Sell Ebooks on Amazon: A Quick Start Guide
Step 1: Prepare Your Ebook for Publication
Format Your Manuscript for Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
Before uploading, ensure your manuscript is properly formatted for KDP. The most common and recommended format is a .DOCX file (Microsoft Word). Use standard fonts like Times New Roman or Arial, and set the font size to 12pt for body text. Ensure consistent heading styles (e.g., Heading 1 for chapters, Heading 2 for sub-sections). Remove any unnecessary page breaks, excessive white space, or complex formatting that might not translate well. For optimal results, use KDP’s free Kindle Create tool, which allows you to convert your manuscript into a professional-looking Kindle eBook (.KPF file) with interactive elements like a clickable table of contents.
Design an Engaging Ebook Cover
Your ebook cover is crucial for attracting readers. It should be visually appealing, relevant to your genre, and legible even as a small thumbnail. Amazon KDP recommends cover dimensions of 2560 pixels in height by 1600 pixels in width, with a minimum resolution of 300 PPI. Save your cover as a JPG or TIFF file. You can use professional design software like Adobe Photoshop or GIMP, or utilize online tools like Canva or KDP’s Cover Creator. Ensure the title and author name are clear and prominent, and the image evokes the essence of your book.
Step 2: Set Up Your Amazon KDP Account
Create Your KDP Account
Navigate to kdp.amazon.com and click on the “Sign up” button. If you already have an Amazon customer account, you can use those credentials to sign in. If not, you’ll be prompted to create a new Amazon account. Follow the on-screen instructions, providing your name, email address, and creating a secure password. Once created, you’ll be redirected to your KDP Dashboard.
Input Your Tax and Payment Information
Before you can publish, you must provide your tax and payment details. From your KDP Dashboard, click on “Your Account” (usually found in the top right corner). Under the “Payment & Banking” section, click “Add a new bank account” or “Edit” existing information. You’ll need your bank name, account number, and routing number for direct deposit. For tax information, click “Complete Tax Information.” This will launch a guided interview to determine your tax withholding status based on your country of residence (e.g., U.S. citizens will complete a W-9, non-U.S. citizens a W-8BEN). Accurate completion is essential for receiving royalty payments.
Step 3: Upload and Configure Your Ebook
Upload Your Manuscript and Cover
From your KDP Dashboard, click “Create a new title” and then “Kindle eBook.” Enter your book’s title, subtitle, author name, and a compelling description (up to 4000 characters). Select your publishing rights (usually “I own the copyright”). Under “Manuscript,” click “Upload eBook manuscript” and select your prepared .DOCX or .KPF file. Under “eBook Cover,” click “Upload your cover image” and select your JPG or TIFF file. KDP will show you a preview of your book and cover; review them carefully for any formatting issues.
Set Your Ebook’s Pricing and Royalty Options
On the “Pricing” page, choose your primary marketplace (e.g., Amazon.com). You’ll then select your royalty option: 35% or 70%. The 70% royalty option requires your ebook to be priced between $2.99 and $9.99 (USD) and subjects you to a delivery fee per megabyte. The 35% royalty option has no price restrictions or delivery fees. Enter your desired list price. KDP will automatically calculate prices for other marketplaces based on exchange rates. You can also opt for Kindle MatchBook (offer the ebook for free or at a discount to print book purchasers) and Kindle Lending (allow readers to lend your book to others).
Step 4: Publish and Promote Your Ebook
Review and Publish Your Ebook
After configuring your pricing, click “Save and Continue.” You’ll be taken to a final review page. Carefully check all details: title, author, description, manuscript preview, cover, and pricing. If everything looks correct, click the “Publish Your Kindle eBook” button. KDP will then review your book to ensure it meets their content guidelines, a process that typically takes 12-72 hours. Once approved, your ebook will appear for sale on Amazon.
Utilize KDP Select for Promotion
KDP Select is an optional program that offers exclusive promotional tools in exchange for making your ebook exclusive to Amazon for a 90-day period. If enrolled, your book will be included in Kindle Unlimited (KU), allowing subscribers to read your book for free, with you earning a share of the KU fund based on pages read. KDP Select also grants you access to two powerful promotional tools: Kindle Countdown Deals (offer your book at a discount for a limited time) and Free Book Promotions (offer your book for free for up to 5 days per 90-day enrollment period). These tools can significantly boost visibility and downloads.
FAQs
How long does it take for my ebook to appear on Amazon after publishing?
After you click “Publish Your Kindle eBook,” KDP typically takes 12-72 hours to review and approve your book. Once approved, it can take a few more hours for it to become live and searchable on Amazon’s various marketplaces worldwide.
Can I make changes to my ebook after it’s published?
Yes, you can make changes to your ebook at any time, even after it’s published. Go to your KDP Dashboard, click on “Kindle eBook Actions” next to your title, and select “Edit eBook details,” “Edit eBook content,” or “Edit eBook pricing.” After making changes, you’ll need to re-publish, and the updates will typically go live within a few hours.
What are the tax implications of selling ebooks on Amazon?
Amazon KDP will collect your tax information during the setup process. For U.S. authors, KDP will send a 1099-MISC form if you earn over a certain threshold. For non-U.S. authors, you may be subject to U.S. withholding tax on royalties unless you provide a valid tax identification number (TIN) and claim treaty benefits. It’s highly recommended to consult with a tax professional regarding your specific situation.
Do I need an ISBN to publish an ebook on KDP?
No, you do not need to purchase an ISBN to publish an ebook on KDP. Amazon KDP assigns a unique ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number) to your ebook, which serves a similar purpose for cataloging within Amazon’s system. While you can use your own ISBN if you have one, it’s not required for KDP ebook publication.
