KDP publishing guide

The world of self-publishing has opened unprecedented opportunities for authors to share their stories with readers worldwide. Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) platform stands at the forefront of this revolution, offering a straightforward and accessible way for writers to publish both ebooks and paperbacks. Whether you’re a seasoned author or embarking on your first writing journey, understanding the intricacies of KDP can empower you to reach millions of readers.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the detailed process of publishing your book on KDP. From meticulously preparing your manuscript through proofreading and formatting to creating a captivating book cover, we’ll provide you with step-by-step instructions to ensure your publishing experience is smooth and successful.


Understanding Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

Kindle Direct Publishing is Amazon’s self-publishing platform that enables authors to publish their books in digital and print formats for free. By leveraging KDP, you gain access to Amazon’s extensive global customer base, allowing your work to reach readers across the world. One of the key advantages of KDP is the control it grants you over your publishing journey—you retain all rights to your work, set your own prices, and can make changes to your book at any time.

KDP offers higher royalty options compared to traditional publishing, with up to 70% royalties on ebook sales. It also provides valuable promotional tools, such as Kindle Unlimited and Kindle Countdown Deals, to help you maximize your book’s visibility. With KDP’s print-on-demand service, there’s no need for upfront inventory costs; your paperback books are printed as orders come in.

Understanding Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is Amazon’s self-publishing platform that allows authors to publish eBooks and paperbacks for free. By leveraging KDP, authors can:

  • Reach a Global Audience: Make your book available to millions of readers worldwide through Amazon’s extensive marketplace.
  • Earn Competitive Royalties: Receive up to 70% royalties on eBook sales and up to 60% on paperbacks (minus printing costs).
  • Maintain Creative Control: Retain full rights to your work and make changes at any time.
  • Access Promotional Tools: Utilize programs like KDP Select and Kindle Unlimited to increase your book’s visibility.
  • Benefit from Print-On-Demand: No upfront inventory costs; your paperback is printed only when a customer orders it.

Why Choose KDP?

  • User-Friendly Interface: Ideal for both new and experienced authors.
  • Fast Publishing Process: Your book can be live on Amazon within 72 hours.
  • Flexible Pricing: Set your own prices and adjust them as needed.

Preparing Your Manuscript

Before you upload your manuscript to KDP, it’s crucial to ensure that it is polished and professionally presented. This involves two primary steps: proofreading and formatting.

Proofreading Your Manuscript

Proofreading is an essential part of the writing process. It involves carefully reviewing your manuscript to identify and correct errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and syntax. A well-proofread manuscript enhances readability and reflects professionalism, which can significantly impact your readers’ experience and reviews.

Start by taking a break after completing your manuscript. Stepping away from your work for a few days allows you to return with fresh eyes, making it easier to spot mistakes you might have overlooked. Reading your manuscript aloud is another effective strategy; it helps you catch awkward phrasings and run-on sentences that you might miss when reading silently.

Consider using professional editing tools like Grammarly, ProWritingAid, or Hemingway Editor, which offer advanced grammar and style suggestions. These tools can help you identify common errors and improve the overall flow of your writing. Additionally, enlisting the help of beta readers—friends, family, or members of writing communities—can provide valuable feedback on your manuscript’s clarity and coherence.

If possible, hiring a professional editor can elevate your manuscript to a higher standard. Professional editors offer expertise in various levels of editing, from developmental editing, which focuses on the structure and content of your story, to copy editing and proofreading, which address language and technical errors.

Steps for Effective Proofreading:

  1. Take a Break
    • After completing your manuscript, set it aside for a few days. This helps you return with fresh eyes, making it easier to spot errors.
  2. Read Aloud
    • Reading your work aloud can highlight awkward phrasing and pacing issues that might be missed when reading silently.
  3. Use Professional Editing Tools
    • Grammarly: Offers grammar, punctuation, and style suggestions.
    • ProWritingAid: Provides in-depth reports on readability and consistency.
    • Hemingway Editor: Highlights complex sentences and passive voice.
  4. Print Your Manuscript
    • Reviewing a physical copy can help you catch errors that are overlooked on a screen.
  5. Peer Review
    • Ask friends, family, or writing group members to read your manuscript and provide feedback.
  6. Hire a Professional Editor
    • Consider investing in professional editing services for a thorough review. Editors can offer:
      • Developmental Editing: Focuses on structure, content, and flow.
      • Copy Editing: Addresses grammar, style, and consistency.
      • Proofreading: Final check for typos and minor errors.

