How to Publish a Book on Amazon KDP: Step-by-Step Guide

What will you learn?

Publishing a book might sound difficult, but Amazon KDP makes it simple for anyone to do it, even if it’s your first time. KDP stands for Kindle Direct Publishing, and it’s a free tool from Amazon that helps you turn your writing into an eBook or paperback. 

You don’t need a publisher, and you don’t have to wait for approval. This guide will walk you through every step, from creating an account to setting your price and publishing your book. Let’s get started and make your dream of becoming an author come true!

What is KDP?

Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is Amazon’s free platform that lets indie authors publish eBooks and paperbacks worldwide. 

When you use KDP:

1. Your book becomes available on Amazon within 24 hours.
2. Readers can buy your eBook for Kindle devices or free reading apps.
3. Amazon provides a free ISBN (book identification number).
4. You keep control of your book’s price, updates, and rights.

KDP is the most popular self-publishing option, used by 80% of indie authors since 2007. While eBooks work best on Kindles, readers can also use free apps to read your book on phones, tablets, or computers.

The platform handles all formatting, distribution, and sales. You just upload your manuscript and cover. Unlike traditional publishing, there are no gatekeepers or approval processes.

How to Publish a Book on Amazon KDP: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Publishing a book on Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) is simple, but doing it the right way helps your book look good, reach the right readers, and sell more copies. This guide explains each step clearly so you don’t miss anything important.

Step 1: Create Your Amazon KDP Account

Before you can publish your book, you need an Amazon KDP account. If you already have an Amazon account (for shopping), you can use the same login. If not, you’ll need to create one.

1. Go to kdp.amazon.com.
2. Click “Sign in” (if you have an Amazon account) or “Sign up” (if you don’t).
3. If it’s your first time logging in, you’ll need to accept Amazon’s Terms and Conditions.
4. Once logged in, you’ll see your KDP Dashboard, where you can manage your books.

Important Note

1. You must complete your tax and payment information before publishing.
2. Go to Account Settings, then click on Tax Information, and fill out the required details. Without this, you cannot publish or earn royalties.

Step 2: Add a New Kindle eBook (Create a New Title)

Now that your account is set up, it’s time to add your book.

1. On your KDP Dashboard, click “+ Kindle eBook” (for eBooks) or “+ Paperback” (for print).
2. This opens the “Kindle eBook Details” page, where you’ll enter all your book’s information.
3. If you need to stop and come back later, click “Save as Draft” at the bottom.

Step 3: Set Your Book’s Primary Language

Amazon needs to know which language your book is written in.

1. Under “Language”, select the main language of your book (e.g., English, Spanish, etc.).
2. If your book is in multiple languages, choose the dominant one.

Why This Matters

1. Amazon uses this to categorize your book correctly.
2. Some promotional tools (like Kindle Countdown Deals) are language-specific.

Step 4: Enter Your Book Title and Subtitle

Your book’s title serves as the initial point of engagement for readers; therefore, ensure it is clear, compelling, and optimized for search.

1. In the “Book Title” field, type your full title.
2. If you have a subtitle, add it in the next box (e.g., “How to Publish a Book on Amazon: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners”).

Note: If you want title ideas try our book title generator tool .

Pro Tips for a Strong Title

1. Use keywords (e.g., “Self-Publishing” if it’s a guide).
2. Avoid overly long or confusing titles.
3. Check other books in your genre for inspiration.

Step 5: Enter the Author’s Name (and Contributors)

This section is where you formally declare authorship of your book.

1. In the “Author Name” field, enter:
   • Your real name (if you want to publish under it).
   • A pen name (if you prefer anonymity).
2. If someone else helped (co-author, editor, illustrator), add them under “Contributors”.

Important

1. Your Author Name will appear exactly as typed on Amazon.
2. If you use a pen name, you don’t need to prove it legally.

Step 6: Write a High-Converting Book Description

Your book description functions as a crucial marketing tool, designed to persuade readers toward purchase.

1. In the “Description” box, write a compelling summary (up to 4,000 characters).

Structure it well

1. First line = Hook: This is the first sentence that grabs the reader’s attention right away. It should make them want to keep reading.
2. Middle = Key benefits: This part explains what the reader will learn or gain from reading your message. It tells them why it’s worth their time.
3. End = Call-to-action: The concluding sentence should explicitly prompt the reader to take a desired action, such as “Start your publishing journey today!” or “Sign up now!”

