Amazon KDP for Beginners: Your Comprehensive Starter Guide

Whether you're a retiree with years of wisdom, a stay-at-home parent with tons of life hacks, or simply someone looking to create a stream of passive income, self-publishing your own book can be the answer. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is an option not many aspiring self-publishers know about, and is entirely attainable for the average person.

In the past, publishing a book meant managing all the complexities of traditional publishing, like struggling to stand out among literary agents who have entire rosters of aspiring authors. With Amazon KDP, your nonfiction book idea can become a reality, reaching international readers—all from the comfort of your home.

Today, your favorite hobbies, such as gardening, expertise in financial planning, or healthy cooking, can fuel a book that inspires thousands of readers around the world. And the best part? While you're sleeping, traveling, or working on your next big idea, your book continues to sell, potentially creating a passive income stream.

We get it, though, that the world of self-publishing can feel overwhelming at first. Maybe you're not the most tech-savvy or still learning to navigate the digital world. This guide is designed with you in mind. Let’s start breaking down complex concepts into simple solutions!

What is Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing?

Technically, Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing is a platform that allows you to self-publish hard cover and sell eBooks online at no cost. 

In reality, Amazon KDP  gives self-publishers control over their work. When you publish with KDP, you get full rights to your book and the creative freedom to own each step of the publishing process, which is not the case with traditional publishing houses.

How Does Amazon KDP Work?

Imagine a world where your book can go from a file on your computer to the hands of eager readers in just a few clicks. That's the power of Amazon KDP, and it's a lot simpler than you might think!

Amazon KDP is designed to be user-friendly. With its straightforward steps, even newbies can quickly get the hang of it. Once you’ve written your book, you can upload it to the platform, format it for eBooks and/or print, and set your pricing. Amazon handles the rest, from listing your book in its store to printing paperback copies on demand. Each time a customer buys your book, Amazon handles the transaction and delivery, so you can sit back and relax.

Pros and Cons of Using Amazon KDP

As with anything, there are pros and cons, but there is no need to grab a pen and paper because we already did the heavy lifting and created one for you.

The Sunny Side

• Beginner-Friendly: If you can use email, you can use KDP. It's that simple.
• No Upfront Costs: No more paying tens of thousands to print books traditionally. With KDP, your only investment is your time and creativity.
• Global Reach: Someone in England could be reading your book while you're fast asleep at a bungalow in the Maldives. How's that for reaching an audience?
• Impressive Royalties: Earn up to 70% royalty on eBooks and 60% on paperbacks.
• Speed to Market: In the traditional publishing world, your book might need to be updated by the time it hits shelves. With KDP, we’re talking hours vs. years to get your completed manuscript live!

The Cloudy Side

• Competition is on the Rise: With great accessibility comes great competition. Your book will be one among millions.
• Marketing is on You: There's no big publishing house marketing team. You're the author, publicist, and marketing department rolled into one.
• Limited Control: Amazon sets some rules about pricing and distribution that you'll need to play by.
• Quality Control is Crucial: To get sales, you’ll need reviews, and to get good ones, you need to ensure your book is top-notch.

Types of Content You Can Publish on Amazon KDP

You’ve heard the saying the world is your oyster. Well, in self-publishing, Amazon KDP is your oyster, and here's only a scratch of the surface of what you can create:

• Self-Help Books: Draw on your personal growth and help others along the way.
• How-To Guides: From DIY home repairs to mastering meditation, if you can do it, you can teach it.
• Cookbooks: Got a collection of tried and true recipes? Publish a coloring book and share them with the worldwide!
• Travel Guides: Turn your wanderlust into a helpful resource for fellow adventurers.
• Business and Finance Books: Help others navigate the complex world of money and entrepreneurship.
• Memoirs: Your life story could inspire generations.
• Fitness and Wellness Guides: Share your personal tips for a healthier, happier life.

Remember, your unique experiences and knowledge are valuable. There's an audience out there waiting for wisdom only you can impart. So, are you ready to join the ranks of published authors and turn your expertise into a tangible, sellable book? The world is waiting to read what you have to say!

Getting Started with Amazon KDP

So, how do you begin? Starting something new is always a bit awkward and sometimes downright intimidating. Here at Publishing.com, we’ve seen our fair share of beginners, and the good news is that signing up for Amazon KDP is free, quick, and easy—that’s why we recommend it! 

For those who feel a little more support is the only way to become published, we've got you! Sign up for our AI Publishing Academy (AIA) and get instant access to:

🫂 A private community full of people on the same journey

📹 Live Q&A Calls that help you answer your unique questions

🎧 24/7 support via multiple platforms, no matter where you

Any way you spin it, our course guides you through every step of the self-publishing process and more, ensuring you make the most of Amazon KDP and avoid common pitfalls. 

