Publishing a book used to feel impossible. You had to find an agent, wait months, and hope someone said yes. Today, publishing a book on Amazon puts that power directly in your hands. With Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), anyone can upload a manuscript and reach readers worldwide.
But “easy access” doesn’t mean “no effort.” If you want real results, you need the right process. This Amazon self-publishing guide walks you through six simple steps to help you publish professionally, avoid beginner mistakes, and actually sell your book.
Why Amazon?
Let’s pause a second. Why bother with Amazon in the first place?
- First, the reach is massive. Millions of readers already shop there every day.
- Second, it doesn’t matter if you’re writing an eBook, paperback, or hardcover. KDP supports them all.
- Third, you stay in control. Your price, your royalties, your updates. No gatekeepers.
- And the cherry on top? You don’t pay up front. Books are printed on demand, which means no garage full of unsold copies.
So if you want freedom and a shot at reaching readers quickly, Amazon’s the biggest stage.
The 6 Steps to Getting Your Book Published
Here’s where the rubber meets the road. 6 steps, explained without the jargon.
Step 1: Prepare Your Manuscript for Amazon Publishing
Before publishing comes polishing. This step helps refine your draft so it’s ready for readers.
Why Editing Comes First
Here’s the truth: no one forgives sloppy writing. One typo and readers start side-eyeing the whole book. So editing isn’t optional, it’s survival.
How to Self-edit Smarter
What works? Read the whole thing out loud. It’ll feel weird, but it exposes awkward sentences instantly. Use editing tools if you want, but remember, software doesn’t catch tone or pacing.
The Value of Professional Editors
If you’ve got the budget, hire an editor. Developmental editors help with structure, line editors polish the language, and proofreaders kill stray errors. Think of them as mechanics keeping your book from breaking down on page three.
Expert Tip:
Polish it until you’d be proud for a stranger to flip open to any page.
Step 2: Design a Professional Book Cover
Your cover is your book’s first impression, so better make it count. If it doesn’t grab attention, readers won’t stick around to see what’s inside.
Why Covers Sell Books
People judge books by their covers. That’s not a cliché, it’s marketing reality. A bad cover means readers won’t even click your book’s page, no matter how good the writing is. That’s why investing in an attractive ebook cover can make all the difference in grabbing attention and driving sales.
DIY or Professional?
Are you asking yourself: ‘Should I DIY or hire someone?’
- Hire a designer if you can afford it. They know what sells in each genre.
- Use Amazon’s Cover Creator if you’re strapped for cash. It’s basic, but it works.
Matching the Genre
And don’t forget genre signals. Romance covers scream “romance” with soft colors and expressive faces. Thrillers lean dark and moody. Kids’ books? Bright and playful. If your cover confuses readers, you lose them before chapter one.
Expert Tip:
Think of the cover as your book’s handshake. Make it firm, not flimsy.
Step 3: Format Your Book for Kindle and Print
Formatting might not be glamorous, but it’s the backbone of a smooth reading experience. When done right, it disappears, letting your story take centre stage without distractions.
Why Formatting Matters
This is where many authors groan. Formatting can be a pain, but it’s worth getting right.
eBook Formatting Basics
For eBooks, keep it clean. Standard fonts, simple spacing, nothing flashy. Test it on different devices Kindle, iPhone, tablet because what looks fine on one screen might be a disaster on another.
Print Formatting Essentials
For print, Amazon offers templates for margins, bleed, and trim sizes. Use them. It saves endless headaches. Nothing’s worse than seeing your book with cut-off text or awkward page breaks.
Tools that Help
Tools like Kindle Create, Scrivener, or Vellum can simplify the job. The goal is simple: readers should forget about the formatting and just enjoy the story.
Step 4: Upload Your Book to Amazon KDP
Uploading to KDP is your book’s big moment. When self publishing a book, getting the details right ensures it’s set up to be seen, not just sit there.
Getting Started
Now for the exciting part actually putting your book into Amazon’s system.
Creating Your Account
Head to kdp.amazon.com and set up your account. It’s free. Then you’ll fill in the details:
- Title and subtitle
- Author name (or pen name)
- Series info, if you’ve got one
- Description (aka your book blurb the sales pitch)
- Keywords and categories so people can actually find it
Uploading Your Files
Then upload your manuscript and cover file. Use the preview tool to see how it looks across devices. Don’t skip this — you want to catch errors now, not after readers leave 1-star reviews.
Why Metadata Counts
Metadata (your keywords, categories, and description) is more important than people think. Get lazy here, and your book becomes invisible.
