How to Publish on Amazon KDP: A Guide for Beginners

Publishing on Amazon KDP is a great way to share your book with a global audience, but there’s more to self-publishing than just uploading a file. How to Publish on Amazon KDP will walk you through the basic steps—setting up your account, formatting your manuscript, designing a cover, and hitting publish.

However, creating a high-quality book requires more than following these steps. Editing, professional design, keyword optimization, and marketing all play crucial roles in your book’s success. This guide will give you a solid starting point, but remember—self-publishing is a journey, and quality matters!

1. Create a KDP Account

First, visit kdp.amazon.com and sign in with your Amazon account or create a new one. Once logged in, set up your payment and tax information to ensure you receive royalties from book sales.

2. Format Your Manuscript

Properly format your book before uploading. Amazon accepts several file types, but a well-formatted Word document (DOCX) or PDF works best for print books, while EPUB is ideal for eBooks. Tools like Kindle Create can help format your manuscript for a professional appearance.

3. Design a Compelling Cover

Your cover is the first thing readers see, so make it professional and eye-catching. Use Amazon's Cover Creator tool or hire a designer. Ensure your cover fits KDP's size and resolution requirements for print books.

4. Upload and Set Pricing

Go to your KDP dashboard, click "Create a New Title," and enter details like title, author name, and description. Then, upload your manuscript and cover, preview the book, and choose your Pricing and royalty options.

5. Publish and Promote

Once everything looks good, hit "Publish"! Your book will be live on Amazon within 24-72 hours. Promote it through social media, ads, and email lists to boost sales.

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