Are you wondering how to self publish a book? I used to as well. I thought it was a goal only big-name authors could achieve—until I discovered Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP).
With KDP self publishing, I was able to publish my book on Amazon with ease, and now I'm here to show you exactly how you can do it, too!
Publishing a book on Amazon through KDP is easier and more accessible than you think. In this post, I’ll walk you through my journey and share the steps on how to publish your book with KDP publishing all without a traditional publisher.
Why I Chose to Self-Publish a Book
When I started jotting how I would publish my book, I wanted to use traditional publishers ( because that’s the only way I knew). But after researching options, I chose self-publishing for several reasons:
- Creative Control: I wanted complete ownership of my story, cover design, and marketing strategy.
- Faster Publishing: Traditional publishing could take years, while Amazon allowed me to publish my book within days.
- Global Audience: With Amazon, I could reach a global audience directly without any literary agent.
- Higher Royalties: Self publishing a book on Amazon meant earning up to 70% royalties compared to the smaller (5 to 15%) percentage offered by traditional publishers.
The author of Fifty Shades of Grey, E.L. James, is among the most remarkable examples of successful self-publishers.
Her Journey
E.L. James first used Amazon self publishing platform to self-publish her book as an eBook and print-on-demand paperback. She chose to tell her tale on her own terms because she believed in it, even when traditional publishers were skeptical.
The Results
With over 150 million copies sold, the book became a worldwide sensation. Following her success with self-publishing, she received a hefty book deal offer from established publishers.
She gave an example of how a career could be built and well recognized by self publishing on Amazon.
Why you should choose self-Publishing on Amazon
E.L. James’s story inspired me to choose Amazon book publishing for many authors. Here are some reasons to choose Amazon for self publishing:
- Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) made the process simple, from uploading my work to setting up my book's price.
- I could update my book at any time, whether it was to improve the content or change the cover.
- With Amazon's print-on-demand service, I didn't have to invest in massive print runs.
- Amazon offers promotional tools such as Kindle Unlimited and Amazon Ads to assist authors in marketing.
Research on How to Self-Publish a Book
Before handing my book over for publishing, I wanted to understand every aspect of the process of Amazon book publishing. Here’s how I conducted my research to prepare for Amazon publishing.
Searching on Social Media
Social media became one of my go-to resources for learning about Amazon publishing services and tips from experienced authors. I joined Facebook groups like “Self-Publishing Success Stories” and “KDP Authors.” Use hashtags on Instagram like #SelfPublishing and #AmazonKDP. I found short tutorial videos on self-publishing on YouTube, from manuscript preparation to marketing strategies.
Listening to Podcasts
Experts and accomplished writers provide a thorough examination of self-publishing on Amazon in podcasts. Among my favorite podcasts were the following:
Joanna Penn's podcast, "The Creative Penn," addressed everything from managing Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing to writing advice. After publishing on Amazon KDP, it is essential to sell books, which is the main topic of the podcast The Sell More Books Show.
Watching YouTube Tutorials
YouTube was an invaluable tool for step-by-step guidance on Amazon KDP publishing.
- Tutorials showed me how to format my manuscript using tools like Kindle Create.
- I learned to design eye-catching book covers using Canva and Adobe Spark.
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Research on How to Self-Publish a Book
Before handing my book over for publishing, I wanted to understand every aspect of the process of Amazon book publishing. Here’s how I conducted my research to prepare for Amazon publishing.
Searching on Social Media
Social media became one of my go-to resources for learning about Amazon publishing services and tips from experienced authors. I joined Facebook groups like “Self-Publishing Success Stories” and “KDP Authors.” Use hashtags on Instagram like #SelfPublishing and #AmazonKDP. I found short tutorial videos on self-publishing on YouTube, from manuscript preparation to marketing strategies.
Listening to Podcasts
Experts and accomplished writers provide a thorough examination of self-publishing on Amazon in podcasts. Among my favorite podcasts were the following:
Joanna Penn's podcast, "The Creative Penn," addressed everything from managing Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing to writing advice. After publishing on Amazon KDP, it is essential to sell books, which is the main topic of the podcast The Sell More Books Show.
Watching YouTube Tutorials
YouTube was an invaluable tool for step-by-step guidance on Amazon KDP publishing.
- Tutorials showed me how to format my manuscript using tools like Kindle Create.
- I learned to design eye-catching book covers using Canva and Adobe Spark.
How to Start Writing Your Book Draft
When it comes to rating the hardest part of publishing a book on Amazon from one to ten, I will give writing a ten. Everything depends on this process. I knew I needed a clear plan and the right mindset. Here’s how I began writing my book draft and stayed motivated along the way.
Finding the Big Idea
Every book begins with an idea, inspiration, or experience. For me, it started with a question: What story or message do I want to share with the world? First, I jotted down ideas, themes, and concepts I was passionate about. Next, I thought about who I was writing for and what they might find engaging or helpful.