Step 1: Creating an Amazon KDP Account

To publish on Amazon KDP, you’ll first need to set up an account. Luckily, this step only takes a few minutes. You can read this Amazon KDP tutorial guide if you need help. If you already have an Amazon account, it’s even quicker. Once logged in, you’ll gain access to the KDP dashboard, where you’ll manage everything related to your book.

How to Sign Up for Amazon KDP

1. Visit the Amazon KDP website

Head over to the official Amazon KDP site to begin the signup process.

2. Click on “Sign Up.”

You’ll see a button to sign up. If you already have an Amazon account, you can use it to log in. If not, you’ll need to create a new account, which is just as easy as signing up for any other service.

3. Complete Your Profile

Fill in the required information to complete your KDP profile. This will include details such as your tax information and preferred payment method. Once completed, you're officially set up!

Now that you’re in, let’s explore the dashboard and get acquainted with the key tools that are available to you.

Overview of the KDP Dashboard

The KDP dashboard is the hub where you’ll manage your entire self-publishing journey. It’s within this dashboard that you can…

• ‍Manage Your Book Titles: Upload new manuscripts, edit existing titles, and even unpublish books if necessary.
• ‍Monitor Sales and Royalties: Monitor your book’s performance with real-time data.
• ‍Access Marketing Tools: Amazon offers built-in marketing options, such as price promotions and countdown deals, to help boost your book’s visibility. The free KDP advertising tools are worth checking out.
• ‍Check Book Performance: Track your book's ranking within its genre and see how it compares to similar titles on the platform.

Key Features and Tools

With Amazon KDP, there’s more than meets the eye. It isn’t just about uploading a book and waiting for sales to roll in. The platform offers several powerful tools that can further your road to success.

• ‍KDP Select: This optional program is great for authors looking to boost their book’s visibility. However, there is a bit of a trade-off. In exchange for granting Amazon exclusive digital rights for 90 days, you’ll be able to take advantage of promotional opportunities like Kindle Countdown Deals and Free Book Promotions.
• ‍Kindle Create: Many first-time self-publishers get stuck in the formatting phase of their book. It is a seemingly daunting process, but Kindle Create simplifies it by helping you prepare your manuscript for publication. This tool ensures your books look professional on all devices.
• ‍Detailed Reports: Want to see how well your book is selling? KDP’s reporting feature gives you a detailed breakdown of sales figures, royalties earned, and even how your book is ranking in its category. At first, this step may seem excessive, but as you get used to the process and want to optimize your books’ success, these insights can help you adjust your strategy.

Step 2: Preparing Your Book for Publishing

We know it can be exciting, but before you hit "Publish," your book needs to be prepared for the digital and print formats that Amazon KDP supports. That means everything from formatting your manuscript to designing an attractive cover. A well-prepared book not only meets Amazon’s publishing standards but also provides a polished experience for readers, helping you stand out amongst your competition. Here’s a breakdown of the key steps in getting your book ready for publishing.

Formatting Your Manuscript for eBooks and Print

Formatting ensures that your text appears correctly across all devices and print formats, so it’s important to take it seriously.

• ‍For eBooks: You’ll need to make sure your manuscript is formatted for the Kindle platform, which supports various devices from e-readers to mobile apps. As we mentioned, Amazon’s Kindle Create is a tool that simplifies this process. It allows you to add chapter breaks, headings, and even embed images, ensuring a seamless reading experience.
• ‍For Print: If you're planning to offer a paperback version of your book, you’ll need to format your manuscript for print. This includes setting margins, page numbers, and ensuring your layout adheres to KDP’s print-on-demand requirements. Keep in mind that print books have additional considerations, such as spine width and bleed areas.

Designing a Professional Book Cover

Think about your shopping habits in a bookstore. Are you drawn to certain colors or styles? Maybe that doesn't matter to you as much as the blurb. Everyone is different, sure, but think about your audience and keep them in mind as you create your book cover. KDP does offer a Cover Creator tool, but you can definitely do it yourself using beginner-friendly tools like Canva. If it’s within your budget, you could invest in a custom Kindle book cover design. Here are some boxes you’d want to check as you approach your final book cover draft:

• Reflect the content of your book: Use visuals to give your readers a glimpse into your book. Set the tone for what they can expect, whether it's a genre-specific design or a clean, minimalist cover for non-fiction. Your cover should reflect the content of your book.

• Be visually appealing: Eye-catching colors, readable fonts, and balanced composition will draw in your target audience.

• Fit the technical requirements: Amazon has specific dimensions and quality standards for both eBook and print covers. Be sure your cover meets those guidelines to avoid issues during the publishing process.

