Sell Your Book on Amazon: The Ultimate Guide
Step 1: Prepare Your Book for Amazon KDP
Format Your Manuscript for Ebook and Print
Before uploading, ensure your manuscript is meticulously formatted. For ebooks, Amazon KDP primarily accepts EPUB or DOCX files. Use a clean, simple layout. For DOCX, use standard fonts like Times New Roman or Garamond, 12pt for body text. Apply paragraph styles (e.g., “Normal” for body, “Heading 1” for chapter titles) consistently. Avoid excessive manual formatting like multiple spaces for indentation. Ensure your table of contents is hyperlinked for ebooks. For print books, you’ll need a PDF file. Set your page size to your desired trim size (e.g., 6×9 inches), ensure margins are appropriate (typically 0.5 inches on top, bottom, and outside, and 0.75-1 inch on the inside for the gutter), and embed all fonts. Use a professional word processor (like Microsoft Word or LibreOffice Writer) or dedicated book formatting software (like Vellum for Mac, or Atticus for cross-platform use) to achieve a polished look. Run a spell check and grammar check multiple times before finalizing.
Design a Compelling Book Cover
Your book cover is your primary marketing tool. It needs to be professional, genre-appropriate, and visually appealing. For ebooks, the cover image should be a JPG or TIFF file, ideally 1,600 pixels wide by 2,560 pixels high, with a minimum resolution of 300 DPI. For print, you’ll need a full cover wrap (front cover, spine, and back cover) as a single PDF file, designed to your specific trim size and page count. Ensure the spine width is accurate for your page count and paper type. Include your ISBN on the back cover. If you’re not a graphic designer, consider hiring a professional cover designer through platforms like 99designs, Fiverr, or Reedsy. A poorly designed cover can significantly hinder sales, regardless of the book’s quality.
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 Amazon account (or create a new one if you don’t have one). Once logged in, you’ll need to complete your account information. This includes your author/publisher name, contact details, and most importantly, your tax information (via an interview process that determines your tax withholding obligations) and bank account details for royalty payments. Ensure all information is accurate to avoid delays in receiving payments. You’ll typically need your Social Security Number (SSN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN) for U.S. authors, or a local tax identification number for international authors.
Enter Your Book’s Details and Metadata
From your KDP dashboard, click “+ Create a New Title.” You’ll be prompted to enter crucial metadata for your book. This includes the book title, subtitle, author name, series information (if applicable), edition number, and a compelling book description (up to 4,000 characters). Craft your description carefully, using keywords and compelling language to entice readers. Select at least two relevant categories/genres for your book (e.g., “Fantasy > Epic,” “Romance > Contemporary”). Choose up to seven keywords or short phrases that readers might use to search for your book. Think like your target audience. For example, for a historical fiction novel about ancient Rome, keywords might include “Roman Empire,” “gladiators,” “ancient history,” etc. This metadata is vital for discoverability on Amazon.
Step 3: Set Your Pricing and Royalties
Choose Your Royalty Option and Price
Amazon KDP offers two primary royalty options for ebooks: 35% and 70%. For the 70% royalty option, your ebook must be priced between $2.99 and $9.99 USD (or equivalent in other currencies), and you must meet certain delivery cost thresholds. If priced outside this range, or if you choose to not meet other criteria, you’ll receive 35%. For print books, royalties are typically 60% of your list price, minus printing costs. Research comparable books in your genre to determine a competitive price point. Consider running A/B tests with different prices if you’re unsure. You can adjust your pricing at any time after publication.
Enroll in KDP Select (Optional)
KDP Select is a program that grants Amazon exclusive rights to sell your ebook for a 90-day period. In return, your book is included in Kindle Unlimited (where subscribers can read your book for a fee based on pages read) and becomes eligible for Kindle Countdown Deals and Free Book Promotions. While it limits your ability to sell on other platforms during the enrollment period, KDP Select can significantly boost visibility and readership, especially for new authors. Evaluate if exclusivity aligns with your overall marketing strategy. You can choose to re-enroll after each 90-day period.
Step 4: Publish and Promote Your Book
Review and Publish Your Book
Before hitting the “Publish” button, carefully review all the details you’ve entered. KDP provides a previewer tool that allows you to see how your ebook and print book will appear on various devices and in print. Check for formatting errors, typos, and ensure your cover displays correctly. Once you’re satisfied, click “Publish Your Kindle eBook” and/or “Publish Your Paperback Book.” Your book will typically go live on Amazon within 24-72 hours, though sometimes it can be faster.
Promote Your Book on and Off Amazon
Publishing is just the first step; promotion is ongoing. On Amazon, encourage readers to leave reviews, as these are crucial for social proof and discoverability. Utilize Amazon Ads (Sponsored Products, Lockscreen Ads) to target specific audiences. Off-Amazon, build an author platform: create a professional website, maintain an active presence on social media (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok), and build an email list. Engage with readers, participate in online communities, and consider guest posting on relevant blogs. Explore book promotion services, but research them thoroughly before committing. Attend virtual or in-person book events. Consistent promotion is key to long-term sales success.
FAQ 1: How long does it take for my book to appear on Amazon after publishing?
Once you hit the publish button, Amazon KDP typically processes your book within 24-72 hours. Sometimes it can be faster, especially for ebooks. Print books might take slightly longer due to the review process for print readiness. You’ll receive an email notification when your book is live and available for purchase.
FAQ 2: Can I sell my book on other platforms if I publish with KDP?
Yes, you can sell your book on other platforms (like Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes & Noble Nook) if you publish with KDP, UNLESS you enroll your ebook in KDP Select. KDP Select requires 90-day exclusivity for your ebook with Amazon. If you want to distribute widely across all platforms simultaneously, you should avoid KDP Select or use a distributor like Draft2Digital or Smashwords.
FAQ 3: How do I get an ISBN for my book?
For print books published through KDP Print (paperback or hardcover), Amazon KDP offers a free ISBN that can only be used for that specific edition published through KDP. If you want to purchase your own ISBNs that can be used across multiple platforms and editions (e.g., for a hardcover, paperback, and ebook), you’ll need to buy them directly from your country’s official ISBN agency (e.g., Bowker in the U.S., Nielsen in the UK). For ebooks, an ISBN is not strictly required by KDP, though some authors choose to get one for professional reasons.
FAQ 4: What are Amazon Ads, and should I use them?
Amazon Ads are a powerful tool for increasing your book’s visibility on the Amazon platform. They allow you to create sponsored product ads (which appear in search results and on product pages) and lockscreen ads (which appear on Kindle devices). You bid on keywords or target specific categories/books. Using them can be highly effective, especially for new releases or books in competitive genres, but it requires careful management and understanding of ad campaign strategies to ensure a positive return on investment. Start with a small budget and learn how to optimize your campaigns.