Tips:

  • Keep a style guide (e.g., The Chicago Manual of Style) handy for reference.
  • Be consistent with character names, locations, and timelines.
  • Watch out for common errors like homophones (e.g., their/there/they’re).

Formatting Your Manuscript

Proper formatting ensures that your book looks professional and is easy to read on Kindle devices and apps. KDP accepts several file formats, but Microsoft Word’s .doc or .docx files are commonly used due to their compatibility.

Begin by setting up your document with standard 1-inch margins on all sides. Use a readable font like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri in 12-point size. Align your text to the left and set line spacing to 1.15 or 1.5 for better readability. For paragraphs, use a first-line indent of 0.5 inches instead of adding extra spaces between paragraphs.

Organize your manuscript by using heading styles for chapter titles. Applying Heading 1 style to your chapter titles not only makes them stand out but also facilitates the creation of a clickable Table of Contents (TOC), enhancing navigation for your readers. Insert page breaks at the end of each chapter to ensure that new chapters begin on a new page.

If your book contains images, make sure they are high-resolution (at least 300 DPI) and in JPEG or PNG format. Insert images using the ‘Insert’ function rather than copying and pasting to maintain formatting integrity. Ensure that images are centered and that text wraps are properly set.

Include front and back matter in your manuscript. The front matter typically consists of the title page, copyright page, dedication, and acknowledgments, while the back matter can include an “About the Author” section, other works by the author, and calls to action like inviting readers to leave a review or visit your website.

Finally, save your manuscript in .docx format. It’s advisable to preview your formatted manuscript using tools like Kindle Previewer to ensure it displays correctly on various devices.

Proper formatting ensures your book looks professional on Kindle devices and apps. While KDP accepts several file formats, Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) is commonly used due to its compatibility.

Steps for Formatting Your Manuscript:

  1. Set Up Your Document
    • Page Size: For eBooks, standard page size isn’t necessary since Kindle devices reflow text. For paperbacks, set the appropriate trim size (e.g., 6″ x 9″).
    • Margins: Use standard 1-inch margins on all sides.
  2. Choose the Right Font
    • Font Type: Use standard fonts like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri.
    • Font Size: Set the main text to 12 pt.
  3. Format Paragraphs
    • Alignment: Left-align your text; avoid full justification as it can cause spacing issues on e-readers.
    • Line Spacing: Use 1.15 or 1.5 spacing for better readability.
    • Indentation: Use the paragraph formatting tool to set a first-line indent (typically 0.5 inches). Do not use tabs or multiple spaces.
  4. Apply Heading Styles
    • Use Heading 1 for chapter titles. This helps in generating an automatic Table of Contents (TOC).
  5. Insert Page Breaks
    • At the end of each chapter, insert a Page Break (Ctrl + Enter) to ensure new chapters start on a new page.
  6. Add a Table of Contents (TOC)
    • Use Word’s References > Table of Contents feature to create a clickable TOC based on your headings.
  7. Include Images (if applicable)
    • Resolution: Use images with at least 300 DPI for clarity.
    • Formats: JPEG or PNG are preferred.
    • Insertion: Use the Insert > Picture function to add images; avoid copy-paste to maintain quality.
  8. Add Front and Back MatterFront Matter:
    • Title Page: Book title, subtitle, author name.
    • Copyright Page: Copyright notice, edition number, ISBN (if applicable).
    • Dedication/Acknowledgments: Optional sections to thank contributors.
    Back Matter:
    • About the Author: Share your bio and other works.
    • Call to Action: Invite readers to leave reviews or visit your website.
  9. Final Review
    • Spell Check: Run a final spell check.
    • Consistency Check: Ensure formatting is consistent throughout the manuscript.
    • Preview: Use Word’s Read Mode or Web Layout to simulate the eBook experience.
  10. Save Your File
    • Save your manuscript as a .docx file for eBooks or PDF for paperbacks.

Tips:

  • Avoid using multiple fonts or excessive formatting; simplicity enhances readability.
  • For eBooks, avoid page numbers, headers, and footers, as they don’t translate well to Kindle devices.
  • Test your formatted manuscript using Kindle Previewer to see how it appears on different devices.

Creating a Professional Book Cover

Your book cover is one of the most critical marketing tools at your disposal. It’s the first impression potential readers have of your book, and a compelling cover can significantly influence their decision to purchase.

