Amazon self-publishing through Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is an exciting avenue for independent authors. While you can technically publish a book in a day, a well-planned, meticulous approach can help you create a product you’re proud of.
This guide offers a step-by-step walkthrough and includes tips and additional advice to enhance your publishing experience.
Preparing to Publish
1: Create a KDP Account
- Go to KDP Amazon and click either “Sign in” or “Sign up.”
- Log in with your existing Amazon credentials or create a new account.
- Accept the terms and conditions to gain access to your KDP dashboard.
2: Add a New eBook Title
- Click on “+ Kindle eBook” to initiate the process.
- Save your work as a draft if you need to pause; you can always return to it.
3: Language Selection
- Specify the primary language your book is written in.
Crafting Your eBook’s Identity
4: Input Your Title and Subtitle
- Select a compelling title; it’s often the first thing potential readers see.
- Subtitles can provide additional context and draw readers in.
5: Author Information
- Enter your author name as you’d like it to appear in your book.
- Add co-authors or contributors if applicable.
6: Write a Magnetic Description
- Use up to 4,000 characters to pitch your book to prospective readers.
- HTML tags for bold and italics are accepted.
- Bonus Tip: An engaging book description can significantly affect your sales.
7: Confirm Publishing Rights
- Select “I own the copyright and hold the necessary publishing rights” if applicable.
- Note: Copyright is automatically established once your work is created in a fixed form.
8: Choose Relevant Keywords
- Select relevant keywords to make your book discoverable in Amazon’s search engine.
- Consider what your target audience might type into the search bar.
9: Choose Categories and Sub-categories
- Choose two primary categories for your book.
- For more categories, reach out to Amazon after publishing through Author Central.
Before You Publish
10: Specify Your Audience’s Age Range
- If your book targets teens or younger readers, specify the age range. This ensures that your book will be read by your preferred audience.
- Specifying your audience’s age range does not stop people outside of your preferred age range to find your book. It just decreases the likelihood of them finding your book in the first place. It also restricts their ability to purchase the book.
11: Decide on a Release Strategy
- Prepare your marketing plan before choosing a publishing date.
- You can change this later, but planning ahead of time is essential.
- Create a marketing strategy to maximize your sales potential.
12: DRM (Digital Rights Management)
- Enabling DRM protects your book from unauthorized distribution.
- Note: Once you publish, the DRM settings cannot be changed.
Book Upload and Preview
13: Manuscript Upload
- Upload a well-formatted ePub file, ensuring it meets Kindle format specifications.
14: Cover Design
- Never compromise on your cover design; consider hiring a professional. You can find highly skilled freelancers through sites like UpWork.
15: Book Preview
- Download and use Kindle Previewer for a thorough check.
- Spend time to verify every detail, including your hyperlinks and your book’s layout.
Additional Settings and Considerations
16: ISBN and Publisher
- Assigning an ISBN is optional for Kindle eBooks.
17: KDP Select
- Consider KDP Select for additional marketing tools, but know that your eBook must be exclusive to Amazon.
18: Choose Territories Where Your Product is Sold
- Opt for “All territories (worldwide rights)” unless you have specific reasons to limit your book’s availability.
19: Royalty and Pricing
- Choose between 35% and 70% for your royalty.
- The choice affects pricing flexibility.
20: Matchbook and Book Lending
- Decide if you want to participate in these optional programs.
21: Save As Draft
- Keep your book in draft mode until all elements, including your marketing plan, are in place.
Print Book Options
22: KDP Print Publishing
- Be aware that if you’re considering releasing a printed version, it requires different preparations. Amazon Self-Publishing via KDP is primarily an online service to authors worldwide seeking to publish their works.
- Bonus Tip: Physical books can complement your digital presence and open additional doors, like media coverage and public speaking opportunities.
Being meticulous can spell the difference between a book you’re proud of and a rushed job. Publishing is its own skill set, separate from writing. A well-planned and executed book not only enhances your credibility but can also open doors for your career.
Remember, always trust your gut feeling—if something doesn’t feel right, take the time to revisit and revise.
Happy Amazon Self-Publishing! PS for more helpful tips and to receive the support of a large, growing community, check out FilipinoWriter’s Official FaceBook Group where you can freelancers supporting each other.