Formatting Tips

1. Use bold and italics for emphasis.
2. Break up text with bullet points or short paragraphs.

Step 7: Verify Your Publishing Rights

Amazon needs to confirm that you own the rights to publish this book.

Select the option:

1. “I own the copyright…” (if you wrote it).
2. “This is a public domain work…” (only if it’s a classic like Pride and Prejudice).

Why This Matters: If you don’t own the rights, Amazon may remove your book.

Note: If you want to register copyright for book check our guide on How to copyright a book

Step 8: Choose the Best Keywords

Keywords help readers find your book when searching on Amazon.

1. In the “Keywords” section, enter 7 relevant phrases.
2. Think like a reader: What would they type? (e.g., “how to write a book,” “self-publishing guide”). 

Use Publisher Rocket or Amazon’s search bar to find high-traffic keywords.

Pro Tip:

Tweet

Step 9: Select Two Book Categories

Categories help Amazon place your book in the right section.

1. Click “Browse Categories” and pick two that fit best. Go to the category section, then choose two categories that match your book the most. This helps people find your book easily.
2. Explore subcategories for less competition. Look deeper into smaller categories within the main ones. For example, instead of choosing a broad category like “Business,” choose something more specific like “Business > Writing.” This way, there’s less competition, and your book is easier to find.

Why This Matters: Better categories = Higher visibility in Amazon’s store.

Step 10: Set Age Range (If Applicable)

Only use this if your book is for children/teens.

1. If your book is for adults, leave this blank.
2. If it’s for kids/teens, select the appropriate grade/age range.

Step 11: Choose Your Book Release Option

You can publish immediately or set a pre-order.

1. Publish Now: If your book is ready, you can publish it right away and make it available for people to buy immediately.
2. Pre-Order: If you want to get people excited and create some buzz before the book is ready, you can set it up for pre-order. This lets people buy it before it’s officially released.

Amazon allows up to 1-year pre-orders, but you must upload the final manuscript 3 days before release.

Pre-order Tip:

Tweet

Step 12: Enable DRM (Digital Rights Management)

DRM is a tool that helps stop people from illegally copying your book and sharing it without permission. It’s a good idea for most authors to turn on DRM to protect their work.

Once your book is published with DRM, you can’t change this setting later, so make sure you’re sure before you publish.

Note: 

Tweet

Step 13: Upload Your Book Manuscript

Now, upload your final, edited, and formatted book file.

1. Click “Upload eBook Manuscript”.
2. Best Format: EPUB (most reliable for Kindle).
3. Also accepted: DOCX, PDF (but may have formatting issues).

Formatting Checklist

1. No blank pages at the start/end.
2. Chapter headings are consistent.
3. Images are high-resolution.

Step 14: Upload Your Book Cover

Your book cover is paramount as your primary marketing tool; its strategic design is essential.

1. Click “Upload Cover File”.
2. Format: JPG or TIFF.
3. Dimensions: At least 1000×625 pixels (Amazon recommends 1600x2560px).

Pro Tips

1. If you want your book to look professional, consider hiring a designer. They can help create a great cover and make your book look polished and eye-catching!
2. Amazon’s Cover Creator is available for basic designs, but to truly make your book shine, consider hiring a professional designer who can create a unique and eye-catching cover.

To ensure your book stands out, visit Book Cover Hub for custom-designed covers that captivate attention and resonate with your target audience.

Step 15: Preview Your Book

Before publishing, check how it looks on real devices.

1. Download Kindle Previewer from Amazon to check how your book will look on different devices.
2. Test your book on phones, tablets, and e-readers to make sure it looks good and is easy to read.
3. Fix any formatting errors you find before finalizing and publishing your book.

Step 16: ISBN (Skip for eBooks)

1. Kindle eBooks don’t need an ISBN because Amazon gives them a unique code called an ASIN.
2. Paperbacks need an ISBN, but Amazon provides one for free when you publish your paperback.

Step 17: KDP Select (Optional)

KDP Select gives extra promotions but requires Amazon exclusivity.

1. You can enrol in Kindle Unlimited, but if you do, you won’t be able to sell your book on other platforms like Apple Books or Kobo.
2. Enrolling provides advantages such as inclusion in Kindle Unlimited, allowing readers to borrow your book, and access to exclusive promotional tools like Countdown Deals.

Step 18: Choose Sales Territories

Select “All Territories” to sell worldwide.