Design Principles

When designing your book cover, it’s important to consider simplicity and clarity. A clutter-free design with a strong focal point is more likely to catch a reader’s eye. Use high-quality images that are relevant to your book’s content and genre. The typography should be clear and legible, even in thumbnail size, with the title and author’s name prominently displayed.

Colors play a crucial role in conveying the mood and genre of your book. For example, darker tones might be suitable for a thriller, while lighter colors could be more appropriate for a romance novel. Researching covers of best-selling books in your genre can provide inspiration and help you understand market expectations.

Using Cover Design Tools

If you have design experience, professional software like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator can be excellent tools for creating your cover. For those less familiar with graphic design, user-friendly platforms like Canva offer templates and easy-to-use interfaces. Canva provides a range of customizable templates and access to a library of images and fonts.

Alternatively, you might consider hiring a professional designer. Websites like Fiverr and Upwork connect you with freelance designers who can create a custom cover that aligns with your vision and appeals to your target audience. Investing in professional book design can be worthwhile, as a high-quality book cover can significantly impact your book’s success.

Your book cover is often the first impression potential readers have of your work. A compelling cover can entice readers to choose your book over others.

Book Design Principles

  1. Understand Your Genre
    • Research best-selling books in your genre to understand common design elements.
    • Your cover should immediately convey the genre and tone of your book.
  2. Simplicity and Clarity
    • A clutter-free design with a clear focal point is more engaging.
    • Ensure that the title and author name are legible, even at thumbnail size.
  3. High-Quality Imagery
    • Use high-resolution images or illustrations.
    • Avoid pixelation or distortion by maintaining proper image dimensions.
  4. Effective Typography
    • Choose fonts that are readable and match the mood of your book.
    • Use contrasting colors between text and background for readability.
  5. Color Psychology
    • Colors evoke emotions; select a color scheme that aligns with your book’s theme.
    • For example, blues and greens can convey tranquility, while reds and oranges suggest excitement.

3.2 Using Cover Design Tools

  1. DIY Design Platforms
    • Canva: Offers user-friendly templates and a drag-and-drop interface. Ideal for beginners.
    • Adobe Spark: Provides professional templates and customization options.
  2. Professional Software
    • Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator: Advanced tools for experienced designers.
    • Affinity Photo and Designer: Affordable alternatives to Adobe software.
  3. Free Software
    • GIMP: Open-source image editor similar to Photoshop.
    • Inkscape: Useful for creating vector graphics.
  4. Hiring a Professional Designer
    • Fiverr and Upwork: Platforms where you can hire freelance designers within your budget.
    • 99designs: Run a design contest to receive multiple concepts.
    • Reedsy Marketplace: Connect with vetted professional book cover designers.

Tips:

  • Consider investing in professional design if you’re not confident in your skills.
  • Ensure you have the rights to use any images or fonts included in your cover.
  • Request feedback from peers or potential readers to gauge the cover’s effectiveness.

KDP Cover Specifications

For ebook covers, KDP requires files in JPEG or TIFF format with dimensions of at least 1,000 pixels on the longest side, although 2,560 x 1,600 pixels is recommended for optimal quality. The aspect ratio should be 1.6:1, and the color mode should be RGB.

For paperback covers, the specifications are more detailed, as the cover includes the front, back, and spine. You’ll need to calculate the spine width based on your page count (for example, a 300-page book printed on cream paper would have a spine width of approximately 0.68 inches). KDP provides templates to help you correctly size your cover. The file should be a PDF with a minimum resolution of 300 DPI, and the color mode should be CMYK.

Ebook Cover Requirements

  • File Format: JPEG or TIFF.
  • Dimensions:
    • Ideal size: 2,560 x 1,600 pixels (height x width).
    • Minimum size: 1,000 pixels on the longest side.
  • Aspect Ratio: 1.6:1 (height to width).
  • Color Mode: RGB.
  • File Size: Up to 50MB.

Paperback Cover Requirements

  • File Format: PDF (one-piece cover including front, back, and spine).
  • Dimensions:
    • Trim Size: The physical size of your book (e.g., 6″ x 9″).
    • Bleed: Add 0.125 inches to all sides for bleed areas.
    • Spine Width: Calculated based on page count (e.g., 300 pages / 444 PPI = 0.675 inches).
  • Color Mode: CMYK.
  • Resolution: At least 300 DPI.