Outlining My Book
I realized that having a schedule would make writing much easier. First, I broke my book into sections and listed the main points or scenes I wanted to include in each chapter.
If you’re writing fiction, creating a timeline can help you keep track of plot development. For nonfiction, it’s a great way to organize your ideas logically. I reminded myself that my outline was just a guide—it could change as I continued.
Setting Up a Writing Routine
When I started writing, I made sure there was no distraction. So I aim to write at least 500 words per day. I mostly prefer going to places like the parks to write since it's mostly peaceful in the daytime.
Prevent Writer's block
There were times when I couldn’t write anything from the first chapter. To prevent that, I allowed myself to write without worrying about grammar or perfection—just to get the ideas flowing. Also, writing prompts related to my book’s theme helped me brainstorm.
Pro Tip: If you think writing a book will take a lot of time, hire a ghostwriter from Ace Book Publishers. Ghostwriters are pros in writing books of any genre without getting credit.
Essential Parts of a Published Book
You should know the requirements of a published book before you start writing it. To make my book professional I open famous novels and note down the main parts of them:
1. Book’s Front Matter
The front matter introduces your book to readers and sets the tone. Here are the key elements:
- Title Page:
- Book’s title.
- Subtitle
- Author’s name
- Publisher information.
Side Note: This is crucial when you publish a book on Amazon to match metadata.
- Copyright Page:
- Copyright information
- Publishing year
- ISBN (if applicable).
Side Note: Amazon KDP provides a free ISBN for print books.
- Dedication Page:
- Write this page if you are dedicating your book to someone.
- Acknowledgments:
- Tell about those who helped in your publishing journey.
- Table of Contents:
- This is vital for nonfiction books and eBooks, it helps readers access chapters easily.
- Foreword or Preface:
- Optional sections where you can introduce the purpose or backstory of your book.
2. The Main Body
In a book, the main body is the core content like chapters, etc. It is different for some genres.
- Chapters or Sections:
- Write Chapter headings and write content in professional font. For children’s or fiction books, ensure smooth transitions between sections.
- Illustrations or Graphics:
- If applicable, include high-quality visuals that improve the reading experience.
Side Note: Amazon supports color and grayscale images for print and eBooks.
- Quotes or Callouts:
- For nonfiction books, use these to highlight key points.
3. Book’s Back Matter
Readers usually look for back matter when picking up a book to read. If you write the back matter of the book, it will help readers understand the book and urge them to open it.
- About the Author:
- Write a brief biography with a professional photo.
Side Note: When you publish a book on Amazon, this section connects readers with the author behind the words.
- References or Bibliography:
- For nonfiction, cite your sources to add references.
- Appendix:
- Additional information, charts, or resources that support the book’s content.
- Glossary:
- A small dictionary that defines terms for readers unfamiliar with specific jargon.
- Index:
- For nonfiction, an index helps readers locate topics quickly.
How to Proofread Your Book Draft Before Publishing
One of the crucial parts of writing a book is proofreading. I have proofread my book many times before preparing for KDP self-publishing. It helps in providing a storybook that is error-free.
When I read another book, I lose interest if there are spelling or grammatical mistakes in it. This is one of the steps for queries like: how to self publish on Amazon.
Let's find out how to do it.
Take a Break Before Proofreading
After completing your draft, step away for a few days or weeks. This break helps you see the manuscript with fresh eyes, making it easier to spot mistakes you might have overlooked while writing.
Use Professional Proofreading Tools
There are many tools available to assist with catching errors:
- Grammarly
- A popular tool for grammar and punctuation checks.
- ProWritingAid
- Helps refine writing style, clarity, and consistency.
- Hemingway Editor
- Highlights complex sentences and readability issues.
Side Note: These tools are good for proofreading but remember these all are based on AI. Make sure that you proofread it yourself as well to ensure your manuscript is ready for KDP self-publishing.
Read Your Manuscript Aloud
Reading your work aloud allows you to catch awkward phrasing, repetitive words, or unclear passages. Hearing the text can reveal issues you might not notice when reading silently.
Print It Out
This method is a little expensive but worth it. Proofreading on paper gives a different perspective compared to digital screens. Mark errors with a pen and note any sections needing improvement.
Check for Consistency
Look out for consistency in proofreading to self-publish on Amazon.
- You can check your character names by the find and replace option.
- Check formatting by using the print mode view.
- Your voice and tone should match according to genre throughout the book.
Hire a Professional Proofreader
If your budget allows, consider hiring a professional proofreader. Since it was my first book on the KDP self-publishing platform, I chose Ace Book Publishers for proofreading. They professionally break down your proofreading process into stages for Kindle Direct Publishing.
Do You Need to Hire an Editor for a Self-Published Book?
