Getting Your Book on Sọna Part 1: How to Upload Your Book

Step 1: Book Details (Metadata)

Required Fields

• Title: Your book's full title
• Author Name: the name that will appear on the book page (can be a pen name)
• Blurb: your book description. This is what readers will see, so make it compelling
• Publication Date: the date your book goes live (or a future date if you are doing a pre-order)

Optional Fields

• Language
• Publisher Name (required for publisher accounts)
• Series Name and Book Number (if part of a series)
• ISBN

Click Next when you are done.

Step 2: Categorisation

Help readers find your book by selecting the right genres and tags.

• Genres: Choose between 1 and 3 genres from the approved list. You must select at least one.
• Tags: Add comma-separated keywords that describe your book (e.g. "enemies to lovers, Lagos, coming of age")
• Age Rating: Choose either General (all ages) or Adult 18+ (for mature content)

Choose your genres carefully, they determine where your book appears in the catalogue and search results.

Step 3: Upload Your Manuscript

• Accepted formats: EPUB or DOCX
• File size: 10 KB to 10 MB
• If you upload a DOCX, Sọna will automatically convert it to EPUB. Make sure your chapters start with a Heading 1 style so the chapter breaks come out correctly

Drag and drop your file or click to browse.

Step 4: Upload Your Cover

• Minimum size: 1200 x 1800 pixels
• File size: 50 KB to 1 MB
• Formats: JPG or PNG

Step 5: Pricing, Distribution, and Regional Settings

This step covers how your book is sold, where it can be accessed, and which regions can see it.

Distribution: Where Do Readers Read This Book?

Readers discover and purchase books on the Sọna website, then read full books in the Sọna Reader app for iOS or Android. This app-only reading environment provides stronger content protection, including screenshot prevention and secure storage.

All full-book reading takes place in the Sọna Reader app. Readers still browse and purchase through the Sọna website.

Regional Restrictions (Territorial Rights)

If your publishing agreement includes territorial rights, meaning you only hold rights to sell in certain countries, you can restrict access by region.

• By default, your book is available globally.
• You can select specific countries to block from purchasing or accessing your book.
• This is entirely optional. Most self-published authors and independent publishers leave this open to all regions.

See the full guide to territorial rights: Territorial Rights and Regional Restrictions on Sọna.

Step 6: Free Sample

If your book is not free, you can offer readers a free first-chapter preview.

• Toggle Enable free sample to on
• Readers will be able to read the opening of your book before deciding to purchase
• Free books are not eligible for the sample feature, as the full book is already accessible

Step 7: Preview

Before submitting, preview your book as readers will see it in the Sọna reader.

Check that:

• Chapter breaks appear correctly
• Formatting looks right (fonts, spacing, special characters)
• The cover displays properly
• There are no obvious errors or layout issues

Once satisfied, check the confirmation box and proceed.

Step 8: Submitted

Your book has been submitted for review.

What Happens Next:

1. Your book status changes to Under Review
2. The Sọna team reviews your submission
3. You will receive an email when your book is approved or if changes are needed
4. If approved, your book goes live on your publication date (or immediately if that date has already passed)

You can check your book's status at any time from the Books page in your Publish Dashboard.

Tips for a Smooth Approval

• Make sure your cover meets the minimum dimensions
• Double-check your EPUB formatting before uploading, especially if converted from Word
• Write a compelling blurb; it is one of the first things readers and the Sọna review team look at
• Set your age rating accurately for your content

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