Calculating Spine Width:Spine Width (in inches)=Page Count444\text{Spine Width (in inches)} = \frac{\text{Page Count}}{444}Spine Width (in inches)=444Page Count​

Using KDP’s Cover Template:

  • Visit the KDP Cover Calculator to generate a template.
  • Input your book’s trim size, page count, and paper color.
  • Download the template and use it as a guide in your design software.

Tips:

  • Ensure all text and important elements are within the ‘safe zone’ to prevent trimming.
  • Double-check that your barcode area is clear if KDP will add the barcode.

Setting Up Your KDP Account

Creating a KDP account is straightforward. Visit kdp.amazon.com and sign in with your Amazon account or create a new one. You’ll need to provide your author or publisher information, including your legal name, address, and contact details. Setting up your payment information is essential to receive royalties; you’ll need to enter your bank account details and complete the tax interview to determine your tax withholding rate.

Ensure that all the information provided is accurate to avoid any issues with payments or account verification. Familiarize yourself with KDP’s Terms and Conditions to understand your rights and responsibilities as a publisher on the platform.

Creating a KDP account is straightforward and gives you access to Amazon’s publishing tools.

Steps to Set Up Your Account:

  1. Visit KDP Website
  2. Sign In or Create an Amazon Account
    • If you already have an Amazon account, use it to sign in.
    • If not, click “Sign up” and follow the prompts to create a new account.
  3. Complete Your Account Information
    • Author/Publisher Information: Provide your legal name or company name, address, and contact information.
    • Payment Information: Enter your bank account details for royalty payments. Ensure your bank supports international transfers if you’re outside the U.S.
    • Tax Information Interview:
      • Complete the online tax interview to provide necessary tax identification information.
      • This determines your tax withholding rate.
      • Non-U.S. individuals may need to provide a Foreign Tax Identification Number to benefit from tax treaty rates.
  4. Review KDP Terms and Conditions
    • Familiarize yourself with KDP’s terms to ensure compliance.

Tips:

  • Keep your account information up to date to avoid payment issues.
  • Ensure your contact email is current to receive important notifications from KDP.

Uploading Your Book to KDP

Once your manuscript and cover are ready, and your account is set up, you’re ready to upload your book. Start by navigating to your KDP Bookshelf and clicking on “Create a New Kindle eBook” or “Create a Paperback.”

Entering Your Book Details

You’ll need to provide details about your book, including the title, subtitle, series information (if applicable), edition number, author name, and contributors. Writing a compelling book description is crucial, as it serves as a sales pitch to potential readers. Make sure it highlights the key elements of your story and entices readers to want to know more.

Select the appropriate keywords and categories to affect how easily readers can find your book. You can enter up to seven keywords or phrases and select up to two categories that best fit your book’s genre. This step is important for your book’s discoverability on Amazon.

Uploading Your Manuscript and Cover

When uploading your manuscript, select your formatted .docx file for ebooks or PDF for paperbacks. For the cover, upload your designed cover file according to the specifications discussed earlier. KDP also offers a Cover Creator tool if you prefer to design your cover within the platform.

With your manuscript and cover ready, you’re set to upload your book.

Entering Your Book Details

  1. Access Your KDP Bookshelf
    • After logging in, navigate to your KDP Bookshelf.
  2. Start a New Title
    • Click “Create a New Kindle eBook” or “Create a Paperback” depending on your format.
  3. Kindle eBook/Paperback Details Pagea. Language
    • Select the language your book is written in from the dropdown menu.
    b. Book Title and Subtitle
    • Title: Enter your book’s exact title.
    • Subtitle: An optional field to provide additional context or keywords.
    c. Series Information
    • If your book is part of a series, input the series name and volume number.
    d. Edition Number
    • Use this if you’re publishing a second edition or updated version.
    e. Author Name
    • Enter the name you want to appear on your book cover and listings.
    f. Contributors
    • List any additional contributors, such as illustrators or editors.
    g. Description
    • Write a compelling description of your book. This is your sales pitch to potential readers.Tips for Writing a Great Description:
      • Hook readers with a strong opening.
      • Highlight the main plot points or themes.
      • Use a tone that matches your book’s genre.
      • Incorporate relevant keywords naturally.
    h. Publishing Rights
    • Confirm that you own the rights to your content.
    i. Keywords
    • Enter up to seven keywords or phrases to help readers find your book.Examples:
      • “Kindle Direct Publishing guide”
      • “Self-publishing on Amazon”
      • “Formatting for KDP”
    j. Categories
    • Select up to two categories that best fit your book’s genre.
    k. Age and Grade Range
    • Specify if your book is intended for children or young adults.
    l. Pre-order Option
    • Choose whether to make your book available for pre-order or to publish immediately.

