How to publish a Book on Amazon a Step-by-Step guide + pros and cons.
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What is Kindle
Direct Publishing (KDP)?
Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is an
Amazon platform that allows you to self-publish paperback and e-books on
Amazon.
Self-Publishing with
KDP vs. Traditional Publishing
As an author, you have two options for
publishing your book:
Traditional Publishing
With traditional publishing, you sign
a contract with a publisher who prints your books in bulk for sale. This
process involves submitting your work to a local publisher for review and
approval before printing, which can be time-consuming and subjective. A
publisher may reject your book if it does not align with their preferences.
Self-Publishing with KDP
Self-publishing, on the other hand,
allows you to publish your book independently without undergoing personal
reviews and approvals. Many authors now prefer self-publishing for several
reasons:
1.
Speed and Ease: Self-publishing
through KDP allows your work to be reviewed within 24 to 72 hours.
2.
Global Reach: Unlike traditional
publishing, which is often limited to a local audience, your self-published
book can reach a worldwide audience. Readers can discover your book on Amazon
and purchase it as an e-book or paperback anywhere in the world.
3.
No Upfront Printing Costs: KDP allows you to
list your book without pre-printing inventory. Instead, you can print paperback
copies on demand, only after receiving an order.
4.
No Risk: If there is no
demand for your book, you won't be left with unsold printed copies.
Print-on-demand also ensures your book never goes out of stock.
5.
Higher Royalties: Self-publishing
allows you to earn up to 70% of your book’s revenue, compared to the 5-15%
offered by traditional publishing.
How Much Does It
Cost to Publish with KDP?
Self-publishing your e-books and
paperbacks with KDP is entirely free. However, you will need to cover printing
costs when selling paperbacks. Printing costs vary based on the number of pages
and type of ink—black or colored. KDP automatically calculates these costs
based on your chosen options so you know the expenses upfront.
The best part about selling paperback
copies is the print-on-demand feature, meaning books are printed only after a
customer purchases them.
How Does KDP Payment
Work?
Kindle Direct Publishing pays
royalties (up to 70%) monthly. Here’s how KDP royalties work:
- You can choose between two royalty rates: 35% and 70%.
- 35% Royalty: When your book is priced below
$2.99 or above $9.99.
- 70% Royalty: When your book is priced
between $2.99 and $9.99.
Payments are usually released within
60 days after the end of the month in which the sale was reported.
KDP Payment Methods:
- Direct deposit
- Wire transfer
- Check
KDP Thresholds:
There is no minimum threshold for
direct deposit withdrawals. However, wire transfers and check payments require
a minimum threshold of $100 or its equivalent in other currencies.
Step-by-Step Guide
to Self-Publishing on Amazon
Thinking about self-publishing on KDP
but don’t know where to start? This guide will walk you through the process
step-by-step.
Step 1 – Create a Kindle Direct
Publishing (KDP) Account
Visit kdp.amazon.com and sign up or
log in if you already have an Amazon account. Once logged in, enter your
author, payment, and tax information to complete your KDP account setup.
Step 2 – Enter Book Details
Add information about your book,
including title, subtitle, and a brief description to help readers find your
book on Kindle. The book description should be compelling and function like a
sales pitch, ensuring it captures readers’ attention and conveys the value of
your book.
Step 3 – Choose Amazon Keywords
Select relevant keywords for your
book, as these are what readers will use to search for books. You can use up to
7 keywords, so make sure they are related to your book’s content.
Step 4 – Select Amazon Categories
Add your book to appropriate
categories. Categories help readers find your book among the many others
available. You can select up to two categories for your book.
Step 5 – Upload Your Manuscript
Upload your manuscript in formats like
doc/docx, PDF, or TXT. Amazon provides Kindle Create to help format your
manuscript into a professional-looking book.
Step 6 – Create Your Book Cover
Your book cover is the first thing
readers see, so it should be professional and attractive. If you’re not skilled
in design, consider hiring a professional to create a cover that stands out.
Step 7 – Set Your Book Price
Decide on the price for your book. For
new authors, a good range is $2.99 to $9.99. An effective strategy is to start
at $2.99 and gradually increase the price. Keep in mind that royalty payments
vary by country and you can maximize earnings by enrolling in KDP Select.
Converting Your
eBook to a Paperback
To convert your e-book to a paperback,
go to your KDP Bookshelf, find your e-book, and click on “+ Create Paperback.”
Amazon Kindle will update the paperback details based on your e-book
information. They handle the printing and processing on demand, deducting
printing costs from your royalties.
Pros and Cons of
Self-Publishing on Amazon
Still unsure if self-publishing on
Amazon is the right choice? Here are some pros and cons to help you decide:
Pros:
- Free to Publish: Publish both e-books and
paperbacks at no cost.
- Quick Turnaround: Publish your book in less than
72 hours.
- No Subjectivity: Publish any book without
needing personal approval (as long as it complies with KDP content
guidelines).
- High Royalties: Earn up to 70% in royalties.
- Global Reach: Access a vast audience
worldwide through Amazon.
- No Financial Risk: Print-on-demand means no need
to keep a large inventory.
Cons:
- 90-Day Exclusivity: When publishing with Amazon,
you cannot sell your e-book elsewhere during this period.