📋 Table of Contents
What is Amazon KDP?
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is Amazon's self-publishing platform that allows authors to publish and sell eBooks and paperback books directly to millions of readers worldwide. It's completely free to use, and you can reach readers in over 100 countries.
🎯 Why Self-Publish on Amazon in 2026?
- Largest marketplace: Amazon controls ~80% of the eBook market
- Free to publish: No upfront costs or inventory
- High royalties: Earn up to 70% on eBooks, 60% on paperbacks
- Print-on-demand: Books printed only when ordered
- Global reach: Sell in 13+ Amazon marketplaces
Step 1: Create Your KDP Account
Sign Up for KDP
- Go to kdp.amazon.com
- Sign in with your Amazon account (or create one)
- Complete your author profile with tax information
- Add your bank account for royalty payments
💡 Tip: Use your real name for tax purposes. You can use a pen name for your books later.
Step 2: Prepare Your Manuscript
Format Your Book
Your manuscript needs proper formatting before upload:
- eBook: Upload as .DOCX, .EPUB, or .KPF file
- Paperback: Upload as print-ready PDF with proper margins
Formatting Tips:
- Use consistent fonts (Times New Roman, Garamond work well)
- Set proper margins (at least 0.5" inner margin for paperback)
- Add front matter (title page, copyright, dedication)
- Include a table of contents for non-fiction
📐 Need Help with Formatting?
Use our free tools to calculate the right dimensions for your book!
View All KDP CalculatorsStep 3: Design Your Book Cover
Create a Professional Cover
Your cover is the #1 factor in whether someone clicks on your book. in 2026, readers judge books by their covers more than ever.
Cover Options:
- KDP Cover Creator: Free, basic tool from Amazon
- Canva: Great free templates for beginners
- Hire a designer: Fiverr, 99designs, Reedsy ($50-$500)
Key Cover Specs for 2026:
- Minimum 300 DPI resolution
- RGB color mode for eBooks, CMYK for print
- Include 0.125" bleed on all sides for paperback
📏 Calculate Your Cover Dimensions
Get the exact dimensions for your book cover with our free calculator!
Cover Dimensions CalculatorStep 4: Set Up Your Book Details
Enter Your Book Information
In the KDP dashboard, you'll fill out:
- Title & Subtitle: Include keywords naturally
- Author name: Your name or pen name
- Description: Write compelling copy (2,000 characters max)
- Keywords: 7 keywords to help readers find your book
- Categories: Choose 2 relevant BISAC categories
2025 Keyword Strategy:
Focus on specific, low-competition keywords rather than broad terms. "cozy mystery with cats" beats "mystery novel".
Step 5: Choose Pricing & Royalties
Set Your Price
Amazon offers two royalty options for eBooks:
| Royalty | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 35% | $0.99 - $200 | Short books, promos |
| 70% | $2.99 - $9.99 | Most books (recommended) |
For paperbacks, you earn 60% minus printing costs.
💰 Calculate Your Royalties
See exactly how much you'll earn at different price points!
KDP Royalty CalculatorStep 6: Publish & Promote
Hit Publish!
Once you've reviewed everything:
- Click "Publish Your Kindle eBook" or "Publish Your Paperback Book"
- Your book goes live within 24-72 hours
- You'll receive an email when it's available
Launch Week Strategy:
- Tell friends and family to buy in the first week
- Share on social media (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram)
- Set up an author page on Amazon Author Central
- Reach out to book bloggers for reviews
Pro Tips for Success in 2026
🚀 Expert Tips
- Write a series: Series books sell 3-5x more than standalones
- Use KDP Select: Enrolling gives you access to Kindle Unlimited (but requires exclusivity)
- Price strategically: $2.99-$4.99 is the sweet spot for fiction eBooks
- Get reviews: Aim for 10-25 reviews in your first month
- Run AMS ads: Amazon Ads can boost visibility (start with $5/day)
- Update regularly: Refresh your description and keywords every few months
🎉 Ready to Publish Your Book?
Use our free KDP tools to get your book ready!