Uploading Your Manuscript and Cover

  1. Kindle eBook/Paperback Content Pagea. Digital Rights Management (DRM)
    • Decide whether to enable DRM, which restricts the unauthorized distribution of your ebook.
    b. Upload Your Manuscript
    • Click “Upload eBook manuscript” and select your formatted .docx file.
    • For paperbacks, upload your manuscript as a PDF.
    c. Upload Your Book Cover
    • Choose “Upload a cover you already have”.
    • Select your cover file (JPEG/TIFF for ebooks, PDF for paperbacks).
    • Alternatively, use the Cover Creator tool to design a basic cover.
    d. Preview Your Book
    • Launch the Online Previewer to review how your book will appear to readers.
    • For paperbacks, use the Print Previewer.
  2. Review and Fix Any Issues
    • Look for formatting errors, misplaced images, or incorrect hyperlinks.
    • Make necessary corrections to your original files and re-upload if needed.

Previewing Your Book

Before publishing, use KDP’s preview tools to see how your book will appear to readers. The previewer allows you to check formatting, images, and navigation on various devices. Take the time to thoroughly review your book and make any necessary adjustments. Look for issues such as misaligned text, image placement errors, or incorrect hyperlinks.

  1. Utilize KDP’s Preview Tools
    • The previewer simulates how your book will look on various Kindle devices and screen sizes.
  2. Check for the Following:
    • Navigation: Ensure the Table of Contents links work correctly.
    • Formatting Consistency: Verify that fonts, headings, and paragraph styles are consistent.
    • Image Quality: Confirm that images are clear and correctly positioned.
    • Page Breaks: Make sure chapters start on new pages.
  3. Test on Multiple Devices
    • If possible, preview your book on actual devices like Kindle e-readers, tablets, and smartphones.

Tips:

  • Don’t rush this step; a thorough review can prevent negative reader experiences.
  • Pay attention to any warnings or alerts provided by the previewer.

Setting Pricing and Royalties

Deciding on pricing and royalty options is a significant step. KDP offers two royalty plans: 35% and 70%. The 70% royalty option is available for ebooks priced between $2.99 and $9.99 and has certain requirements, such as enabling book lending. You’ll also need to choose the territories where you have distribution rights, which is typically worldwide unless you have specific restrictions.

Consider enrolling your ebook in KDP Select, which grants you access to promotional tools and includes your book in Kindle Unlimited and the Kindle Owners’ Lending Library. Keep in mind that enrolling in KDP Select requires digital exclusivity for the ebook format during the enrollment period.

Set your primary marketplace and enter your list price. KDP will automatically calculate the prices for other marketplaces based on current exchange rates, but you can adjust these manually if desired.

KDP Select Enrollment

  • What is KDP Select?
    • An optional program offering exclusive benefits in exchange for digital exclusivity.
    • Your ebook cannot be sold digitally elsewhere during the 90-day enrollment periods.
  • Benefits:
    • Inclusion in Kindle Unlimited and the Kindle Owners’ Lending Library.
    • Access to promotional tools like Free Book Promotions and Kindle Countdown Deals.
    • Potential to earn higher royalties from the KDP Select Global Fund.

Rights and Pricing

  1. Territories
    • Choose “All territories (Worldwide rights)” if you own global rights.
    • Select individual territories if your rights are limited to specific regions.
  2. Royalty Options
    • 35% Royalty Plan
      • Available for books priced between $0.99 and $200.
      • No delivery fees.
    • 70% Royalty Plan
      • Available for books priced between $2.99 and $9.99.
      • Must meet certain requirements, such as enabling book lending.
      • Delivery fees apply (usually negligible).
  3. Set Your Pricing
    • Enter your primary list price in your preferred currency.
    • Amazon will automatically calculate prices for other marketplaces, but you can adjust them manually.
  4. Expanded Distribution (Paperback Only)
    • Opt into Expanded Distribution to make your paperback available to bookstores, libraries, and academic institutions.
    • Note that the royalty rate for Expanded Distribution is 40% of the list price minus printing costs.
  5. Matchbook and Book Lending
    • Book Lending: Allows buyers to lend your ebook to others for a short period.
    • Kindle Matchbook: This program has been discontinued.