Step 5: Set Pricing and Royalties on Amazon
Pricing isn’t just numbers…it’s strategy. Aim for a price that reflects your book’s value while still tempting readers to hit “buy.”
Understanding Royalties
Here’s where things get real. Amazon gives you two royalty options: 35% or 70%. Most authors aim for 70%, but it only applies if your eBook is priced between $2.99 and $9.99.
How to Choose a Price
Choosing the right price starts with research. Look at what similar books in your niche are charging. Too high, and readers might skip over it; too low, and it can come off as amateurish. Many authors begin with a lower price to build momentum, then adjust as their audience grows.
Considering Global Sales
Don’t forget, if you’re doing print, Amazon deducts printing costs. And you can set regional prices, which is great for international reach.
Expert Tip:
Think of pricing as balancing two things: fair value for your work, and a number that makes readers click “buy now.”
Step 6: Launch and Market Your Book on Amazon
A strong launch sets the tone for your book’s success. Treat it like an event, not a checkbox, because the more buzz you build, the further your book travels.
Pre-launch Prep
Here’s the truth: just uploading your book isn’t enough. You’ve got to promote it. Start before launch if possible. Build hype on social media, tease snippets, reveal the cover, maybe even send early copies to beta readers.
What to Do After Launch
After launch, keep the momentum alive:
- Run Amazon Ads to target genre-specific readers.
- Offer limited-time discounts or freebies to push rankings.
- Share it everywhere your website, newsletters, podcasts, blogs.
The Role of Reviews
And one more thing reviews are gold. They build credibility fast. Ask early readers for honest reviews. A handful of good ones can push a hesitant buyer into clicking “purchase.”
Expert Tip:
Launching is like lighting a fire. Get enough sparks going at the start, and the flame keeps burning.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Publishing on Amazon
Let’s be honest: some missteps can quietly sabotage your book before it even gets a chance. The basics matter. A clean edit, a standout cover, and a blurb that actually sells aren’t just nice to have; they’re non-negotiable.
- Uploading without editing? That’s a fast track to bad reviews.
- Settling for a bland, forgettable cover? Readers will scroll right past.
- Writing a lifeless book description? You’re missing your one shot to hook them.
- Thinking Amazon will magically market your book for you? It won’t. You’ve got to show up for your launch.
Treat your book like it deserves attention because it does.
Final Takeaway
Publishing a book on Amazon isn’t rocket science, but it does take effort. With the right approach and a clear Amazon Self Publishing Guide to follow you can break it into steps: clean manuscript, solid cover, proper formatting, smart pricing, and active promotion. Suddenly, it feels doable.
The best part? Once your book goes live, Amazon handles printing, shipping, and distribution. You handle the creative side and build your audience.
If you’ve been waiting for the perfect time, here’s your sign. Get the manuscript ready, fire up KDP, and make your book real. And if you need help polishing your draft or getting it written in the first place, Ghostwriting Assistance is here to help you bring your story to life.
FAQs
How much does it cost to publish a book on Amazon?
Publishing on Amazon KDP is free. You only pay optional costs like editing, cover design, and formatting. Amazon prints books on demand, so there’s no upfront inventory cost.
Can I publish the same book as eBook and paperback on Amazon?
Yes. KDP lets you publish your book in multiple formats including eBook, paperback, and hardcover from the same account.
What file formats does Amazon KDP accept?
Amazon accepts DOC, DOCX, EPUB, and PDF (for print). Most authors upload DOCX or EPUB for eBooks.
Do I keep full rights to my book on Amazon?
Yes. You keep full ownership of your content. Amazon only gets the right to sell your book through their platform.
Can I publish under a pen name on Amazon?
Absolutely. KDP allows you to use a pen name instead of your real name.
What’s the best category to choose on Amazon?
Choose categories that closely match your genre and audience. Niche categories help your book rank faster than broad ones.
How many keywords can I use on Amazon KDP?
You get 7 keyword slots. Use full phrases (not single words) that match what readers actually search.
Can I publish a low-content book on Amazon?
Yes. Journals, planners, and workbooks can be published through KDP, but they must follow Amazon’s content guidelines.
How long does it take to make money from Amazon books?
Some authors earn in weeks, others in months. Consistent marketing and good reviews speed up results.
Should I enroll in KDP Select?
KDP Select offers extra exposure and Kindle Unlimited royalties, but requires exclusivity for eBooks. It’s best for new authors building visibility.
