Regarding writing the book, Angleberger stated that "if there's anything better than writing Origami Yoda, it's writing [this adaptation]." Angleberger planned for the novel to be "funny at times, but never at the expense of the story," and he hoped it would capture the excitement he had when he saw the film on the big screen.
In March 2015, the book was listed with an initial subtitle How a Princess, a Scoundrel, a Hairy Giant, Two Droids, Lots of Cute Furry Things, and a Jedi Knight Saved the Galaxy!
On June 5, 2015, Disney revealed the cover artwork for the titles in the series.
The story includes a number of references to material that had not yet been released at times of other adaptations of the Return of the Jedi story. These include several mentions of Padmé Amidala, a mention of Ahsoka Tano, and an oblique reference to Ezra Bridger as the boy who "sent a message across the worlds that ignited a spark of rebellion" during C-3PO's tale to the Ewoks.
- ISBN 9781484709139; September 22, 2015; Disney–Lucasfilm Press; US hardcover
- ISBN 9781368027526; March 19, 2019; Disney–Lucasfilm Press; US paperback