Tips:

  • Research similar books in your genre to price competitively.
  • Consider the perceived value; a very low price may deter readers looking for quality content.
  • Keep in mind that pricing can be adjusted after publication.

Publishing and Promotion

After reviewing all the details and ensuring everything is in order, you can publish your book. It may take up to 72 hours for your book to become available on Amazon. You’ll receive a confirmation email once your book is live.

Once published, promoting your book is essential to reach potential readers. Setting up your Amazon Author Central page allows you to create a detailed author profile, including your biography, photos, and links to your books. This helps readers learn more about you and can encourage them to explore your other works.

Utilize social media platforms to announce your book launch, share excerpts, and engage with your audience. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn can be effective channels for promotion.

Consider using Amazon Advertising to create targeted ad campaigns that increase your book’s visibility. You can set a daily budget and bid on keywords relevant to your book to reach potential readers actively searching for similar titles.

Encourage readers to leave reviews, as positive reviews can significantly impact your book’s credibility and sales. Building an email list is another effective marketing strategy. Offer a free chapter or a short story to encourage readers to subscribe. Regular newsletters can keep your audience engaged and informed about your upcoming projects.

Publishing Your Book

  1. Finalize and Publish
    • Review all entered information for accuracy.
    • Click “Publish Your Kindle eBook” or “Publish Your Paperback Book”.
    • Your book will be reviewed by KDP and should appear on Amazon within 72 hours.
  2. Monitor Your Email
    • KDP will send a confirmation email once your book is live.
    • They may also notify you of any issues that need correction.

Promoting Your Book

  1. Set Up Your Amazon Author Central Page
    • Visit authorcentral.amazon.com to create your author profile.
    • Add your biography, photos, blog feeds, and link all your books.
  2. Utilize KDP Select Promotions
    • Free Book Promotion: Make your ebook free for up to five days during each 90-day enrollment period.
    • Kindle Countdown Deals: Offer limited-time discounts while retaining a higher royalty rate.
  3. Leverage Amazon Advertising
    • Create targeted ad campaigns to increase visibility in search results and product pages.
    • Set a daily budget and bid on keywords relevant to your book.
  4. Engage on Social Media
    • Share updates, excerpts, and promotions on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
    • Use relevant hashtags and engage with your audience.
  5. Encourage Reviews
    • Reviews can significantly impact your book’s credibility.
    • Ask readers to leave honest reviews, but avoid incentivizing them, as this violates Amazon’s policies.
  6. Build an Email List
    • Use a service like Mailchimp or ConvertKit to collect email addresses.
    • Offer a free chapter or short story as an incentive to subscribe.
  7. Participate in Author Communities
    • Join forums and groups such as Goodreads, KBoards, or local writing clubs.
    • Networking can lead to collaborative promotions and valuable advice.
  8. Host Events
    • Organize virtual book launches, webinars, or live readings.
    • Engage with readers through Q&A sessions.

Tips:

  • Consistency is key in marketing; create a schedule for promotional activities.
  • Track the effectiveness of different strategies to focus on what works best.

PS make sure to grab my free book marketing guide!


Publishing on Kindle Direct Publishing is an empowering experience that puts you in control of your writing career. By carefully preparing your manuscript and cover, understanding the KDP platform, and actively promoting your book, you can successfully share your work with readers around the world.

Remember, the journey doesn’t end with publishing. Continually engaging with your audience, refining your marketing strategies, and, most importantly, continuing to write will contribute to your success as an author. Stay patient, remain dedicated, and keep honing your craft.

Happy publishing!

Additional Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Do I need an ISBN to publish on KDP? For ebooks, an ISBN is not required; Amazon assigns an ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number). For paperbacks, you can use a free KDP ISBN or purchase your own from an ISBN agency if you wish to have your own imprint listed as the publisher.
  2. Can I publish my ebook elsewhere if I enroll in KDP Select? No. Enrolling in KDP Select requires digital exclusivity for the ebook format during the 90-day enrollment periods. You cannot distribute your ebook through other platforms during this time, but you can still sell your paperback wherever you like.
  3. How often will I receive royalty payments? Amazon pays royalties monthly, approximately 60 days after the end of the month in which the sale was made. For example, royalties earned in January are paid at the end of March.


Derek Murphy
Derek Murphy

Derek Murphy is a cover designing indie author enthusiast, finishing a PhD in Literature and shopping for a castle in Europe.