Writing a Compelling Book Description

You’ve got your readers' attention, but now what? The next thing they’ll see is your book description. This section is essentially your sales pitch, so it needs to be persuasive, concise, and well-written. A compelling book description should:

1. Hook the reader in the first sentence: Start with a powerful opening that sparks curiosity or emotion.
2. Highlight the book’s main points: Give a brief overview of what the book is about, touching on the most exciting or valuable aspects without giving too much away.
3. Include a call to action: Encourage readers to purchase, download a sample, or explore more about your book.

Your main goal is to turn browsers into buyers by convincing them your book is worth their time and money.

Adding Metadata

We know; it sounds the opposite of beginner-friendly, but don't worry. It's just a technical term, and an often overlooked one at that because of its intimidating name. Metadata is one of the most important steps in publishing your book. It’s how Amazon categorizes and presents your book to potential readers.

• Title and Subtitle: Your book’s title and subtitle should be clear, descriptive, and relevant to your target audience. From the title alone, your readers should be able to immediately deduce your book's main idea.
• Keywords: Amazon allows you to choose up to seven keywords or phrases that help your book appear in relevant search results. Be strategic here—choose keywords that not only relate to your book but are also popular search terms within your genre, niche, and even social media.
• Book Categories: Amazon lets you select two categories for your book, which will determine where it appears in the Kindle Store. Research these carefully and pick categories where your book can stand out.

We’re checking boxes off left and right, and you’re one step closer to knowing exactly how to launch your book on Amazon KDP!

Step 3: Get Started With Amazon KDP

Time to get your book uploaded and ready for publication! 🎉

Thankfully, this part is pretty straightforward. This section covers how to create a new title, fill in essential details, and upload your book. As you go through the process on Amazon KDP, you’ll be prompted through every step, so it’s less overwhelming.

Create a New Kindle eBook Title

At this stage, you should already have a title, so it’s just plug-and-play. You’ll provide all the important details about your book, including its title, subtitle, and more. 

Once you log in to your KDP dashboard, click on “Create a New Kindle eBook” to begin the process. From here, you’ll be prompted to fill in key information about your book, which is essential for its presentation and discoverability on Amazon.

Fill in Your Book Title and Subtitle

Since this is the first piece of information potential readers will see, double-check and make sure your title is catchy, informative, and relevant to your book’s content. The subtitle, if applicable, should further clarify the book’s focus or unique value.

Example: If you’ve written a self-help book, the title should instantly communicate the benefit a reader will gain. “Peace in the Chaos: Learn how to calm yourself in any stressful moment.”

Verify Your Publishing Rights

Amazon will ask you to confirm your publishing rights. Very straightforward—if the content is entirely original and you hold the publishing rights, you simply confirm that you have the right to publish it. It’s important for Amazon to confirm that all content published on their platform adheres to copyright laws.

Choose Relevant Keywords

You can choose up to seven keywords or key phrases for your book. These keywords help Amazon determine where and how your book appears in search results. Selecting the right keywords can greatly increase your book’s visibility, so it’s worth taking the time to research what potential readers might be searching for.

Select Your Book Category, Age Range, and Book Release Option

Ideally, your book would fall into the hands of your perfect audience. The best way for this to happen is to select the correct category. In addition to keywords, you are also allowed to select two categories that best describe your book’s genre. Make sure to choose categories that are competitive but not overly saturated so that your book has a higher chance of standing out.

If your book is geared toward a specific age group, you’ll also need to indicate that here. This step is particularly important for children's books or young adult fiction. You’ll also have the option to release your book immediately or schedule a future release date. 

Pro Tip: If you choose to delay your book’s release, you can build anticipation through pre-orders.

Activate DRM Rights: Pros and Cons

Digital Rights Management (DRM) is a completely optional feature that helps prevent unauthorized sharing of your book. When you activate DRM, it restricts readers from lending or copying the eBook. Why wouldn't I want to opt for DRM? While it can protect your intellectual property, some authors will decide to leave it off in hopes of encouraging sharing and gaining a wider following. 

Upload Your Book: Ensuring Proper Formatting

The basics are out of the way, and now it's time to make sure you're uploading a properly formatted file (such as a MOBI or ePub). If you’ve used Kindle Create to format your book, this process will be seamless. Just make sure to double-check your formatting to ensure everything displays correctly, including any images, tables, or special fonts.

Add Your ISBN: When and Why You Need One

An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a unique identifier for books. If you’re only publishing an eBook, Amazon doesn’t require you to have an ISBN, as it will assign an ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number) to your book. 

However, if you want to multiply your streams of income and plan to publish a paperback or want to distribute your book outside of Amazon, you’ll need an ISBN. Amazon offers a free ISBN for paperback publishing, or you can purchase your own.

