The publishing industry has worked under a feudal system for decades: a handful of powerful gatekeepers and companies have decided whose stories are worthy, whose voices would be heard, and who would be able to profit from all this.
This has often left brilliant authors powerless and vulnerable to exploitation. They are forced to surrender control of their cover art, pricing, and creative vision to contracts that rarely serve their purpose.
If any author has ever dreamed of self publishing a book but dreaded the loss of control, then they are not alone. The greatest revolution in publishing is not a new genre; it is a new approach. It is the transfer of power directly to creators, allowing them to self-publish a book.
Is there a solution?
Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) has made it easy to Self Publish a book on Amazon. It is the key to helping authors unlock publishing independence.
Self-publishing is the ultimate act of reclaiming the narrative, transforming an author from a supplicant to the owner of their own book and business. This transition means authors keep 100% of their rights and earn higher royalties, but it also demands a professional and strategic approach.
Can this blog post be of help?
This blog post will serve as both a guide and a manifesto for authors in creative liberation. It will guide them past the unknown and take them to new heights in self-publishing. This ensures they maintain complete control to turn their story into a successful and profitable asset.
Understanding Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) in terms of self-publishing a book
Here are some questions people have about Amazon KDP:
- Can anyone sell books on Amazon and make recurring royalties?
- How Do You Get a Book Published on Amazon?
Technically speaking, Amazon KDP is a platform that enables authors to self-publish hardcover books and sell eBooks online at no cost.
Is all this too good to be true? In all honesty, Amazon KDP gives self-publishers control over their work. When they publish with the platform, they get full rights to their book and the creative freedom to own each step of the publishing process. This is hardly the case with traditional publishing houses.
How does it work?
Imagine a world where an author’s self-published work goes from a file on a computer to the hands of eager readers in a matter of a few clicks. This is the power of Amazon KDP, and it is relatively more straightforward than anyone thinks.
The platform is designed to be user-friendly. It has straightforward steps (even beginners can get used to it nicely). Once authors have written their book, they can upload it to the platform, format it for e-books or print, and set their pricing.
Amazon handles the remaining processes from listing the book in its store to printing paperback copies on demand. Each time a customer buys the book, Amazon manages both the transaction and delivery. Authors can sit back and relax.
Self publishing a book – what kind of content can be published via KDP?
Amazon KDP allows authors to publish eBooks (Kindle) plus print books (hardcover and paperback). But, KDP does not allow the creation of magazines, periodicals, calendars, or spiral-bound books. Here are the various forms of content easily publishable on the platform:
- Book series.
- Children’s books.
- Comics.
- Cookbooks.
- Journals.
- Novels.
- Poetry.
- Textbooks.
Self publishing a book on Amazon KDP – simplifying the journey
How does a prospective author begin self-publishing on Amazon KDP? Starting something new has been a bit daunting. The good news is that signing up for the platform is free, quick, and easy. That is why it is recommended. Here are the tips to help authors start writing on the platform:
Making an Amazon KDP account
Publishing on Amazon KDP requires authors to set up an account on Amazon. This step luckily takes only a few minutes. The platform’s tutorial guide helps if they need help. In case they have an Amazon account, the process is hence quicker. Once they have logged in, they can gain access to the dashboard. They can manage everything related to their book over there.
Preparing the book for publishing
It is indeed exciting. However, before authors press the publish button, their book should be prepared for digital and print formats supported by Amazon KDP. That means everything from formatting the manuscript to designing an attractive cover.
A properly prepared book not only meets Amazon’s publishing standards but also provides readers a polished experience. This helps stand out among the competition. Here are some steps involved:
- Formatting the manuscript in print and eBooks.
- Designing a professional book cover.
- Writing a compelling book description.
- Adding Metadata.
Getting started with Amazon KDP
Now is a good time to upload the book and prepare it for publication. This part is quite straightforward as it covers how to make a new title, fill in the essential details, and upload the book. As authors go through the process on the platform, they will be prompted at each step. It is hence less overwhelming. Here is how it works:
- Making a new Kindle eBook title.
- Filling in the book title and subtitle.
- Verification of publishing rights.
- Choosing the relevant keywords.
- Selecting the book category, age group, and book release option.
- Activating digital rights management (DRM).
- Uploading the book after proper and thorough formatting.
- Adding the ISBN (optional for ebooks).
- Opting for KDP Select (if needed).
Setting the book’s price
Setting the right price for the book is essential. It not only attracts readers but also helps authors earn royalties. But what are the factors to consider when setting the book’s price?
Authors must consider the audience, genre, and competition when pricing the book. They can update the price freely, and hence they should test various price points to see what works best.
When it comes to royalties, Amazon provides two options: 35 percent and 70 percent. The latter is available if the book is priced between $2.99 and $9.99. The platform also features a free Kindle royalty calculator to provide authors with a clearer understanding once they are ready.
Higher prices do lead to higher royalties. But lower prices can attract more readers.
Finalizing and publishing the book
Now, authors have reached the final step. The book is almost ready to launch on Amazon KDP. This is their last chance to ensure the book is polished and prepared for the readers. Lastly, they will also explore any remaining action items before publishing and what to do once the book is live. Here are some steps to follow in this regard:
- Reviewing the details.
- Setting it up for pre-order (if applicable).
- Publishing the book.
- Tracking the sales and performance via KDP.
Conclusion
Self publishing a book is no longer difficult, thanks to Amazon KDP. The platform has democratized book publishing, freeing authors from the constraints of large publishing houses acting as gatekeepers.
This also requires authors to market and promote their books by themselves. The platform can provide them with metrics on how the book is performing. Moreover, the royalties Amazon KDP gives are worth the investment. So no need to hesitate, step right up and come to the platform for self publishing a book.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Does an author lose their copyright by publishing on Amazon KDP?
A: Not at all because Amazon KDP operates under a non-exclusive distribution license. You retain 100% of your intellectual property and all rights.
Q: How quickly can an author make changes to the book or its price?
A: Changes are typically reflected globally within 6 to 72 hours. This real-time control is a key advantage for authors over traditional publishing.
Q: Can an author self-publish their book elsewhere simultaneously?
A: Yes indeed, unless and until they have signed up for KDP Select. KDP Select requires 90-day exclusivity for the e-book, but standard KDP is non-exclusive.
Q: Where does the “control” really matter on Amazon KDP?
A: Cover design, pricing, and royalty rates are areas where the authors should have complete control. They make all final decisions, thus helping them maximize market fit and profit margins immediately.
Q: How to add your book to Amazon to sell?
A: Amazon KDP has options for publishing and adding books to sell. Once they have logged in and completed their book, they can publish it after the cover design has been completed, following the final editing of the manuscript.
Q: How to publish a book on Amazon and make money?
A: Publishing a book on Amazon KDP is not hard. It requires authors to have an account, complete their book, set the pricing plus royalties, and publish it afterwards.