Note: Authors need to connect a Stripe account to monetize books. This can be completed after uploading your first book and before publishing it.
There are two distinct approaches available through Laterpress for getting your book published.
Option #1 — The Add Story Flow
Right after account creation or when adding another story, you’ll use the Add Story flow to create from scratch. If uploading a completed or in-progress book, see Option #2 instead.
Initial Setup: Decide whether you’re adding a book or script, and if it’s standalone or part of a collection. Click Save & Continue.
Book Details: Upload a cover, enter the title, choose a genre, and write a description. Only the title is mandatory; all details can be edited later. Genre selection helps align AI-generated content with your vision.
Story Concept: Choose to start from scratch with an idea prompt for the AI, or use existing notes. You can copy/paste notes or upload a .docx file.
Characters: Creating characters is not mandatory, though at least one or two is recommended. Click “Add character,” specify the role (protagonist, antagonist, or supporting), provide information, and click generate. Edit results as needed. Additional characters can be created later in the editor.
Lore Items: Add locations, organizations, creatures, and other story elements. Enter a seed phrase and modify AI-generated results as desired.
Outline: Select a template matching your genre. Enter a seed phrase for emphasis, then generate. Beats can be edited here or later in the text editor — perfection isn’t required at this stage.
After completing these steps, work freely in the text editor. Review the Publishing section below when ready.
Option #2 — Importing an Existing Book
On the Add Story screen, choose book or script format, and whether it’s standalone or part of a collection.
Enter the title, genre, description, and upload a cover. Only the title is required if completing other details later. Click “Add Book.”
On the next screen, click “Not interested? Skip this step” to bypass the story creation flow.
In the text editor, click “Import epub” to import an entire manuscript at once. Alternatively, copy and paste chapters individually, though this is less efficient.
Publishing a Book
When ready to publish, click the “Publish” button in the editor.
URL Selection: Enter your desired book URL — the address readers use to find your book. This cannot be changed after publication, so choose carefully. Most authors use their book title or an acronym.
Availability: Decide if the book is available to everyone or only subscribers.
Pricing: Set the price and specify whether it applies to the whole book or a chapter bundle. Readers must pay again after finishing bundled chapters.
Free Preview: The default preview allows one free chapter before the paywall. We recommend at least the first chapter to give readers a sample. Note: copyright pages, dedications, and front matter count as chapters. Increase preview size accordingly (for example, a preview of 3 would show a copyright page, dedication, and Chapter 1).
Publishing Schedule: Books publish immediately by default. To schedule publication, select the option and use the calendar to choose date and time. Times display in your local timezone — no conversion necessary.
Email Notifications: By default, the Email Notification option sends updates to readers who want them, announcing your new book.
When satisfied with settings, click “Publish.”
Remember: The URL cannot change after publication, but prices can be adjusted later.