Before you start: Write and Publish Your First Book pretest

About 10 minutes. Not graded. 12 questions, plus 3 quick confidence questions.

This is not a test you pass or fail. It is fine not to know these answers. Many people will not, because you have not taken the course yet. Your answers show your starting point, so at the end you can see how far you came.

Why we ask: it shows what you already know and which ideas are new to you. When you finish the course, you will see your before and after for each skill, so you can see where you grew and what to review.

How sure do you feel?

Rate each line from 1 (not at all sure) to 5 (very sure). There is no right answer.

I can plan a book and keep a drafting schedule I track.

1 2 3 4 5

1 = Not at all sure5 = Very sure

I can revise with feedback and choose a publishing path for good reasons.

1 2 3 4 5

1 = Not at all sure5 = Very sure

I can prepare a publish ready package and plan an honest launch.

1 2 3 4 5

1 = Not at all sure5 = Very sure

Questions

1. You are planning a book on home repair. Which reader description will guide your choices best?

A. Anyone who owns a house, rents, or might do either someday soon. B. People who enjoy fixing things and watching repair shows. C. Renters in their first apartment who have never held a drill.

2. A first time author keeps adding chapters, and the draft never ends. What would help most?

A. Write a not in list and move extra topics there. B. Keep adding until every topic has been covered. C. Stop planning and start writing the book's ending first.

3. A guide promises to help new parents sleep more. One chapter covers the author's college years. What should happen to it?

A. Keep it, since readers like learning about authors. B. Move it to the very first chapter of the book. C. Drop it, or list it under not in this book.

4. Which drafting plan is most likely to get a book finished?

A. 300 words every Tuesday and Thursday at 7 p.m., logged. B. Try hard to make good progress on the book this spring. C. Write whenever inspiration strikes, however long it takes.

5. Your draft is done. In what order should you revise it?

A. Lines, then proofreading, then the overall structure. B. Proofreading, then lines, then the overall structure. C. Structure, then lines, then proofreading.

6. Which question to a beta reader will give you the most useful answer?

A. Did you like my book, and would you buy it for a friend? B. Where did you get confused or stop reading? C. Is this good enough to send to a publisher?

7. An author wants full control and copies in hand within three months. Which path fits best?

A. Paying a company that promises a traditional deal. B. Self publishing, since it is faster and you decide. C. Traditional, since publishers move quickest of all on a first book.

8. When does copyright protection begin for your manuscript?

A. Once you register it with the Copyright Office. B. Once the work is written down or saved. C. Once the book is printed and is sold in stores.

9. You will publish only an ebook on KDP for now. What does KDP say about an ISBN?

A. You need one ISBN that covers every format. B. KDP does not require one for an ebook. C. You must buy one from Bowker before you upload.

10. Which line belongs in a KDP book description, per the rules checked Oct 29, 2026?

A. Every chapter ends with a checklist you can use. B. Only $4.99 this week, so grab yours before Friday! C. Email me at the address below for a signed copy!

11. Which plan for early reviews follows FTC and Amazon rules?

A. Asking your brother and aunt to review it on day one. B. A $5 gift card for each reader who posts five stars. C. Free copies to target readers, with honest reviews welcome.

12. A blogger got your book free and plans to review it. What should the review include?

A. A clear note that the copy was free. B. Nothing extra, since the book was a gift. C. A link where readers can buy the book.

Save my starting point

Next up

Go to Lesson 1: Is this the book? Reader, promise, and scope.

This self check is not graded.