How to Publish on Amazon KDP: A Step-by-Step Guide
How to Publish on Amazon KDP: A Step-by-Step Guide
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) has revolutionized book publishing. What once required agents, publishers, and years of rejection letters now takes a few hours and costs nothing upfront.
If you have a finished manuscript, here's exactly how to get it published on Amazon.
What You Need Before You Start
Before you open KDP, make sure you have:
- A finished manuscript (edited and proofread)
- A book cover (professional-looking, right dimensions)
- A book description (compelling copy that sells)
- Categories and keywords (researched for discoverability)
Step 1: Create Your KDP Account
Go to kdp.amazon.com and sign in with your Amazon account (or create one). You'll need to:
- Provide your legal name
- Enter tax information
- Set up payment details
This only takes a few minutes.
Step 2: Choose Your Format
KDP offers three formats:
- Kindle eBook: Digital version for Kindle devices and apps
- Paperback: Print-on-demand physical books
- Hardcover: Premium print-on-demand option
Most authors start with eBook and paperback. You can always add hardcover later.
Step 3: Enter Book Details
For each format, you'll provide:
Title and Subtitle
Make them clear and searchable. Include keywords if natural.
Author Name
Use your real name or a pen name. Be consistent across books.
Description
This is your sales pitch. Make it compelling. Use HTML formatting for structure.
Keywords
Choose 7 keywords or phrases readers might search for. Research what's working in your category.
Categories
Select two categories that best fit your book. Choose wisely—this affects who sees your book.
Step 4: Upload Your Content
For eBooks
Upload your manuscript as a Word doc (.docx) or ePub file. KDP will convert it to Kindle format.
For Paperbacks
You'll need:
- An interior PDF (with proper margins and bleed)
- A cover PDF (sized to include spine and back cover)
KDP provides templates and calculators to help.
Step 5: Set Your Price
eBooks
You can choose 35% or 70% royalty rates:
- 70% requires pricing between $2.99-$9.99
- 35% applies to all other prices
Paperbacks
Set your list price based on:
- Printing costs (depends on page count and trim size)
- Your desired royalty
KDP shows your royalty in real-time as you adjust pricing.
Step 6: Publish
Click "Publish" and your book goes into review. This typically takes 24-72 hours for eBooks and a few days for print.
Once approved, your book is live on Amazon!
Post-Launch Essentials
Get Reviews
Reviews are crucial for discoverability. Reach out to:
- Friends and family
- Your email list
- Book bloggers in your genre
Monitor Performance
KDP provides sales data in real-time. Watch for trends and adjust your marketing accordingly.
Consider Kindle Unlimited
Enrolling in KU (KDP Select) gives you additional royalties based on pages read, plus promotional tools.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Rushing the cover. Invest in professional design.
- Skipping editing. Typos kill credibility.
- Weak description. This is your sales page—make it count.
- Wrong categories. Research where your book fits best.
- Giving up too soon. Book success is a marathon, not a sprint.
Ready to Publish?
Publishing on Amazon KDP is straightforward once your book is ready. The real challenge is getting your manuscript to that point.
If you're still working on your book—or haven't started yet—Narratui can help you get there faster. Our guided planning process helps you clarify your ideas and create a clear structure.
Ready to write a book worth publishing? Start planning today.