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
.docxformat - 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
.docxfile - 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.docxthe-hidden-garden-interior.pdfthe-hidden-garden-cover.jpgthe-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.
Related articles
- What are the manuscript and interior file requirements?
- What are the cover requirements for publishing a book?
- What should I check before submitting my book?
- What happens during the book review process?
- What should I do if my book is rejected?
- What do I do if a feature isn’t loading properly?
Updated on: 14/06/2026
Thank you!
