

Avoid Amazon blocks:

  • Be cautious with review platforms

  • Some platforms have negative reputation and can cause book blocking

  • Avoid platforms with history of causing Amazon issues

Why can't my reviewer leave a review on Amazon?

Common reasons:

  • Amazon minimum spend requirement: $50 USD on physical products (not ebooks) in last 6 months

  • Account must be in good standing

  • Amazon reserves right to cancel/suspend reviewer accounts

  • This is outside your control and not related to AIA

  • Solution: Continue getting more reviewers and keep moving forward


Technical Support & Troubleshooting


How do I get help with technical issues or account problems?

Contact options:

  • Live chat: Blue chat widget in bottom right corner of Publishing.com site

I cannot access my KDSpy account and password reset isn't working

Troubleshooting steps:

  1. Reset password using "Forgot Password" link on login page

  2. Check all email folders (including spam and promotions) for reset email

  3. Follow instructions in password reset email

  4. If still unable to access: Contact KDSpy support team at https://www.kdspy.com/help/

Is it common to receive wrong username/password error with KD Spy extension?

Error resolution:

  • This error is not common

  • Try these solutions:

  1. Uninstall Chrome extension and reinstall

  2. Check signup email for correct login credentials

  3. Log out of extension

  4. Close browser tab

  5. Clear cookie cache

  6. Open new browser

  7. Log back into extension

How can I sort reviews and sales in KDSPY?

Sorting instructions:

  • Click on "reviews" column to sort

  • Use tool in incognito mode for best results

Is it normal to see "request access" when copying Google Docs to book tracker?

Issue resolution:

  • Problem occurs when Google Doc link is from someone else's document

  • Solution:

  1. Take screenshot of content

  2. Create new Google Doc in your own Google Drive

  3. Make document shareable to "anyone with the link"

  4. Add to book tracker

How can I share a Google document and fix PDF upload errors to KDP?

Google document sharing:

  1. Go to share button in Google document

  2. Change permissions from "restricted" to "anyone with the link"

Replace PDF with DOCX on KDP:

  • KDP only accepts PDF for print books

  • Download Word/Google doc as PDF then upload to KDP

Fix PDF upload errors:

  • Find freelancer on Fiverr to help with formatting issues

How can I use Kindlepreneur to upload my book description?

Instructions location:

Troubleshooting Kindlepreneur issues:

  1. Refresh browser

  2. Check internet connection and WiFi

  3. Use different browser (Edge, Chrome, Firefox, Safari)

  4. Clear cookies and cache

  5. Restart device


Pricing & Payment Options


Do you have a payment plan?

Answer: Yes, payment plans are available.

Can I split AIA payment between multiple cards?

Payment options:

  • Cannot split payment between multiple cards

  • Available alternative: "Buy Now Pay Later" options

  • Allows payment splitting across multiple months

How can I enroll without money to pay, and what free resources are available?

Financing option:

Free resources while waiting:

How can I enroll when ready to join?

Enrollment options:


Course Structure & Support


How long does it take to go through the course?

Course structure:

  • 7 modules total

  • Designed to be executed while watching

  • 40+ hours of video training

How can I continue my course?

Steps to continue:

  1. Log in to course library at aia.publishing.com

  2. Access course dashboard

  3. Start with Module 1

  4. Go through video lessons at your own pace

  5. Participate in live Q&A calls (5 times per week)

  6. Register for calls and submit questions through dashboard

  7. Access recordings under "Resources & Recordings"

Additional support:

How can I access daily Zoom calls?

Access steps:

  1. Login to AIA dashboard: http://aia.publishing.com/

  2. Find "Live weekly Q & A calls" on right side

  3. Select "Click here to register"

  4. Register for all five calls (Monday/Wednesday/Friday)

  5. Receive email reminders 24 hours and 1 hour before calls

  6. Click "Click here to join" in reminder emails at call time

Direct access links if needed:

How can I get started with AIA library, Q&A calls, and Facebook group?

AIA library setup:

  1. Log in at: aia.publishing.com

  2. Access course dashboard

  3. Watch welcome video

  4. Begin with Module 1

  5. Progress through video lessons at own pace

Live Q&A calls:

  • Register via: "Click here to register" on dashboard

  • Submit questions: "Ask it here" option

  • Frequency: 5 times per week

  • Recordings available under "Resources & Recordings"

Facebook group:

How can I access training courses and continue from where I left off?

Training access:

Is there an app for Publishing Accelerator and AI Publishing Academy?

App availability:

  • Yes, app is available

  • Platform: Courses hosted on Kajabi

  • Download: Search "Kajabi" in App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android)

Direct download links:

  • iOS: Available in App Store

  • Android: Available in Google Play Store

Do you have an affiliate program?

Answer: No, affiliate program is currently closed until further notice.


Additional Information


What are the content liability risks and publishing guidelines?

Content guidelines:

  • Course teaches non-fiction book publishing

  • Never encourages morally or ethically questionable content

  • Amazon has strict publishing guidelines and reviews all manuscripts

  • Books published with your real name or pen name

  • Company name listing not required if creating LLC

How can I protect against copyright issues with AI-generated content?

Copyright protection:

  • Course includes lessons on manuscript copyright registration

  • Protection applies after adding your edits to AI-generated work

  • Makes content human-created for copyright purposes

  • Plagiarism check lessons included to prevent issues

  • All necessary tools and resources provided throughout process

How do I properly cite and attribute ChatGPT in my book?

Citation guidelines:

  • Ask ChatGPT how to cite itself for specific attribution format

  • Acceptable to cite sources that informed your subject matter (even if not directly used)

  • For numerous ChatGPT prompts: Use citation guide from Scribbr

  • Guide helps with proper attribution of ChatGPT contributions

What are additional costs for digital books and audiobooks?

Additional costs:

  • Cover creation

  • Narration costs (for audiobooks)

  • Other required processes

Cost-saving options:

  • Use ghostwriters or write books yourself

  • Range of service providers (lower-end to higher-end options)

  • Costs depend on specific budget

Additional features:

  • Can publish in languages other than English

  • Video-based curriculum throughout course

  • Multiple coaches and live Q&As included

  • Support team included in package

How can I incorporate a published book into your program?

Program focus:

  • Designed for creating new books from scratch

  • Walks through every step of publishing process

  • Includes marketing and review gathering

  • Covers advertising lessons and marketing strategies

  • Teaches passive income generation from books

How long does manuscript formatting take through Publishing Services?

Turnaround time:

  • Formatting Only Package: Typically 5 business days

Is it possible to work on 2 books simultaneously?

Recommendation:

  • Focus on 1 book at a time to start

  • Launch first book and generate sufficient sales and reviews

  • Then proceed to 2nd book and subsequent books

  • Sequential approach recommended for beginners

Is there a specific way to name projects on The Urban Writers?

Project naming guidance:

  • Check Ghostwriting lesson for full details

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