Self-publishing means you’re in charge of your book's quality. Readers expect a high-standard book. When deciding to publish my book on Amazon, one of the first questions I faced was whether to hire an editor or not. For my first, I wanted everything to be almost perfect. So I hired an editor, and believe me, it was worth it.
- They provided me with a professional manuscript that will keep readers engaged and earn better reviews.
- At first, I also decided to edit the book myself. However, it consumes time and is less effective due to familiarity with the text.
- A professional-looking book builds trust and encourages readers to explore more of your work.
Pro Tips: I hired Ace Book Publishers professional editors for my book.
Do You Need to Hire a Formatter for a Self-Published Book?
If you’re considering publishing a book on Amazon through Kindle self publishing, be professional when it comes to formatting. Proper formatting makes your manuscript look polished on both e-readers and physical copies. But do you need to hire a formatter, or can you handle it yourself? Let’s break it down.
Benefits of Hiring a Professional Formatter
In my opinion: hiring a professional formatter can save time and ensure your book meets Amazon’s requirements. They provide:
- Error-Free Layout
- Professionals know how to eliminate common formatting issues like inconsistent spacing, improper alignment, or odd page breaks.
- Device Compatibility
- They can create eBooks that work seamlessly on multiple devices, ensuring your book looks perfect on any screen size.
- Amazon-Ready Files
- Formatting experts are familiar with the technical specifications for Kindle self-publishing, such as file formats (.epub, .mobi) and trim sizes for print books.
- Focus on Writing
- Hiring a formatter allows you to focus on writing and marketing your book rather than stressing over technical details.
Side Note: I also started formatting my book. But I can tell you it is not a simple 1000 words article; it's a whole book of more than 10,000 words, and it takes TIME. So HIRE someone.
How to Create a Book Cover for Amazon Publishing
One thing I learned in my publishing journey is that book covers are the face of your book. You can't miss anything in it. To stand out among millions of Amazon self published books, be sure to make a professional cover.
As a writer, I think designing covers is not my cup of tea when learning how to self-publish a book on Amazon. It needs the professionalism of a graphic designer. Look for designers experienced in creating Amazon direct publishing book covers on platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, or Reedsy.
How to Use Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) to Publish Your Book
Many writers dream of publishing their own books, and with KDP self-publishing, Amazon has made it easier and more accessible than ever. The best part? You do not require a large budget to get started. Let me walk you through on how to self publish a book on Amazon, while also answering the question, How much does it cost to publish a book on Amazon?
- First, go to the Amazon website.
- I signed up for a free account on Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP).
- All I needed was an Amazon account, my book details, and a completed manuscript.
Step 1: Enter Book Details
In the KDP dashboard, I added basic information about my book:
- Title and subtitle.
- Book Description
- Keywords
- Categories
Step 2: Upload Manuscript and Cover
I uploaded my manuscript in Word or PDF format for print books and .epub for eBooks.
For the cover, I used Ace Book Publishers’ help to design a professional cover. If you opt for a custom design, cover creation costs can vary.
Pricing My Book
One of the best features of KDP self-publishing is the ability to set your own price.
- I chose between 35% for my eBook. You can also choose 70% royalties (usually $2.99 to $9.99 for 70%).
- Amazon deducts printing costs from sales. For example, a 200-page black-and-white book costs around $3.65 to print, leaving me with the remaining royalty.
How much does it cost to publish a book on Amazon?
Publishing your book on Amazon is free. Costs only increase if you invest in professional editing, formatting, or cover design.
Once I reviewed my book using Amazon’s preview tool to ensure everything looked perfect, I hit the Publish button. Amazon uploaded my book within 72 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Publishing a paperback book on Amazon is easy with Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). Create an account with KDP, upload your book in PDF or Word format, add your book cover, write details of your book, set the price (60% royalty), review, and publish it on Amazon.
Your level of expertise with the manuscript and cover will determine this. The process of formatting, creating, and uploading could take several hours or even days. It takes 24-72 hours for Amazon to evaluate and approve your book for publication after you submit it. Your book is live and practically instantly accessible for purchase after you receive an approval email.
Amazon KDP is a platform that allows frees self publishing. You can complete and edit your manuscript using Ms. Word, format using KDP’s templates, design a cover with Amazon’s Creator tool, publish on KDP, and market your book on social media platforms or email newsletter.
Self publishing through Amazon KDP is relatively easy due to its user-friendly interface. Amazon provides detailed guides and tools to help with formatting and cover design. You can publish for free, as Amazon only takes a cut of your sales. All success depends on quality, marketing, and understanding Amazon’s algorithm.
So, Are You Self Publishing on Amazon Your Next Book?
For me, self-publishing with KDP Publishing has changed everything, and it can do the same for you! The procedure is simple, adaptable, and offers you total authority over your book. You don't need to wait for a traditional publisher to say "yes" anymore because you can publish your book on Amazon in a matter of days.
If you're prepared to leap, simply follow my instructions on how to publish a book on Amazon and begin your own self-publishing journey right now!