Amazon KDP: Your Path to Becoming a Published Author
Is Amazon Self-Publishing the Right Choice for You?
If the idea of waiting years for a traditional publishing deal makes you cringe, Amazon self-publishing could be your ticket to success. Here’s why:
- Own Your Work: You make every creative decision, from cover design to pricing.
- Huge Global Market: Tap into Amazon’s massive reader base.
- Royalties Rock: Earn higher royalties than you would with traditional publishers.
- Get Published Fast: Your book could be live in as little as 72 hours!
- Easy to Learn: Amazon’s platform makes self-publishing simple.
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If you’re a writer who wants to share your knowledge, stories, or expertise with the world and dream of seeing your name on a published book (even a digital one!), then Publish & Prosper: Turn Your Words into Wealth is the perfect guide for you.
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How to Self-Publish Your Book on Amazon in 9 Easy Steps
1. Know the Basics of Amazon Self-Publishing
- KDP is Your Key: Kindle Direct Publishing is Amazon’s self-publishing platform.
- Two Options: Regular KDP or KDP Select with promotional benefits (but requires short-term exclusivity to Amazon).
- What You’ll Need:
- A killer book cover (professionally designed is best)
- Your edited manuscript (ideally .doc or .docx file)
- A catchy book description
- 7 targeted keywords
- Book categories (more on those later!)
- Bank and personal info for getting paid
2. Create a Kindle Direct Publishing Account
- Head to KDP: Go to kdp.amazon.com. You can use your regular Amazon login.
- Fill It Out: Complete your account setup, including tax info. Don’t worry, you can change this later.
3. Start a New Book Project
- Find the Big Button: On your KDP Bookshelf, click “Kindle eBook” to begin.
- Title and Subtitle Time: Choose carefully! These make a strong first impression. Your subtitle is optional, but highly recommended.
4. Craft a Winning Book Description
- This is Your Sales Pitch: Hook readers and convince them they need your book.
- Fiction vs. Nonfiction: Fiction descriptions focus on story feel, while nonfiction should highlight solutions and benefits.
- Formatting Matters: Use HTML for the best look. An online description generator can help with the code.
5. Choose Your Keywords Wisely
- Maximum of 7: These tell Amazon what your book is about.
- Think Like Your Reader: What would they search for to find your book?
- Tools Help: Publisher Rocket can find the best keywords for you.
6. Categories Are Crucial
- Two at First, 10 Later: KDP starts you with two categories, but Author Central lets you add more. This helps readers find you!
- Mix Matters: Go for some popular categories for visibility, and some niche ones for easier bestseller status.
- Secret Tip: Google “Amazon book categories” for tons of inspiration.
7. Pick Your Launch Date
- Be Realistic: Factor in editing, marketing, etc. Leave yourself buffer time.
- Pre-Orders Rock: If your date is over 90 days out, people can pre-order, building hype.
8. Upload Your Manuscript and Cover
- Formats: KDP prefers .docx for your book file and .jpeg for your cover.
- DIY vs. Pro Cover: Your cover is your first impression, so a professional design usually pays off big time.
- Preview is KEY: KDP has a preview tool – use it on multiple devices! Catch formatting issues before launch.
9. Pricing and Royalties
- Two Royalty Plans: 35% or 70%, depending on your book’s price. Amazon has a calculator to help you compare.
- Pricing Strategy: Check out similar books to yours. Start low and adjust later is a common tactic.
Amazon Self-Publishing FAQ
- eBook Only? Nope! You can create paperbacks too through KDP Print.
- Amazon Exclusive? Only if you choose KDP Select, otherwise, sell on other platforms too.
- Cost? Self-publishing on Amazon is free, they take a cut from each book you sell.
- Marketing Help? Amazon Ads and other tools are available to promote your masterpiece.