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Path Router

Lesson 3 of 8 · 2 min · Updated 3 September 2026

Four questions, answered in order, yes or no. Each one either sends you on to the next question or assigns your path and stops. Do not skip ahead to the question you like the answer to — the gates are ordered because a later one is meaningless until the earlier one has passed.

Answer in order — yes or no

Gate 1 — Readiness

Q1

Do you have a finished manuscript that has been revised at least once — not a first draft?

Q2

Can you produce a professional baseline without harming your finances? A clean cover, clean formatting, and a readable edit pass.

Gate 2 — Query Eligibility

Q3

Do you have leverage that makes querying rational? Prior publications, an audience, sales proof, strong market comps, or professional credentials that create built-in demand.

Gate 3 — Self-Publishing Path

Q4

Are you willing to be Amazon-exclusive for 90 days to test Kindle Unlimited properly?

Your Assigned Path

The router hands you one of six. Paths 3 and 5 are layers rather than base paths — you add them to whichever of 1, 2 or 4 you were assigned.

Where the router sends you

All lessons in Publishing Reality in 2026