Publishing a Book Through Amazon KDP: Prerequisites and Process
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) has become the premier self-publishing platform for indie authors seeking global reach without the traditional gatekeepers. With intuitive design and step-by-step guidance, it allows authors to publish ebooks and paperbacks with minimal upfront costs. However, to streamline the process and ensure success, it's essential to understand what’s required beforehand. From selecting a title to uploading the final manuscript, every detail matters. Here is an overview of the steps and the content you'll need to gather to publish effectively on Amazon KDP.
1. Titles and Subtitles
The title is the first impression your book makes, and Amazon’s algorithm relies heavily on it. It should be clear, searchable, and genre-appropriate. The subtitle allows for additional context or keywords, helping readers discover the book. For example, a nonfiction title like "Time Management for Writers: How to Finish Your Novel Without Burning Out" uses a subtitle to offer value and context.
2. Edition Numbers
If you’re releasing a revised or updated version of a previously published book, an edition number helps readers and Amazon distinguish between versions. First-time publications usually skip this, but it becomes essential when changes are made post-publication.
3. Authors and Contributors
KDP requires a primary author name, which appears on the product page and cover. You can also credit other contributors such as illustrators, editors, or foreword writers. These roles lend credibility, especially in nonfiction and children’s books.
4. Book Description / Blurb
The description appears on your book’s product page and functions as your sales pitch. Amazon allows up to 4,000 characters, and you can use HTML tags like <b> and <br> to format it. A good blurb hooks the reader, summarizes the story, and ends with a call to action or promise.
Example:
Betrayed by her kingdom. Hunted by her kin. Elira never asked to be Queen. Now, with war on the horizon, she must choose between vengeance and mercy.
Perfect for fans of Throne of Glass and Shadow and Bone.
5. Publishing Rights
You must declare that you own the publishing rights to the book. Choose "I own the copyright and I hold the necessary publishing rights" if it’s original content. If the book is in the public domain or licensed, select the appropriate alternative.
6. Audience and Reading Age
For children’s books or young adult fiction, defining the target audience and reading age is key. This helps Amazon show your book to the right readers and list it correctly in filtered search results. You can specify age ranges (e.g., 8–12 years) and grade levels.
7. Marketplaces
Amazon allows you to publish in multiple marketplaces, such as Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, and Amazon.co.uk. You’ll choose whether to publish worldwide or in specific territories.
8. Categories
Choosing the right categories impacts discoverability. Amazon allows two primary categories, but you can request up to 10 via Author Central later. Categories should be relevant and competitive. A thriller novel might be listed under “Fiction > Thrillers > Psychological” and “Fiction > Mystery & Detective > Women Sleuths.”
9. Keywords
You’re allowed up to seven keywords or phrases. These should reflect genre, themes, tropes, and audience search behavior. For a cozy mystery, examples might include: “small town mystery,” “female detective,” and “cat sleuth.”
10. Preorders
You can set a book for preorder up to 12 months in advance for ebooks. This is not available for paperbacks. It allows you to build buzz and collect sales before launch day. Preorders must have a manuscript uploaded by a fixed deadline to avoid penalties.
11. Digital Rights Management (DRM)
When uploading an ebook, you’ll be asked whether to enable DRM, which prevents users from copying and sharing the file. This decision is permanent once the book is published. DRM may deter piracy, but some authors believe it can frustrate legitimate readers.
12. Manuscript Upload
The manuscript must be uploaded in a supported format. Amazon KDP accepts:
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DOC/DOCX
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EPUB (for ebooks)
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PDF (for print)
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KPF (Kindle Create file)
Avoid fancy fonts or formatting that won’t render correctly. For print books, interior bleed, trim size, and margin settings must match your specifications. Maximum file size is 650MB.
Amazon KDP manuscript formatting guidelines
13. Cover Art Upload
Covers are uploaded separately. Ebook covers must be in JPEG or TIFF format, 2,560 pixels on the longest side, with an ideal aspect ratio of 1.6:1. Print covers must be full wraps (front, back, and spine) in PDF format, with correct bleed and trim size.
Use the KDP Cover Calculator to determine your dimensions.
14. Genre Alignment
Ensuring your book’s genre aligns with your categories, keywords, blurb, and cover is critical for marketing and reader expectations. A sci-fi novel with a romance-heavy cover and blurb might mislead readers and result in negative reviews.
15. AI Content Declaration
As of 2024, Amazon requires a declaration for any AI-generated content, including text or images. You must confirm whether AI was used in the creation of your manuscript or cover, even partially. This helps Amazon maintain transparency and content integrity.
More on AI content rules from Amazon
16. The Previewer
Once files are uploaded, Amazon provides a previewer tool to inspect your book’s appearance. You must use this to approve both the ebook and paperback versions. It displays page breaks, margins, font rendering, and alignment.
17. ISBNs
Amazon provides a free ISBN for paperbacks and hardcovers, but you can also use your own if you wish to retain publisher identity. Ebooks do not require an ISBN on Amazon.
More info: ISBNs in KDP
18. Publisher Name
You can assign a publisher name, which shows on the book’s detail page. If left blank, Amazon lists the book as published “Independently.” Authors with LLCs or publishing imprints should use their official business name here.
19. KDP Select Enrollment
You can choose to enroll your ebook in KDP Select, a 90-day exclusivity program that allows access to Kindle Unlimited (KU) and Kindle Owners' Lending Library. While in Select, the book cannot be sold digitally elsewhere. It can increase visibility, but at the cost of distribution freedom.
Details: KDP Select info
20. Territories
You can publish in all territories where Amazon operates or select specific ones. Worldwide rights are default unless you have a rights agreement for only certain countries.
21. Primary Marketplace
You can select a primary marketplace, typically Amazon.com, but other options include .co.uk or .de. This affects where your book page URL originates and how royalties are paid.
22. Pricing and Distribution
You’ll set your price and choose between a 35% or 70% royalty rate (dependent on price and region). For example, ebooks priced between $2.99 and $9.99 qualify for 70% royalty in most regions. You can also enable Expanded Distribution for print books, which allows sale through other retailers.
Pricing guide: KDP Pricing Help
23. Amazon TOS Confirmation
Finally, you must confirm that your book complies with the Amazon KDP Terms of Service and Content Guidelines. This includes prohibitions on offensive content, plagiarism, and misleading metadata.
TOS link: KDP Terms and Conditions
Final Thoughts: A Streamlined Experience
The Amazon KDP interface is intuitive, well-labeled, and updated frequently. Authors are guided through a three-tab process: Details, Content, and Pricing, with each tab containing contextual help boxes and links to resources. By preparing all your content ahead of time—title, subtitle, cover, manuscript, blurb, categories, and pricing—you can publish your book in under an hour.
For authors, the real value of KDP lies in its accessibility and reach. With no upfront cost, global distribution, and tools for managing everything from promotions to royalties, KDP empowers writers to take control of their publishing journey.
Each of the steps above is covered in greater depth in follow-up articles, which are regularly updated to reflect changes in Amazon’s policies and platform features. Publishing your book may seem overwhelming at first, but with proper preparation, the KDP process can be smooth, professional, and rewarding.
