KDP Self-Publishing Guide: How to Publish on Amazon Kindle (2025)

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) has revolutionized the book industry, allowing anyone to publish and sell books worldwide. Whether you're publishing your first novel, a non-fiction guide, or a children's book, this comprehensive guide walks you through every step of the KDP self-publishing process.

TL;DR - Quick Summary

• What is KDP?: Amazon's free self-publishing platform for ebooks and paperbacks
• Cost: Free to publish - Amazon takes a percentage of each sale
• Royalties: 35% or 70% for ebooks, 60% minus printing costs for paperbacks
• Timeline: Books can go live within 24-72 hours of submission
• Requirements: Formatted manuscript, book cover, Amazon account
• Key Tools: Use our KDP Cover Calculator for exact cover dimensions
• Best Practice: Invest in professional editing and cover design

What is Amazon KDP?

Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is Amazon's self-publishing platform that allows authors to publish ebooks and paperback books for free. Your book becomes available to millions of customers on Amazon marketplaces worldwide.

KDP Publishing Options

Why Choose KDP?

Advantages:

• Free to publish (no upfront costs)
• Global distribution on Amazon
• Print-on-demand (no inventory needed)
• Keep rights to your book
• Set your own prices
• Track sales in real-time
• Make changes anytime

Considerations:

• Amazon exclusivity required for some benefits (KDP Select)
• Competitive marketplace
• Marketing is your responsibility
• Professional quality expected

Step 1: Prepare Your Manuscript

Before uploading to KDP, your manuscript must be properly formatted.

Manuscript Requirements

Supported File Formats:

• Ebooks: KPF, EPUB, DOCX, DOC, HTML, MOBI, RTF, TXT
• Paperbacks: PDF (recommended), DOCX

Recommended Format:

• EPUB for ebooks (best formatting control)
• PDF for paperbacks (exact print layout)

Formatting Your Ebook

Essential Formatting:

1. Front Matter:

   • Title page
   • Copyright page
   • Dedication (optional)
   • Table of Contents

2. Body Content:

   • Consistent chapter headings
   • Proper paragraph spacing
   • No manual page breaks mid-chapter
   • Embedded fonts (if custom)

3. Back Matter:

   • About the Author
   • Also by Author (other books)
   • Call to action (review request)

Formatting Tips:

• Use styles (Heading 1, Heading 2, Body) not manual formatting
• Don't use tabs for indentation - set paragraph indent
• Keep images under 5MB each
• Use JPG for photos, PNG for graphics

Tools for Ebook Formatting

Free Options:

• Kindle Create (Amazon's free tool)
• Calibre (open-source converter)
• Sigil (EPUB editor)
• Google Docs (export to EPUB)

Our Tools:

• EPUB to PDF - Preview your ebook as PDF
• PDF to EPUB - Convert existing PDFs to ebook format
• Word to PDF - Convert Word manuscripts
• Text to PDF - Convert plain text drafts

Formatting Your Paperback

Paperback formatting requires more precision:

Page Setup:

• Set trim size (common: 6" x 9")
• Add bleed if images extend to edge (0.125")
• Set proper margins (minimum 0.25" outside, varies for gutter)
• Include page numbers

Use Our KDP Cover Calculator to determine:

• Exact spine width based on page count
• Total cover dimensions including bleed
• Safe zones for text placement

PDF Export Settings:

• PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-3 format
• Embed all fonts
• 300 DPI minimum for images
• CMYK color space for best print results

Step 2: Create Your Book Cover

Your cover is your most important marketing asset. It sells your book before readers see a single word.

Ebook Cover Specifications

Paperback Cover Specifications

Paperback covers include front, spine, and back:

Calculating Dimensions:

Use our KDP Cover Calculator for exact measurements based on:

• Trim size (e.g., 6" x 9")
• Page count
• Paper type (white or cream)

Example for 6" x 9", 200 pages, white paper:

• Spine width: ~0.45"
• Total width: 6" + 0.45" + 6" + 0.25" bleed = 12.70"
• Total height: 9" + 0.25" bleed = 9.25"

Cover Requirements:

• 300 DPI minimum resolution
• PDF format (preferred)
• Include 0.125" bleed on all edges
• CMYK color space
• Embed all fonts

