# Still Becoming Hardcover Extension Plan

Target date: 2026-06-14  
Status: Planned, non-critical-path extension  
Primary rule: do not delay Kindle review, paperback upload/proof, Apple Books staging, website CTA, or launch activation.

## Recommendation

Add a KDP case-laminate hardcover edition after the paperback files are stable enough to avoid rework.

Use the same interior strategy as paperback if KDP accepts it:

- Trim: 6 x 9 inches
- Interior: black-and-white
- Paper: white
- Page count: based on the final print PDF/page count used for paperback setup
- Cover: separate KDP hardcover full-wrap case-laminate PDF
- ISBN: separate owned Bowker hardcover ISBN
- Imprint: Still Becoming Tools Press

## Why This Works

- KDP supports case-laminate hardcover books.
- Hardcover requires a unique ISBN; the paperback ISBN cannot be reused.
- KDP hardcover uses different cover measurements than paperback because of wrap, hinge, spine, and case-laminate requirements.
- Our current 6 x 9, 225-page interior appears to fit KDP hardcover constraints, but we should verify inside the live KDP setup before treating the interior as final for hardcover.

## Required Steps

1. Keep Kindle and paperback moving first.
   - Kindle is already submitted to KDP review.
   - Paperback waits on final GetCovers full-wrap PDF and paperback ISBN entry.
   - Do not ask GetCovers to interrupt the paperback file delivery unless they can add hardcover without delaying it.

2. Confirm or buy/register the hardcover ISBN.
   - Use a separate owned Bowker ISBN for hardcover.
   - Register title, subtitle, author, format, and imprint exactly.
   - Imprint must match KDP entry exactly: Still Becoming Tools Press.

3. In KDP, create the hardcover format.
   - From the existing title/book family, choose Create hardcover or + Hardcover.
   - Reuse metadata from the Kindle/paperback setup.
   - Confirm 6 x 9, black-and-white, white paper, and final page count are accepted.

4. Upload or reuse the interior.
   - Start with the final paperback interior PDF if KDP accepts the same trim and print options.
   - If KDP flags formatting, adjust only what KDP requires.

5. Generate/download the KDP hardcover cover template.
   - Use the final hardcover settings: trim, paper, ink, and page count.
   - Hardcover cover is not the same as paperback cover.

6. Request the hardcover cover from GetCovers.
   - Ask for a separate KDP-ready case-laminate hardcover PDF.
   - Provide the KDP hardcover template/specs.
   - Confirm no dust jacket is needed.

7. Upload hardcover cover and run KDP preview.
   - Check front cover, back cover, spine, hinge/safe areas, barcode, margins, and page flow.
   - Fix any KDP preview issues before ordering proof.

8. Set hardcover pricing.
   - Do not finalize until KDP calculates print cost.
   - Treat hardcover as a premium format.
   - First-pass pricing target: likely $24.99 to $29.99, subject to KDP royalty math.

9. Order and review hardcover proof.
   - Review cover color, spine/hinge alignment, barcode placement, interior page order, visuals, worksheets, and QR codes.
   - Approve public hardcover launch only after proof is acceptable.

## Message To GetCovers When Ready

Please create a separate KDP-ready case-laminate hardcover cover PDF for *Still Becoming* using the approved cover design.

Important notes:

- This is for KDP hardcover, not paperback.
- KDP hardcover is case laminate; no dust jacket is needed.
- Please use the KDP hardcover template/specs I provide after the hardcover setup is confirmed.
- Keep the design consistent with the approved paperback/eBook design.
- Please preserve safe areas for hardcover wrap, hinge, spine, and barcode placement.
- Please provide a flattened print-ready PDF with embedded fonts and no crop marks/template text.

## Source Notes

- KDP Hardcover help: https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/GAVW3FZZAKA2KY3B
- KDP Hardcover cover requirements: https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/GDTKFJPNQCBTMRV6
- KDP ISBN/imprint requirements: https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G201834170
- KDP Print Options and hardcover trim/page-count table: https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G201834180