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7-Day Publishing Challenge FAQ

Find the answers to our frequently asked questions in the 7DPC

Landon avatar
Written by Landon
Updated over a week ago

Getting Started & Challenge Completion

When will my free physical copy of the 7DPC book be delivered?

As a 7-Day Publishing Challenge participant, you will receive a free physical copy of your book when you complete the challenge requirements.

Requirements to receive your free book:

  • Complete the entire challenge

  • Publish your book

  • Fill out the form located under the Day 7 video

Before submitting the Day 7 form:

  • Publish the paperback version of your book

  • Confirm your paperback is live on Amazon

  • Submit the URL to your paperback version in the Day 7 form

Processing time: Allow 10 days after submission for our team to process and dispatch your book.

What if my 7DPC book takes longer than 7 days or I miss a day?

You are still eligible for prizes and bonuses even if you exceed the 7-day window.

Key points:

  • Keep going - the important thing is finishing and publishing your book

  • Ensure you attend all daily live Zoom sessions

  • Challenge participants remain eligible for rewards regardless of timeline

My 7-Day Publishing Challenge book is ready - what's next?

Congratulations on completing the challenge!

Next steps:

  1. Follow the complete process (Days 1-7)

  2. Publish both e-book and paperback versions on Amazon

  3. Share your success in the AIA Facebook group

  • Post your wins

  • Include a selfie with your book

  • Inspire other participants


Topic Selection & Content Guidelines

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

Use the 5-minute activity on Day 2 to generate topic ideas you're excited about.

Topic selection guidelines:

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

  • There are no right or wrong answers

  • Avoid trademarked terms and content (brands, people, movies)

  • Follow Amazon's publishing guidelines

  • Follow the steps provided in the lesson

How many words should my 7DPC book be?

Recommended word count: 5,000 words

Important notes:

  • This is a recommendation, not a hard limit

  • You can publish with slightly higher or lower word count

  • Focus on quality content over exact word count


Writing & AI Tools

Can I use ChatGPT to help write my 7DPC book?

Yes, you can use ChatGPT to help write your 7DPC book.

What is ChatGPT?

ChatGPT is a form of generative AI that allows users to enter prompts and receive human-like content.

Key features:

  • Artificial Intelligence writing assistant

  • Extensive experience in writing and teaching

  • Assists with various forms of English writing:

  • Blog writing

  • Essay writing

  • Book writing

Is using ChatGPT legitimate? Is it plagiarism?

Using ChatGPT is a valid way to create content for your 7DPC book.

Best practices:

  • Personalize your content before publishing

  • Add your desired touch and tone

  • Conduct a thorough plagiarism check

  • Proofread your final manuscript

  • Ensure content is plagiarism-free, owned by you, and value-filled

Important: As the author, you are responsible for delivering the best content to your readers.

Reference: Amazon KDP Policy on AI-generated content

Can I start writing my 7DPC book now if I don't know how to create the manuscript?

Yes, you can start writing now. Don't worry about manuscript creation - we teach you how to write your manuscript during Days 3-5 of the challenge.


Images & Visual Content

Can I include Pexels images in my books?

Yes, you can use Pexels images in your books.

Approved free stock photo sources:

Important: Always ensure any image you use is royalty-free and copyright-free.


Publishing Platform & Account Setup

What is KDP?

Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is Amazon's self-publishing platform.

KDP features:

  • Publish eBooks, paperbacks, and hardcover books for free

  • Global distribution - reach readers worldwide

  • Full rights to your book (unlike traditional publishing)

  • Self-publishing control and flexibility

Getting started: You need to set up an account to start publishing on KDP.

For AIA members: KDP account setup is covered in Day 1 of the 7DPC or Module 2.

Can someone under 18 have a KDP account?

No, you must be 18 or older to have a KDP account according to KDP's terms and conditions.

KDP Account Eligibility (Article 4.1):

  • Must be at least 18 years old (or age of majority in your location, whichever is older)

  • Must be able to form a legally binding contract

  • Exception: A parent or guardian can open a KDP account for a minor and be the Publisher

What are the pros and cons of using a business name vs. personal name for KDP?

