Articles on: Errors & Troubleshooting

What should I do if my file or cover upload fails?

What should I do if my file or cover upload fails?

If your Word document, finished manuscript, interior file, or book cover does not upload correctly, the issue may be related to the file format, file size, internet connection, browser, or the file itself.

The correct troubleshooting steps depend on what you are trying to upload.


Identify the type of file

Before troubleshooting, check which upload option you are using:

File or option

Purpose

Word document (.docx)

Imports an editable manuscript into Creator Studio

Finished PDF or EPUB

Uploads a publication-ready file that will not be edited in Creator Studio

Marketplace cover image

Displays the book cover publicly on the book page

Print-ready cover PDF

Used to produce a paperback or hardcover book

Make sure you are uploading the correct file in the correct section.


If your Word document will not import

If you selected Import a Word document, check that:

  • The file is saved in .docx format
  • The file is no larger than 50 MB
  • The document opens correctly on your device
  • The file is not blank or corrupted
  • The file is not password protected
  • The upload finishes before you leave or refresh the page

After the file uploads, click Import & detect chapters to continue.


If the Word document uploads but does not import correctly

PubliWrite attempts to preserve headings and paragraphs and uses the document structure to identify possible chapters.

If chapters are missing, the text appears incomplete, or the formatting transfers incorrectly:

  • Check that the original Word file opens correctly
  • Use clear and consistent headings for chapter titles
  • Simplify unusual or complex formatting
  • Review tables, images, text boxes, columns, and decorative elements
  • Save the document again as a .docx file
  • Upload the new version and try the import again

Some complex Word formatting may not transfer exactly as it appeared in the original document.

After a successful import, you can correct chapter divisions and formatting inside Creator Studio.


If your finished PDF or EPUB will not upload

If you selected I already have a finished file, check that:

  • The file is saved as a supported PDF or EPUB
  • The file opens correctly on your device
  • The manuscript is complete
  • The file is not blank or corrupted
  • The file is not password protected
  • You are uploading the correct final version
  • The file matches the publishing format you selected

Finished PDF and EPUB files cannot be edited inside Creator Studio.

If the file itself has an issue, correct it outside PubliWrite and upload a new final version.


If your print interior PDF will not upload

For paperback or hardcover publication, the interior PDF must also match the print setup selected during publishing.

Check that:

  • The page size matches the selected print size
  • The margins and layout are prepared for print
  • The full manuscript is included
  • Pages and chapters are in the correct order
  • The file is not password protected
  • The PDF opens without errors

If the PDF does not match the selected print settings, update the original file and export a corrected print-ready PDF.


If your marketplace cover will not upload

The marketplace cover is the image readers see on your public book page.

If it does not upload, check that:

  • The image is saved in a supported format
  • The file opens correctly
  • The image is clear and high quality
  • The file is not corrupted
  • The cover is not blurry, stretched, or cropped incorrectly
  • The title and author name are visible and correct
  • You are uploading the marketplace cover, not the full print-cover PDF


If your print-ready cover PDF will not upload

Printed books may require a separate full-cover PDF for physical production.

Check that:

  • The file is saved as a PDF
  • The PDF opens correctly
  • It includes the front cover, back cover, and spine where required
  • It matches the selected print format and page size
  • Bleed and safe margins are included
  • Important text is not too close to the trim edge
  • The file is not corrupted or password protected

The marketplace cover image and print-ready cover PDF serve different purposes, so make sure each file is uploaded in the correct section.


Check the file name

If an upload fails, try renaming the file before uploading it again.

Use a short, simple file name without unusual symbols, special characters, or very long text.

For example:

  • the-hidden-garden-manuscript.docx
  • the-hidden-garden-interior.pdf
  • the-hidden-garden-cover.jpg
  • the-hidden-garden-print-cover.pdf


Check your internet connection

A weak or unstable internet connection can interrupt an upload or import.

Try the following:

  • Check that your internet connection is stable
  • Refresh the page
  • Upload the file again
  • Keep the page open while the upload is processing
  • Avoid switching networks during the upload
  • Wait for the upload to finish before continuing

For Word imports, also wait for the document processing and chapter detection to finish.


Try another browser or device

If the upload still fails, try:

  • Using another browser
  • Updating your current browser
  • Clearing your browser cache
  • Disabling extensions that may block uploads
  • Uploading the file from another device
  • Logging out and back into your account


When should I contact support?

Contact PubliWrite support at info@publiwrite.com if the upload or Word import still fails after trying the steps above.

In your message, include:

  • Your book title
  • The type of file you are uploading
  • The file format
  • The file size
  • The section where the issue occurs
  • Whether you are importing a Word document or uploading a finished file
  • The browser and device you are using
  • A screenshot of the error message, if available
  • A short explanation of what happens

This helps the team investigate the issue more quickly.


Important note

Do not submit your book until all required manuscript, interior, and cover files have uploaded successfully.

If you import a Word document, review the manuscript and detected chapters inside Creator Studio before continuing.

If you upload a finished PDF or EPUB, make sure it is the final publication-ready version because it cannot be edited inside Creator Studio.


Updated on: 14/06/2026

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