Cover Design Best Practices

Do:

• Study bestseller covers in your genre
• Use readable fonts (test at thumbnail size)
• Include author name and title prominently
• Keep design simple and focused
• Hire professional designer if budget allows

Don't:

• Use copyrighted images without license
• Overcrowd with text or graphics
• Use hard-to-read decorative fonts
• Mislead readers about content
• Copy other covers directly

Cover Design Resources

Professional Design:

• 99designs, Fiverr, Reedsy (freelance designers)
• Expect $50-500+ depending on quality

DIY Tools:

• Canva (free templates)
• Adobe Express
• Book Brush
• Kindle Cover Creator (Amazon's tool)

Stock Images:

• Shutterstock, Adobe Stock (paid)
• Unsplash, Pexels (free for commercial use)

Step 3: Set Up Your KDP Account

Creating Your Account

1. Go to kdp.amazon.com
2. Sign in with existing Amazon account or create new
3. Complete your account setup:
   • Author/Publisher name
   • Tax information (W-9 for US, tax interview for international)
   • Bank account for royalty payments

Tax Information

For US Authors:

• Complete W-9 form electronically
• Social Security Number or EIN required
• Royalties reported on 1099-MISC

For International Authors:

• Complete tax interview in KDP
• May need ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number)
• Tax treaty benefits may apply
• Withholding rates vary by country

Payment Setup

Supported Payment Methods:

• Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) - recommended
• Wire transfer (fees apply)
• Check (US only, fees apply)

Payment Thresholds:

• EFT: $10 (US), varies by country
• Check: $100
• Wire: $100

Payment Schedule:

• Royalties paid approximately 60 days after month end
• Example: January sales paid in late March

Step 4: Upload Your Book

Creating a New Title

1. Log into KDP dashboard
2. Click "+ Kindle eBook" or "+ Paperback"
3. Choose language
4. Enter book details

Book Details Section

Required Information:

Writing an Effective Description

Your book description should:

1. Hook readers in first 2-3 sentences
2. Describe the premise without spoilers
3. Highlight benefits (for non-fiction)
4. Include social proof (awards, reviews)
5. End with call to action

HTML Formatting Allowed:

<h1>Main Headline</h1>
<h2>Subheadline</h2>
<p>Paragraph text</p>
<b>Bold text</b>
<i>Italic text</i>
<br> Line break
<ul><li>Bullet points</li></ul>

Choosing Keywords

Keywords help readers find your book:

Good Keywords:

• Specific phrases readers search
• Genre + subgenre combinations
• Comparison titles ("books like...")
• Reader interests/themes

Example Keywords for Fantasy Novel:

• "epic fantasy adventure"
• "magic academy romance"
• "chosen one fantasy series"
• "books like Harry Potter"
• "young adult fantasy 2025"

Keyword Research Tools:

• Publisher Rocket (paid)
• Amazon search suggestions (free)
• KDP Category listings (free)

Selecting Categories

You can choose 2 categories initially (more available through support):

Strategy:

• One broad category (visibility)
• One specific category (competition)
• Research bestseller lists in potential categories
• Avoid overly competitive categories initially

Step 5: Upload Content Files

Ebook Upload

1. Manuscript file: Upload EPUB, DOCX, or KPF
2. Cover file: Upload JPG or TIFF
3. Preview: Use Online Previewer to check formatting

Common Issues:

• Table of Contents not working → Ensure proper heading styles
• Images missing → Check image paths, re-embed
• Formatting broken → Convert to EPUB first, then upload

Paperback Upload

1. Interior file: Upload PDF
2. Cover file: Upload PDF with exact dimensions
3. Preview: Check print preview carefully

Pre-Upload Checklist:

• PDF matches trim size exactly
• All fonts embedded
• Images are 300 DPI
• Margins meet KDP requirements
• Cover includes spine and back
• Bleed added if needed

File Optimization:

• Use our PDF Compressor if file is too large
• Ensure file is under 650MB
• Keep individual pages under 400MB

Step 6: Set Your Price

Ebook Pricing

Royalty Options:

70% Royalty Requirements:

• Price between $2.99 and $9.99
• Price at least 20% below print price
• Available in specific territories
• Accept delivery costs

Pricing Strategy by Genre:

Paperback Pricing

Calculation:

Your Royalty = (List Price × 60%) - Printing Cost

Printing Costs Depend On:

• Page count
• Trim size
• Ink type (black & white vs color)
• Marketplace (US, UK, EU, etc.)