Business Name Advantages:

  • Enhanced professionalism

  • Consistent brand identity across multiple books

  • Business separation from personal assets

Business Name Disadvantages:

  • Additional legal registration steps required

  • More complex management (accounting and taxes)

  • Higher setup complexity

Personal Name Advantages:

  • Straightforward setup - no extra paperwork

  • Personal connection with readers

  • Better for marketing when used as pen name

  • Budget-friendly for beginners

Personal Name Disadvantages:

  • Direct personal link to published works

  • Less professional appearance

  • No business asset separation

Recommendation: For beginner publishers on a budget, start with your personal name/account.

Can I use my Amazon Seller Central account for KDP?

No, Amazon Seller Central is different from KDP - they serve different business models.

What you need:

  • You do not need an Amazon Seller Central account

  • You only need a KDP account

  • Create your KDP account here: https://kdp.amazon.com/

Recommendation: Use the same email address for all Amazon services for convenience.

Can I publish a book using a pen name?

Yes, you can publish using a pen name.

Do I need an ISBN to publish my book?

An ISBN/ASIN is required to publish on Amazon KDP.

ISBN options:

  • Amazon provides free ISBN/ASIN (works for Amazon sales only)

  • Purchase your own ISBN if selling across multiple platforms

  • For 7DPC: You do NOT need to buy an ISBN

When to buy your own ISBN:

  • Planning to sell on multiple platforms

  • Want broader distribution options

  • Publishing longer books (30k+ words)


Platform Availability & Access

Can non-US residents participate in the 7DPC?

Yes, the 7-Day Publishing Challenge is available globally. People from different countries worldwide can access the challenge.

Can Australians publish on ACX?

No, ACX is currently limited to residents of specific countries.

ACX eligibility requirements:

  • Must be a resident of: United States, United Kingdom, Canada, or Ireland

  • Must have:

  • Valid mailing address in eligible country

  • Valid local Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)

  • Banking details for eligible country


Tools & Software

Is Publishing.ai software included in the 7DPC?

No, Publishing.ai software is not included in the 7-Day Publishing Challenge.

Requirements for Publishing.ai access:

  • Must be an active AIA student

What you will experience in 7DPC:

  • DALL-E AI tool

  • Midjourney AI tool

  • Follow Days 1-7 lessons

  • Attend live sessions for maximum benefit

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

Setup instructions are provided on Day 2 of the 7DPC with step-by-step guidance.

What's included on Day 2:

  • Step-by-step instructions

  • Direct links to tools

  • Cover templates in PDF cheat sheet

  • Located below the video lesson

Tool purposes:

  • Reedsy: Format the text of your book

  • Canva: Create and design your book cover

Workflow:

  1. Design your cover in Canva

  2. Upload cover to KDP

  3. Upload manuscript to Reedsy for editing

  4. Export formatted manuscript from Reedsy

  5. Upload formatted manuscript to KDP

Access instructions: Log in to your 7DPC dashboard and navigate to Day 2


Troubleshooting & Technical Issues

How can I upload my PDF on Day 6 when the file is bigger than 10MB?

Solution for large file sizes:

  1. Complete the progress form and proceed to the next day

  2. Create a new Google Doc with the text: "I have completed my manuscript"

  3. Download as PDF

  4. Upload to Day 6 progress form

We will accept this as a valid submission.

What should I do if I encounter issues with KDSpy license or other tools?

Initial requirements check:

  • Ensure you have a valid and working license

  • Confirm your computer supports the tool version

  • Install the tool on your computer

  • Launch the tool

Troubleshooting steps:

  1. Try a different browser (Edge, Chrome, Firefox, or Safari)

  2. Run programs in incognito mode

  3. Clear browser cookies and cache

  4. Restart your device

  5. Use a different device

  6. Disable any VPNs on your computer

  7. Contact Support via blue chat widget or [email protected]


Support & Community

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

Contact our Support Team:

  • Live chat: Use the blue chat widget in the bottom right corner of Publishing.com website

Do I need a Facebook account to join the Facebook group?

Yes, you need a Facebook account to join our private groups.

Important notes:

  • Facebook account is not mandatory for AIA and 7DPC program participation

  • Highly recommended for community connection

  • Enables you to:

  • Ask questions

  • Get help from other students

  • Connect with our thriving community

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