How to Publish a Book on Amazon

Step-by-Step Guide for Authors

Publish a book on Amazon

Publishing a book on Amazon has revolutionized the way authors share their stories with the world. Amazon’s self-publishing platform, Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), allows authors to publish their books easily and reach millions of readers globally. Whether you’re writing fiction, non-fiction, or children’s books, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step.

Why Publish Your Book on Amazon?

  • Global Reach: Sell your book worldwide with no upfront costs.
  • Higher Royalties: Earn up to 70% royalties on eBook sales.
  • Ease of Use: User-friendly platform for first-time authors.
  • Print-on-Demand: No inventory needed—print copies are produced as they’re ordered.

Step 1: Prepare Your Manuscript

Start by completing your manuscript. Edit it thoroughly for grammar, flow, and consistency. Consider hiring a professional editor for best results. Next, format your manuscript for Kindle:

  • Use Microsoft Word (.doc/.docx) or PDF files.
  • For eBooks, format your file in Kindle-friendly formats like .mobi or .epub.
  • Include headings, a clickable table of contents, and proper paragraph alignment.

Step 2: Design a Professional Cover

A compelling book cover attracts readers. Use Amazon’s Cover Creator Tool or hire a designer to create an eye-catching cover.

Specifications:

  • eBook Cover: 2560 x 1600 pixels
  • Paperback Cover: Includes spine and back cover dimensions

Step 3: Create an Amazon KDP Account

Sign up at kdp.amazon.com. Fill out your tax information and payment details to get started.

Step 4: Upload Your Book

  1. Start a New Title: Log in to your KDP dashboard and click “Create a New Title.”
  2. Fill Out Book Details: Add a catchy title, subtitle, book description, categories, and keywords.
  3. Upload Manuscript & Cover: Upload your formatted manuscript and book cover.
  4. Preview Your Book: Use the Preview Tool to check how it appears on Kindle devices.

Step 5: Set Pricing and Royalties

Set a competitive price for your book and choose your royalty option (35% or 70%).

Step 6: Publish and Promote

Once everything is finalized, click “Publish Your Book” on the KDP dashboard. Use these strategies to promote your book:

  • Run Amazon Ads for increased visibility.
  • Leverage social media to share your book.
  • Collaborate with book reviewers and bloggers.

Tips for Success

  • Write a strong author bio to connect with readers.
  • Encourage reviews to build credibility.
  • Optimize your book description with keywords.