Step 19: Set Pricing & Royalties

1. If your book is priced at $9.99, you’ll earn 70% of the sale price for each copy sold, which is the best option for most authors.
2. If your book is priced below $9.99, you’ll earn 35% of the sale price for each copy sold.

Step 20: Enable Book Lending

Allows readers to loan your book (required for 70% royalty).

Step 21: Publish or Save as Draft

1. Click “Save as Draft” if you’re not ready to publish your book yet and want to save your progress.
2. Click “Publish Your Kindle eBook” when you’re ready to finalize and make your book available for sale.

Note: It takes 24-72 hours for your book to go live.

Step 22: Paperback Publishing (Optional)

If you want a print version, the process is similar but requires:

Opting for a print version involves a similar process but necessitates distinct formatting (e.g., precise margins and page layout), a comprehensive cover (front, spine, and back), and an ISBN. Amazon provides a complimentary ISBN for paperback publications.

Recommendation: Use Kindle Create or hire a formatter for paperbacks.

Final Checklist Before Publishing

1. Book Title & Subtitle: Ensure your title is readable, easy to remember, and contains relevant keywords that readers might search for.
2. Book Description: Write an engaging summary that highlights your book’s value, uses proper formatting, and is free of mistakes.
3. Manuscript File: Submit your book in EPUB format and verify that there are no formatting or layout issues.
4. Book Cover: Use a professionally designed cover that meets Amazon’s size requirements (minimum 1000×625 pixels).
5. Keywords & Categories: Select 7 strong keywords and 2 appropriate categories to help readers discover your book.
6. Pricing: Price your eBook between 9.99 to qualify for the highest royalty rate (70%).

Preview: Review how your book appears across different devices to ensure proper display before publishing.

How Does KDP Publishing Work?

KDP gives you two ways to share your book with readers worldwide:

For eBooks

1. Upload your manuscript in the correct format.
2. Your book appears in the Kindle store within 24 hours.
3. Readers can buy and download it instantly.

For Paperbacks

1. Books are printed only when someone orders them (print-on-demand).
2. Printing costs are automatically taken from your earnings.
3. No need to keep physical copies in stock.

Both options let you reach readers globally while Amazon handles the printing and delivery. You simply upload your files and set your price.

When Does Amazon KDP Pay You?

Amazon KDP pays authors 60 days after earnings are made. For example:

1. If you start earning from July sales, KDP will pay at the end of September.
2. If you start earning from August sales, KDP will be paid at the end of October.

Payments are always reliable and arrive on schedule.

KDP Costs & Royalties

Publishing Cost: Free to publish

Printing Cost (for paperbacks): Base fee + (number of pages × cost per page)

Royalties

1. eBooks: 35% or 70% of the sale price.
2. Paperbacks: 60% of the sale price.

Payment Schedule

1. Monthly royalties.
2. Always paid 60 days after the sales month.

Final Thoughts

Publishing your book on Amazon KDP is easier than ever. By following each step in this guide, you can make sure your book looks great, reaches readers all over the world, and starts earning money. 

From uploading your manuscript to choosing your price, KDP gives you full control. Whether it’s an eBook, a paperback, or both, Amazon takes care of the hard parts like printing and delivery. Now that you know how everything works, you’re ready to publish with confidence and share your story with the world.

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Table of contents

Frequently asked questions

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What is needed to publish a book on Amazon?

To publish a book on Amazon, you need to finish writing your book first. You also need a cover for your book, a summary that tells people what it’s about, and an Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) account. 

You’ll have to type in some details like your name, your bank account for payments, and a few things about your book. Once you upload everything, you can publish your book, and it will be available for people to buy.

Is it hard to get published on Amazon?

No, it’s not hard at all. Amazon makes it really easy for anyone to publish a book. You don’t need to ask a publisher or wait for someone to say yes. If your book follows Amazon’s rules, you can do it all by yourself online. It’s free, and you can publish your book in just a few steps.

Do I need to copyright my book before publishing it on Amazon?

You don’t have to register a copyright before publishing on Amazon. As soon as you write your book, it already belongs to you. But if you want extra legal protection, like if someone tries to steal your work, you can register it officially. That’s up to you, but it’s not required.

How many pages does a book have to be to publish on Amazon?

If you’re publishing an eBook (for Kindle), there is no rule for the number of pages. It can be short or long. But if you want to publish a paperback, your book needs to be at least 24 pages. Still, the number of pages isn’t the most important thing. What really matters is that your book is interesting and well-written.