Before your marketer can build an ARC campaign, your book has to exist inside BookFunnel as a file readers can download. When you upload your book to BookFunnel, it takes only a few minutes, and the part most authors misunderstand is watermarking. It is not a switch on the book itself. It comes from delivering that book through Certified Mail, which stamps each copy with the reader’s email so a leaked file can be traced back to its source. This guide covers the upload, the formats to include, and how watermarked delivery actually works.
What uploading actually does
BookFunnel stores your file and guides each reader through getting it onto their device. You upload the book once, and BookFunnel handles the device differences at the point of delivery, so a reader on a Kindle and a reader on an iPhone both get a working file from the same upload. This is the reason BookFunnel exists as a delivery tool rather than you emailing files yourself.
The formats to upload
Upload both EPUB and PDF for an ARC. EPUB is the format nearly every e-reader uses, including Kindle, Kobo, and Apple Books. PDF is there for readers who prefer a fixed page layout. Uploading both means no reader is turned away because their device could not open the only file you provided, and BookFunnel walks each reader through the download so you are not troubleshooting devices yourself.
How to upload your book to BookFunnel
Step 1: Open your books list. Log in at bookfunnel.com, go to My Books, and choose Add a Book.
Step 2: Enter your book details. Add the title, the author name exactly as it appears on your cover (use your pen name if you write under one), and upload your cover image.
Step 3: Upload your EPUB. BookFunnel reviews the file and flags any problems it finds before the book goes live.
Step 4: Add your PDF as a second format. Upload the PDF to the same book so both formats are available to readers.
Step 5: Save the book. Your book is now in your library and ready to attach to a campaign.
How watermarking works, and why it needs Certified Mail
Watermarking stamps each downloaded copy with the reader’s own email address, so if a file is shared or leaked, the source is traceable. On BookFunnel, that watermarking is part of Certified Mail, the secure ARC delivery method on the Mid-List Author plan and above. When your marketer sends your ARC by Certified Mail, each reader gets a unique download link, the file carries their email address, and the links expire when the campaign closes. The entry plan can hand out review copies through a landing page, but those downloads are not watermarked or tracked. If file security matters for your launch, the ARC needs to go out by Certified Mail. Which BookFunnel Plan Do Authors Need for ARCs? covers which plan that is.
What to Watch Out For
Uploading only one format. A PDF-only upload turns away every reader who uses an e-reader, and an EPUB-only upload frustrates readers who wanted a PDF. Upload both for an ARC.
Assuming a landing page is the same as Certified Mail. A landing-page giveaway is quick, but it has no watermarking and no per-reader tracking. For a managed ARC, use Certified Mail so every copy is traceable.
Uploading the wrong file. Confirm you uploaded your final ARC file, not a draft with tracked changes, editor comments, or an old version of the ending. Open the uploaded copy once and check the first and last pages.
What comes next
Once your book is uploaded and your delivery method is set, the campaign can be built. If your marketer does not yet have access to your account, see How to Add Your Marketer as a BookFunnel Team Member. If you are still setting up the account itself, start with How to Set Up BookFunnel for Your ARC Campaign. The Author Onboarding Bootcamp lists every account and access step involved in working with a marketer.
For more detail, visit BookFunnel’s Certified Mail help guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What file formats do I need for an ARC?
EPUB and PDF. EPUB covers almost every e-reader, and PDF serves readers who prefer a fixed layout. Uploading both is the standard for a managed ARC campaign.
Does watermarking actually stop piracy?
No. It makes a leaked file traceable back to the reader it was delivered to, which discourages sharing without preventing it outright. It is a deterrent, not a lock.
Is watermarking automatic?
It comes with Certified Mail delivery, which is available on the Mid-List Author plan and above. A plain landing-page giveaway is not watermarked, so if you want traceable copies, your ARC has to be sent by Certified Mail.
Can BookFunnel turn my Word document into an ebook?
BookFunnel accepts EPUB and PDF, not Word files. If you only have a Word manuscript, you will need to export an EPUB first using a tool like Vellum, Atticus, Draft2Digital, or Calibre.
Will readers see the watermark?
Yes. It usually appears as a small line noting the copy was prepared for their email address. It is unobtrusive and does not interfere with reading, but it is visible if a reader looks for it.
Frequently asked questions
What file formats do I need for an ARC?
EPUB and PDF. EPUB covers almost every e-reader, and PDF serves readers who prefer a fixed layout. Uploading both is the standard for a managed ARC campaign.
Does watermarking actually stop piracy?
No. It makes a leaked file traceable back to the reader it was delivered to, which discourages sharing without preventing it outright. It is a deterrent, not a lock.
Is watermarking automatic?
It comes with Certified Mail delivery, available on the Mid-List Author plan and above. A plain landing-page giveaway is not watermarked, so for traceable copies your ARC has to go out by Certified Mail.
Can BookFunnel turn my Word document into an ebook?
No. BookFunnel accepts EPUB and PDF, not Word files. If you only have a Word manuscript, export an EPUB first using a tool like Vellum, Atticus, Draft2Digital, or Calibre.