Example (200-page, 6x9, B&W, US):

• Printing cost: ~$3.65
• Minimum list price: ~$6.09 (break even)
• Suggested price: $12.99-$15.99
• Your royalty at $14.99: ~$5.34

Use KDP's pricing calculator for exact figures.

KDP Select and Kindle Unlimited

KDP Select is Amazon's exclusive program:

Benefits:

• Kindle Unlimited (KU) page reads income
• Kindle Owners' Lending Library
• Promotional tools (Free Book, Countdown Deals)
• Higher visibility in some cases

Requirements:

• 90-day exclusive commitment (ebook only)
• Cannot sell ebook elsewhere
• Can still sell paperback anywhere

KU Payment:

• Paid per page read (KENP)
• Rate varies monthly (~$0.004-0.005 per page)
• 300-page book fully read ≈ $1.20-1.50

Who Should Use KDP Select:

• New authors building readership
• Series writers (KU readers binge)
• Authors focused on Amazon only

Step 7: Publish and Launch

Final Review

Before clicking publish:

1. Preview thoroughly - Check every page on multiple devices
2. Verify metadata - Title, author, description accurate
3. Confirm pricing - Check all marketplaces
4. Review rights - Ensure you own/licensed all content

Publishing Timeline

Launch Strategies

Pre-Launch (2-4 weeks before):

• Build email list
• Set up author website
• Create social media presence
• Reach out to book bloggers
• Set up Goodreads author profile

Launch Week:

• Announce to email list
• Post on social media
• Request reviews from beta readers
• Consider launch promotion (price discount)
• Engage with early readers

Post-Launch:

• Run Amazon Ads
• Seek book reviews
• Continue content marketing
• Plan next book

Marketing Your KDP Book

Amazon Advertising

Ad Types:

• Sponsored Products: Appear in search results
• Sponsored Brands: Banner ads (for multiple books)
• Lockscreen Ads: On Kindle devices

Getting Started:

1. Go to advertising.amazon.com
2. Create campaign
3. Set daily budget ($5-10 to start)
4. Choose targeting (keywords or products)
5. Monitor and optimize

Beginner Tips:

• Start with automatic targeting
• Bid conservatively ($0.30-0.50)
• Track ACoS (Advertising Cost of Sale)
• Target: ACoS below royalty percentage

Building Your Author Platform

Essential Elements:

• Author website/blog
• Email newsletter list
• Social media presence (1-2 platforms)
• Goodreads author profile
• Amazon Author Central page

Amazon Author Central:

1. Go to authorcentral.amazon.com
2. Claim your books
3. Add author bio and photo
4. Link blog feed
5. Add editorial reviews

Getting Book Reviews

Legitimate Methods:

• Ask readers in back matter
• Email list request
• Goodreads giveaways
• Book blogger outreach
• NetGalley (paid service)
• ARC (Advance Reader Copy) distribution

Avoid:

• Paying for reviews (TOS violation)
• Review exchanges
• Fake reviews
• Family/friend reviews (Amazon may remove)

Common KDP Mistakes to Avoid

1. Poor Formatting

Problem: Book looks unprofessional on Kindle

Solution:

• Use Kindle Create or professional formatting
• Test on multiple devices
• Convert properly with our EPUB tools

2. Amateur Cover

Problem: Cover screams "self-published"

Solution:

• Study genre conventions
• Invest in professional design
• Test thumbnail visibility
• Use our Image Resizer for proper dimensions

3. Wrong Pricing

Problem: Priced too high or too low for genre

Solution:

• Research competitor pricing
• Start at $2.99-4.99 for novels
• Adjust based on sales data

4. No Marketing Plan

Problem: Book disappears after launch

Solution:

• Build email list before launch
• Plan 90-day marketing calendar
• Budget for Amazon Ads
• Write more books (best marketing)

5. Publishing Too Soon

Problem: Negative reviews for errors

Solution:

• Professional editing (minimum copyedit)
• Beta readers feedback
• Multiple proofreading passes
• Quality over speed