Opt for KDP Select: Benefits and Drawbacks

After you publish, you'll have the option to enroll in KDP Select, a program that grants Amazon exclusive digital rights to your book for 90 days. In exchange, you gain access to promotional tools like Kindle Countdown Deals and Free Book Promotions, which can help boost your book’s visibility.

Amazon KDP vs. KDP Select

While KDP Select offers powerful promotional tools, it’s important to weigh the benefits against the limitations. By enrolling, you agree not to sell your eBook on other platforms during the 90-day period, which could limit your reach outside of Amazon. However, if Amazon is your primary market, KDP Select can provide a valuable boost to your book’s visibility, especially for new authors.

Step 4: Pricing Your Book

Choosing the right price for your book is crucial for attracting readers and earning royalties. We have an entire blog dedicated to the nitty-gritty of pricing strategies for your Kindle book, but here are some highlights. 

Factors to Consider When Setting Your Book’s Price

Consider your audience, genre, and competition when pricing your book. You’re always free to go in and update your pricing, so test different price points to see what works best. 

KDP’s Royalty Options

Amazon offers two royalty options: 35% and 70%. The 70% option is available if your book is priced between $2.99 and $9.99. We have a free Kindle royalty calculator that can also help give you a clearer vision once you’re ready

How Pricing Affects Your Earnings

Higher prices can lead to higher royalties, but lower prices might attract more readers. Click  below and lock in a book price that’s just right for you.

Step 5: Finalizing and Publishing Your Book

You’ve made it to the final step—your book is almost ready to launch on Amazon! 🚀

It’s your last chance to ensure your book is polished and prepared for your readers. Finally, we’ll explore your remaining action items before publishing and what to do once your book is live.

Reviewing Your Details: Double-Check Before Hitting Publish

Imagine you just cleaned your house, and now it’s time to get your white glove out and check for dust before your guests arrive. Well, that’s what you're going to do for your book. Give everything a good once-over, from formatting to typos. Go over it all with a fine-tooth comb. It’s also a good idea to preview your book using Amazon’s built-in preview tool, which lets you see how it will appear to readers on different devices.

Setting Up Your Book for Pre-Order (If Applicable)

One of the top Amazon book marketing strategies is to set your book up for pre-order. If you’re not ready to release your book right away or want to build suspense among your audience, pre-orders allow readers to purchase your book before it’s officially released. This can help generate buzz and even boost your book’s ranking on Amazon when it’s finally launched.

With pre-orders, all sales made before the release date are counted on the day of the book’s release, potentially giving your book a significant sales spike. To set this up, simply choose the “pre-order” option when finalizing your book’s details. You’ll be able to choose a specific release date, giving you more time to promote your book and build excitement.

Publishing Your Book: What Happens Next?

Once you’ve reviewed everything and are confident that your book is ready, it’s time to click “Publish.” This is exciting stuff, and it officially sends your book to Amazon for review, where the platform checks to ensure it meets all formatting and content guidelines. So, it is a huge step, but just a little more patience is required since the review process takes around 24 to 72 hours. After that, your book will be live and available for purchase on Amazon.

During this time, you’ll receive an email notification from Amazon once your book is approved and published. After that, your book will be visible to millions of readers, and you’ll start earning royalties from sales. Whoot Whoot! 🥳

Tracking Your Sales and Performance: Using KDP Reports

Just because your book is live doesn't mean the fun is over. Tracking your book's performance is just as important as publishing it in the first place. With Amazon KDP, you'll have a variety of tools at your disposal that will help you monitor your book’s sales, rankings, and royalties. You can locate these reports on your KDP dashboard under the “Reports” tab.

Key metrics you can track include:

• Units sold: See how many copies of your book are being purchased.
• Royalties earned: Monitor the income you’re generating from book sales.
• Amazon ranking: Keep an eye on your book’s position in various categories.
• Page reads: If you’ve enrolled in KDP Select, you’ll also be able to see how many pages of your book are being read by Kindle Unlimited subscribers.

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These metrics will help you gauge your book’s success and inform your marketing efforts. For instance, if you notice a dip in sales, it might be time to run a promotion or adjust your keywords to increase visibility.

How Much Can a Beginner Earn from Amazon KDP?

When you're just starting out, your earnings will vary depending on several factors, including the quality of your book, the niche you’re targeting, and the effectiveness of your marketing efforts. While some first-time authors may start by earning between $100 and $500 per month, others have leveraged the platform to generate a significant income and even transition into full-time self-publishing careers. With the right strategies, such as optimizing your book's keywords, running targeted promotions, and engaging your audience, it’s entirely possible to scale your earnings even in the beginning.

Get Expert Guidance

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