Do I still need to order a physical proof copy?

Yes — we strongly recommend it. A physical proof is the single best money you'll spend on your book. Both KDP and IngramSpark let you order proof copies at print cost.

A proof shows you what a screen can't:

• Real print color (which looks different from your monitor — see My printed colors look different).
• Paper shade and feel (white vs cream in person).
• Trim and margins in the actual cut book — text too tight to the gutter, a spine slightly off, a cover that's darker than expected.

Hold it, read a few pages, check the cover in daylight. It's far cheaper to catch a problem in a proof than after readers receive copies. Order the proof, approve only once it looks right in your hands.