In your notes file (I explain what I put in that file later), I recommend you immediately input these items for easy reference as soon as you can after release of your work (hint—copy this list directly into your notes file and fill in the needed info). (Another hint, put each item on a separate line so you can double or triple click to copy it when needed instead of using your mouse or touchpad to capture it):

First put in the final word count.

Kindle

• Price
• ASIN: number
• Date published
• URL, regular and one shortened

Paperback

• Price
• ISBN-13 number
• ISBN-10 number
• Date published
• URL(s), regular and one shortened for each store

Hardcover

• Price
• ISBN-13 number
• ISBN-10 number
• Date published
• URL(s), regular and one shortened for each store

Short Story

• Name of the publication
• Date published
• URL, regular and one shortened
• Amount earned

For All

• Long description.
• One paragraph description, no longer than 1,000 words.
• Another 500-word description.
• A short, snappy “elevator pitch” you can use for ads and brochures. Maybe make up more than one.

When all this is in one place and you ask for a review, do an ad, have a sale or anything that needs quick access to these items, you’ll always know where they are. You can easily copy and paste where needed.

After you do all this, be sure to update the information on your website about your new publication and announce it to all your social media.

I use a “notes” document for quick reference while writing each story or novel. It contains:

• At the top, space to put in ideas I have as I go and places I want to make changes later.
• For both short stories and novels, a character name chart with first and last names in different columns so I can sort by first letter to be sure I’m not using first letters too often, their descriptions, and other important info about them. I fill this chart in as I go.
• A timeline chart for novels with: Chapter #, Day of week, Time of day, Location, and chapter Summery. I fill these columns in when I finish each chapter. This can also be used for longer short stories, especially if the timeline is important.
• Maps and other visual aids.
• Research (I don’t do a whole lot—if I did more, this would be in a separate file with document names for each category).

Doing all of this as you go will save you time in the long run. And the file will be all set up for you to add the details of the story’s publication.