Should I approve the digital preview without ordering a proof?

The retailer's online previewer is genuinely useful — it flags margin, bleed, spine, and page-count problems, and you should page through it carefully. But it can't show you print color, paper shade, or how the book feels in hand.

For a first book, or a new cover, order a physical proof before approving — it's the only way to catch color surprises and trim issues in person. Once you've printed a title before and are only making a tiny change, approving from the previewer is more defensible. See Do I still need to order a physical proof copy?