Validate your EPUB file. Apple requires that all books submitted in the EPUB format comply with formatting standards established by the International Digital Publishing Forum (IDPF). Many websites enable you to upload your EPUB file for free to validate whether your file conforms with IDPF standards. Before using a validation website, check that it is follows the most current standards to ensure that your EPUB file will be accepted by the iBookstore.
Acquire an ISBN-13 number for each EPUB file you plan to submit to the iBookstore. Libraries and bookstores use ISBN numbers to identify books. ISBN numbers are also required for books to be sold to the public. How you acquire an ISBN-13 number differs depending on whether you submit your work to Apple directly or via an "aggregator"--a third party intermediary such as Smashwords, Lulu or other self-publishing company. An aggregator will acquire an ISBN-13 number on your behalf. If you submit your work directly to Apple, however, you will need to purchase an ISBN-13 number through Identifier Services, the official U.S. agency that sells ISBN numbers.
Submit your book to Apple. You can submit your book by enrolling in the iTunes Connect Publisher program or an aggregator program.
To work directly with Apple through its publisher program, you must complete an application, which requires providing your personal information and a U.S. Tax ID number. You also will need an iTunes account linked to a valid credit card and an Intel-based Mac computer running OS X 10.5.8 or a later version. Once your application is approved, you can access the iTunes Producer application. Complete each field in the iTunes Producer Application, including the ISBN-13 number, title and author, then click the deliver button to upload your file to the iBookstore.
If you opt to work with an aggregator, carefully review its financial and technical requirements as aggregators' payment methods and submission processes vary. Once you are accepted into an aggregator's program, follow the program's procedures to upload your book to the iBookstore.