How to Publish and Price Hardcover Books with Amazon KDP

Introduction

"Can I publish my hardcover book on Amazon KDP?" Absolutely — and you should. Self-publishing used to mean paperback-only for most authors, but not anymore. Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) now offers print-on-demand hardcovers for indie authors, which means you can have a sleek, sturdy book without paying for bulk printing.

This guide walks you through the entire process of publishing a hardcover book with KDP, from setup and ISBNs to pricing and proofs. You'll also learn how to optimize your pricing for profit and understand where ScribeCount fits into your publishing journey.

By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly what to do, what you need in advance, and how to make smart decisions about distributing and pricing your hardcover.

What Is Hardcover Publishing on Amazon KDP?

Amazon KDP added hardcover printing in late 2021. This means indie authors can now upload their book files and make hardcovers available for sale through Amazon, just like paperbacks and ebooks. These hardcovers are case laminate, not dust jacket hardcovers — so the cover image is printed directly on the book.

The hardcover option works well for:

• Novels and memoirs

• Workbooks and journals

• Poetry collections

• Nonfiction and guides

However, choices are more limited than with paperbacks. KDP supports five trim sizes, does not offer dust jackets, and only prints in the U.S., U.K., and EU.

If you're planning to sell to libraries or bookstores, or offer direct sales from your own site, KDP's hardcover limitations may steer you toward also using IngramSpark or another offset printer.

Step-by-Step: How to Publish a Hardcover Book with Amazon KDP

Step 1: Prepare Your Files

Before you log into KDP, you’ll need:

• Formatted interior PDF sized to your trim size with embedded fonts

• Cover PDF (not a wraparound unless using a template)

• ISBN specifically for your hardcover edition

• Book title, subtitle, series info, author name, description, categories, and keywords

You’ll also want to decide if you’ll use Amazon’s free ISBN or your own (more on that below).

Step 2: Log in and Create a New Hardcover Edition

If your ebook or paperback already exists on KDP, go to your Bookshelf and click “+ Create Hardcover.” Amazon will auto-fill most details from the existing version. Double-check everything.

If it’s a brand-new title, click “+ Hardcover” and start fresh.

Step 3: Fill Out Book Details

Here’s what KDP will ask for:

• Book Title & Subtitle

• Author & Contributor Info

• Description: This appears on your Amazon page — make it engaging and keyword-rich.

• Publishing Rights: Select “I own the copyright.”

• Keywords: Think like your reader — what would they search?

• Categories: Choose 2. Request up to 8 more via KDP support later.

• Age and Grade Range: Only for children’s books.

Step 4: ISBN and Publisher Info

You’ll need a unique ISBN for your hardcover edition. KDP provides one for free, or you can buy one from Bowker if you're in the U.S.

Use your own ISBN if:

• You want to appear as the publisher

• You plan to use the ISBN elsewhere (like Ingram)

Step 5: Upload Content

You’ll now upload your:

• Interior PDF formatted for your chosen size

• Cover file, using Amazon’s template generator

Use KDP’s previewer tool to catch layout or margin errors.

Step 6: Order a Proof Copy

Before publishing, order a proof copy — this is a trial version marked “Not for Resale.” It lets you catch printing flaws or formatting mistakes.

After publishing, you can order author copies at print cost (great for signings or direct sales). These are not marked as proofs.

Trim Sizes, Paper Options, and Limitations

KDP only offers five trim sizes for hardcover:

• 5.5” x 8.5”

• 6” x 9”

• 6.14” x 9.21”

• 7” x 10”

• 8.25” x 11”

All hardcovers are case laminate with white paper. You cannot select cream paper, matte covers, or dust jackets. This makes Amazon hardcovers ideal for basic prose books, but not ideal for photography, art, or collector editions.

Should You Use IngramSpark First?

Many seasoned indie authors use IngramSpark to launch first, then follow with Amazon KDP. Why?

• Ingram offers more trim sizes and dust jackets

• Ingram books are more accepted by libraries and bookstores

• Using Ingram first ensures your ISBN isn’t tied to Amazon

Just know that Ingram has setup fees and may require returns.

Pricing Your Hardcover on KDP

Let’s break down how Amazon charges you:

• Fixed printing cost: $6.65 (as of 2025)

• Royalty rate: 60% of list price, minus print cost

To earn $3.00 profit, here’s how to price a 350-page book:

• Print cost: $6.65

• Royalty: 60% of list price

• Let’s price it at $14.95

• 60% of $14.95 = $8.97

• $8.97 – $6.65 = $2.32 profit (you need a higher price)

To get a $3.00 royalty, price the book at $15.95 or more:

• $15.95 × 0.60 = $9.57

• $9.57 – $6.65 = $2.92 profit

Round up to $16.99 to net over $3.00 per sale.

ScribeCount can help you track earnings per format and compare how your hardcovers perform against paperbacks and ebooks.

Why Not Use Expanded Distribution?

Amazon offers Expanded Distribution, but most authors skip it for hardcovers. Here’s why:

• It rarely results in more sales

• Libraries and indie bookstores prefer Ingram

• You lose control of discounts and returns

For professional reach, distribute via IngramSpark instead.

Selling Direct and Alternative Printers

If you sell direct to readers from your website, Amazon isn’t your best option. Consider:

• BookVault (UK-based, lower costs)

• Mixam (custom options)

• PrintNinja or KLS Printing (offset for bulk orders)

These services offer better quality, more customization, and lower per-unit cost for direct sales.

Post-Publication: What to Expect

Once you hit “Publish,” it usually takes 24 to 72 hours for your hardcover to go live on Amazon. It gets a unique product page, separate from the ebook or paperback.

Use your KDP dashboard to track sales. With ScribeCount, you can see all your sales (ebook, paperback, and hardcover) across multiple platforms in one place — and monitor trends.

Final Word

You did it! Publishing a hardcover book on Amazon KDP can seem overwhelming, but now you know each step. Remember:

• Start with the right files

• Choose your ISBN wisely

• Price for profit, not just vanity

• Consider dual publishing with Ingram for reach

• Use ScribeCount to track your success

Congrats on making it to print — your book is real now. If you're also publishing a paperback, check out our separate article on that topic.

Keep writing, keep publishing, and let your readers hold your words in hardcover.