Sell Your Book on Amazon: A Quickstart Guide
Step 1: Prepare Your Book for Publication
Format Your Manuscript for Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
Before uploading, ensure your manuscript is properly formatted for KDP. For reflowable eBooks, Microsoft Word (.doc, .docx) is a common and recommended format. Use standard fonts like Times New Roman or Arial, and set your body text to 11-12pt. Avoid excessive use of complex formatting, such as text boxes, sidebars, or highly intricate tables, as these can cause conversion issues. Use paragraph styles for headings (Heading 1, Heading 2) to ensure a proper table of contents is generated. Insert page breaks after each chapter. For print books, you’ll need to consider specific trim sizes (e.g., 6×9 inches) and ensure your margins are set correctly for printing (typically 0.5-0.75 inches for inner and outer margins, and a slightly larger gutter margin). KDP offers a free “Kindle Create” tool that can help optimize your manuscript for eBook conversion, especially if you have images or more complex layouts.
Design an Engaging Book Cover
Your book cover is your primary marketing tool. It needs to be professional, eye-catching, and relevant to your genre. For eBooks, the recommended cover size is 2560 pixels on the longest side and 1600 pixels on the shortest side, with a minimum resolution of 300 DPI. Common aspect ratios are 1.6:1 (height to width). For print books, KDP provides a cover calculator based on your trim size and page count; you’ll need a full wrap-around cover (front, spine, and back). If you’re not a graphic designer, consider hiring a professional. Websites like 99designs, Fiverr, or Upwork offer freelance designers specializing in book covers. Ensure your cover clearly displays your title and author name and uses imagery that accurately represents your book’s content and appeals to your target audience.
Step 2: Set Up Your Amazon KDP Account
Create Your KDP Account and Profile
Navigate to the Amazon KDP website (kdp.amazon.com). If you already have an Amazon customer account, you can sign in with those credentials. If not, click “Sign up” and follow the prompts to create a new account. You’ll need to agree to the KDP Terms and Conditions. Once logged in, you’ll be directed to your KDP dashboard. Before you can publish, you’ll need to complete your author profile, including your legal name and contact information.
Provide Your Tax and Payment Information
Amazon requires tax information to comply with IRS regulations and to pay out your royalties. On your KDP dashboard, click on “Your Account” and then “Tax Information.” You’ll be guided through a tax interview. For U.S. authors, this typically involves providing your Social Security Number (SSN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN) and confirming your tax status. For non-U.S. authors, you may need to provide a Tax Identification Number (TIN) from your country of residence to qualify for reduced withholding tax rates under a tax treaty. Next, set up your payment method. You can choose direct deposit to a bank account in eligible countries (U.S., UK, EU, Canada, Australia, etc.) or wire transfer for others. Direct deposit is generally faster and incurs fewer fees. Provide your bank name, account number, and routing number accurately.
Step 3: Publish Your Book on KDP
Enter Your Book Details and Rights Information
From your KDP dashboard, click “+ Create a New Title” (or “Create a new eBook” / “Create a new Paperback”). You’ll be prompted to enter your book’s details, starting with the language, title, series information (if applicable), and edition number. Craft a compelling book description (blurb) that entices readers; this is crucial for conversions. Select up to two categories that best describe your book’s genre and up to seven keywords that readers might use to find your book. For rights, select “I own the copyright and I hold necessary publishing rights.” Choose your territories for distribution (worldwide is the default and recommended for most). You can also opt for KDP Select enrollment here, which offers 70% royalty on eBooks but requires 90-day exclusivity with Amazon for the digital version.
Upload Your Manuscript and Cover Files
On the next page, you’ll upload your formatted manuscript file. For eBooks, this is typically a .doc, .docx, or .kpf file. For paperbacks, it’s a PDF. KDP will convert your file and provide a previewer where you can check how your book will look on various devices (eBook) or in print. Pay close attention to formatting, image placement, and page breaks. After the manuscript, upload your cover file. For eBooks, this is usually a JPG or TIFF. For paperbacks, it’s a print-ready PDF of your full wrap-around cover. Use the KDP Cover Creator if you haven’t designed your own. Set your pricing and royalty options. For eBooks, 70% royalty is available for books priced between $2.99 and $9.99 in KDP Select, or 35% for other prices or non-KDP Select. For paperbacks, royalties are 60% minus printing costs. Review all details carefully, then click “Publish Your Kindle eBook” or “Publish Your Paperback Book.” It typically takes 12-72 hours for your book to appear for sale on Amazon.
Step 4: Promote Your Book on Amazon
Utilize KDP Select for Promotional Tools
If you enrolled your eBook in KDP Select, you gain access to powerful promotional tools. The two main ones are Kindle Countdown Deals and Free Book Promotions. Kindle Countdown Deals allow you to run a limited-time discounted promotion where your book’s price gradually increases over several days, while still earning the 70% royalty rate. Free Book Promotions allow you to offer your book for free for up to 5 days every 90 days. While you earn no royalties during a free promotion, it can significantly boost visibility, downloads, and potentially lead to more reviews and sales of your other books. Schedule these promotions strategically, perhaps around holidays or when you have other marketing efforts planned. You can access these tools from your KDP dashboard under the “Promote and Advertise” section for your enrolled book.
Optimize Your Book’s Amazon Product Page
Your book’s Amazon product page is its storefront. Continuously optimize it. Ensure your book description is compelling and uses strong keywords. Encourage readers to leave reviews, as positive reviews are crucial for social proof and Amazon’s algorithms. Respond to reviews professionally. Utilize Amazon’s A+ Content feature (formerly Enhanced Brand Content) if you are a registered brand owner or have KDP Select enrollment. A+ Content allows you to add rich media, comparison charts, and more detailed descriptions to your product page, making it more engaging. Regularly check your KDP Reports to understand sales trends, page reads (for Kindle Unlimited), and customer behavior. Use this data to refine your keywords, categories, and promotional strategies. Consider running Amazon Ads (AMS) to drive targeted traffic to your book page, starting with sponsored product ads targeting specific keywords or competitor books.
FAQs
Q: How long does it take for my book to appear on Amazon after publishing?
A: After you click “Publish,” it typically takes between 12 to 72 hours for your book to become available for purchase on Amazon. You’ll receive an email notification when it’s live.
Q: Can I publish both an eBook and a paperback version of my book on KDP?
A: Yes, absolutely. KDP allows you to publish both an eBook (Kindle edition) and a print-on-demand paperback (or hardcover) version of your book. You’ll create separate listings for each format but can link them together on your Amazon product page.
Q: What are the best strategies for getting reviews for my book?
A: Encourage readers to leave reviews by including a call to action at the end of your book. You can also reach out to your personal network, use social media, or offer advanced reader copies (ARCs) to reviewers in exchange for honest feedback. Avoid incentivizing reviews directly, as this violates Amazon’s terms of service.
Q: Do I need an ISBN to publish on KDP?
A: For KDP eBooks, an ISBN is optional; Amazon assigns a unique ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number) automatically. For KDP paperbacks, Amazon provides a free ISBN, or you can use your own purchased ISBN if you prefer.