6. Wrong Categories

Problem: Book buried in competitive categories

Solution:

• Research category bestseller lists
• Find specific niches
• Contact KDP support for additional categories

7. Weak Description

Problem: Browsers don't convert to buyers

Solution:

• Study bestseller descriptions
• Use HTML formatting
• Lead with hook
• Include social proof

KDP Print Quality Tips

Interior Quality

For Best Print Results:

• Export PDF at 300 DPI minimum
• Use CMYK color space for color interiors
• Embed all fonts
• Set proper bleed for full-bleed images

Optimize Files:

• Use our PDF Compressor for large files
• Merge chapters with PDF Merger if needed
• Remove unwanted pages with PDF Page Deleter

Cover Quality

Professional Cover Checklist:

• Exact dimensions from KDP Cover Calculator
• 300 DPI resolution
• CMYK color space
• Text within safe zones
• Spine text (if spine > 0.0625")
• Barcode area clear on back
• Bleed extends 0.125" beyond trim

Ordering Proof Copies

Always order proofs before approving:

1. In KDP, select "Order Proof"
2. Pay printing + shipping only
3. Review physical book carefully
4. Check colors, alignment, binding
5. Make corrections if needed
6. Re-proof major changes

Advanced KDP Strategies

Series Publishing

Benefits of Series:

• Reader retention
• Cross-promotion opportunities
• Kindle Unlimited advantage
• Higher lifetime customer value

Strategy:

• Launch Books 1-3 together if possible
• Price Book 1 lower ($0.99-2.99)
• Use read-through to later books
• Maintain consistent branding

Wide vs. Exclusive

Amazon Exclusive (KDP Select):

• Kindle Unlimited income
• Promotional tools
• Simpler management

Wide Distribution:

• Multiple income streams
• More reader reach
• Less platform dependence
• Use Draft2Digital, Smashwords, or direct

Hardcover Publishing

KDP now offers hardcover:

Specifications:

• Case Laminate binding
• Limited trim sizes
• Higher printing costs
• Premium pricing opportunity

Best For:

• Gift books
• Coffee table books
• Premium non-fiction
• Special editions

KDP Resources and Tools

Official Resources

• KDP Help Pages
• KDP Community Forums
• KDP University
• Amazon Author Central

Our Publishing Tools

Cover Design:

• KDP Cover Calculator - Exact dimensions for any trim size

Document Preparation:

• Word to PDF - Convert manuscripts
• PDF Compressor - Optimize large files
• PDF Merger - Combine chapters
• PDF Page Deleter - Remove unwanted pages
• Rotate PDF - Fix page orientation

Ebook Conversion:

• PDF to EPUB - Create ebook from PDF
• EPUB to PDF - Preview ebook as PDF
• Word to PDF - Professional PDF export

Image Tools:

• Image Resizer - Resize cover images
• Image Compressor - Optimize images for ebooks
• Image Cropper - Adjust cover dimensions

Conclusion

Self-publishing on Amazon KDP offers unprecedented opportunity for authors to reach readers worldwide. Success requires:

1. Quality Content - Professionally edited and formatted
2. Professional Cover - Genre-appropriate, eye-catching design
3. Strategic Pricing - Competitive within your genre
4. Marketing Effort - Don't publish and pray
5. Persistence - One book rarely makes a career

Ready to Start?

1. Use our KDP Cover Calculator for exact cover dimensions
2. Format your manuscript properly
3. Create a professional cover
4. Set up your KDP account
5. Upload, price, and publish!

Remember: The most successful self-published authors treat this as a business, continuously improving their craft and marketing skills with each book.

Related Articles

• KDP Cover Dimensions & Spine Width Calculator Guide - Master cover specifications
• How to Calculate KDP Book Cover Size - Detailed dimension guide
• KDP Trim Sizes Guide 2025 - Choose the right book size
• How to Format Book for Kindle - Ebook formatting guide
• How to Compress PDF Without Losing Quality - Optimize manuscript files
• EPUB vs PDF vs MOBI - Understanding ebook formats

Sources

• Amazon KDP Help
• KDP Pricing Page
• KDP Formatting Guidelines
• Amazon Author Central
• Alliance of Independent Authors