Sell Your Book on Amazon: A Complete Guide
Step 1: Prepare Your Book for Amazon KDP
Format Your Manuscript for Ebook and Print
For Kindle Ebooks, Amazon KDP primarily accepts .docx (Microsoft Word) files, but also supports EPUB, MOBI, and other formats. The most straightforward approach is to format your manuscript in Microsoft Word. Use standard fonts like Times New Roman or Garamond, 12-point size, and ensure consistent heading styles (e.g., Heading 1 for chapters, Heading 2 for sections). Remove all manual page breaks and use section breaks for new chapters. For print, ensure your document has appropriate margins (typically 0.75″ inside, 0.5″ outside, 0.75″ top, 0.75″ bottom) and a consistent page size (e.g., 6″ x 9″). Embed all fonts to prevent display issues. Consider using a tool like Kindle Create for a more guided formatting process, especially for complex layouts, or a professional formatter for optimal results.
Design an Engaging Book Cover
Your book cover is your primary marketing tool. For Kindle Ebooks, the ideal size is 2560 pixels on the longest side and 1600 pixels on the shortest side (a 1.6:1 aspect ratio), with a minimum of 1000 pixels on the shortest side. For print, the cover dimensions will depend on your book’s page count and trim size, as it includes the front cover, spine, and back cover. KDP provides a cover calculator to determine precise dimensions. Ensure your cover is high-resolution (300 DPI for print), visually appealing, and clearly communicates your genre. Use professional design software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, GIMP) or hire a professional cover designer. Avoid pixelated images or generic stock photos that don’t reflect your book’s content.
Step 2: Create Your Amazon KDP Account and Book Listing
Set Up Your KDP Account Details
Navigate to kdp.amazon.com and sign in with your existing Amazon account or create a new one. Once logged in, you’ll be prompted to complete your account information. This includes your author/publisher name, contact details, and most importantly, your tax information (TIN/SSN for US residents, or equivalent for international authors) and bank account details for royalty payments. Amazon requires this for tax compliance and to ensure you receive your earnings. Double-check all entered information for accuracy to avoid payment delays.
Enter Your Book’s Details and Metadata
From your KDP dashboard, click “+ Create a New Title” (or “Paperback” / “Hardcover”). You’ll be guided through several screens. On the “Kindle Ebook Details” page (or “Paperback Details”), enter your book title, subtitle, author name (pen name is acceptable), and a compelling book description (up to 4000 characters). Craft a description that hooks readers and uses relevant keywords. Select up to two categories that accurately reflect your book’s genre (e.g., “Fantasy > Epic,” “Mystery, Thriller & Suspense > Thrillers > Psychological”). Choose up to seven highly relevant keywords or keyword phrases (e.g., “cozy mystery,” “historical fiction 1920s,” “self-help anxiety relief”). These keywords are crucial for discoverability in Amazon’s search results.
Step 3: Upload and Price Your Book
Upload Your Manuscript and Cover Files
On the “Kindle Ebook Content” page (or “Paperback Content”), upload your formatted manuscript file. KDP will convert it to their proprietary format (.azw3). After uploading, use the “Launch Previewer” tool to meticulously check how your book appears on various devices (Kindle e-readers, tablets, phones). Look for formatting errors, missing text, or odd page breaks. For print, ensure the interior file is correctly formatted for your chosen trim size. Then, upload your designed cover file. Again, use the previewer to ensure the cover displays correctly and the spine text (for print) is centered and legible.
Set Your Book’s Price and Royalty Options
On the “Kindle Ebook Pricing” page (or “Paperback Rights & Pricing”), you’ll decide your book’s price. For ebooks, Amazon offers two royalty options: 35% or 70%. The 70% option generally requires your book to be priced between $2.99 and $9.99 (USD) and includes a delivery fee. Below or above this range, or if you opt out of KDP Select, you receive 35%. For paperbacks, royalties are typically 60% of your list price minus printing costs. KDP provides a calculator to show estimated royalties based on your price. Research competitor pricing in your genre to set a competitive yet profitable price. You can also enroll your ebook in KDP Select, which requires exclusivity to Amazon for 90 days but allows participation in Kindle Unlimited and promotional tools like Kindle Countdown Deals and Free Book Promotions.
Step 4: Promote and Market Your Book
Utilize Amazon’s Promotional Tools
If enrolled in KDP Select, leverage the “Promote and Advertise” section of your KDP dashboard. Schedule a “Kindle Countdown Deal” to offer your book at a discount for a limited time, creating urgency. Use “Free Book Promotions” to make your book free for a few days, which can boost visibility and reviews. Consider setting up Amazon Ads (Sponsored Products or Lockscreen Ads) to target specific audiences based on keywords, categories, or even competitor ASINs. Start with a small daily budget and monitor performance closely, adjusting keywords and bids as needed.
Market Your Book Outside of Amazon
Don’t rely solely on Amazon for discoverability. Build an author website or blog to connect with readers and showcase your work. Grow an email list by offering a lead magnet (e.g., a free short story or bonus chapter) to capture reader interest and directly notify them of new releases or promotions. Engage on social media platforms relevant to your target audience (e.g., Facebook groups for readers, Instagram for visual content, TikTok for short-form video). Submit your book to book review blogs, Goodreads groups, and participate in online author communities. Collaborate with other authors for cross-promotion. Consistently market your book over time to maintain momentum and reach new readers.
FAQs
Q: How long does it take for my book to go live on Amazon after I publish it?
A: For Kindle Ebooks, it typically takes 12-72 hours for your book to become available for purchase, though sometimes it can be as quick as a few hours. For paperbacks and hardcovers, it usually takes 3-5 business days for Amazon to review, approve, and list your book.
Q: Can I publish a book on KDP if I’m not a U.S. citizen?
A: Yes, KDP is available to authors worldwide. You will need to provide your country’s tax identification number (TIN) or equivalent, and KDP will guide you through the tax interview process to determine any applicable tax withholding rates.
Q: What is the difference between KDP Select and regular KDP publishing?
A: KDP Select is an optional program that requires 90 days of exclusivity for your ebook to Amazon. In exchange, your book becomes eligible for Kindle Unlimited (where readers pay a subscription and can read your book for free, and you get paid per page read) and access to promotional tools like Kindle Countdown Deals and Free Book Promotions. Regular KDP publishing allows you to sell your ebook on other platforms (e.g., Apple Books, Nook, Kobo) simultaneously.
Q: How do I get reviews for my book on Amazon?
A: Encourage readers to leave reviews by including a polite request at the end of your book. Promote your book to your email list and social media followers, asking for honest reviews. You can also use services like BookFunnel or StoryOrigin to distribute advance reader copies (ARCs) in exchange for reviews. Never pay for reviews or offer incentives that violate Amazon’s terms of service.
