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Michael Adams
Since childhood, you may have thought of publishing your book, when your friends used to say your storytelling and wordplay are so good. You have definitely self-dismissed this dream of yours because it requires hands from the giants of the publishing industry. Well, this is now possible without running with your books to their doors.
On platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), anyone with a finished manuscript can publish. Over 1.4 million self-published books are being published through Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing every year.
To make passive income, build your authority, or share your story with the world, you must know how to publish an ebook on Amazon, and this is what this blog is written for!
Key Takeaways
1. Amazon Has Simplified the Publishing Process – Traditional publishing demands query letters, contracts, and endless waiting. With Amazon KDP, it’s all online and user-friendly. You can create an account, upload your manuscript, and see your book live within days. This accessibility means writers no longer need industry connections or approval from big publishing houses.
2. Setting Up Your KDP Account Is Essential – Creating your Amazon KDP account is the first big step. You’ll need to set up an author profile with your name, pen name, or brand identity since readers will see it on your book page. Completing tax and payment details ensures smooth royalty payments. For U.S. authors, this means W-9 forms; for international ones, W-8 forms.
3. Metadata Decides Your Book’s Visibility – To publish a book on Amazon, you have to write a title, a subtitle, a description, keywords, and categories, which are critical to success. Metadata is what tells Amazon who should see your book. A clear title and compelling description act like a sales pitch, convincing readers to click “Buy Now.” Keywords ensure your book shows up in searches, while categories position it in the right niche.
4. Formatting and Covers Impact Reader Experience – Amazon accepts multiple file formats, but Word and EPUB remain the safest. They ensure smooth conversions and polished reading across devices. Poor formatting can frustrate readers and kill reviews, so clean headings, consistent fonts, and clickable contents matter. Investing in professional cover design according to your genre can make your book stand out.
5. Rights, Pricing, and Royalties Affect Income – When publishing, you’ll confirm your rights and decide whether to enroll in Amazon’s KDP Select exclusivity program. For pricing, KDP offers 35% or 70% royalty options depending on your eBook price. Most indie authors aim for $2.99–$4.99 to qualify for 70% royalties. Paperbacks use Amazon print-on-demand, where you keep 60% of the list price minus printing costs.
6. Publishing Is Just the Beginning — Hitting publish doesn’t guarantee sales. Amazon may list your book, but it won’t promote itself. Authors who actively market through social media, ads, email lists, and reviews see significantly better returns. Marketing triggers Amazon’s algorithm to recommend your book to more readers. Without it, even a polished book risks disappearing in the massive catalog.
How to Publish an Ebook
In traditional publishing, you have to query agents, wait months for responses, and sign complicated contracts, but with Amazon, it’s online and way more easy than you think.
1. Create Your Amazon KDP Account
The first thing that you have to do is create an account on Kindle Direct Publishing. If you already have a personal Amazon account, you can use that to sign in, though many authors prefer to create a separate account for their publishing activities.
Once logged in at kdp.amazon.com, you’ll be asked to set up your author profile, including your name or pen name, a brief description, and any optional links. This profile becomes visible to readers who click on your author name in the Kindle store, so it is your professional storefront.
Setting Up Tax and Payment Information for Royalties
Just as important is filling in your tax and banking information. Amazon pays royalties directly to your bank account, so you’ll need to provide payment details upfront. For U.S. authors, this also means filling out W-9 tax forms online; for international authors, Amazon provides W-8 forms.
While it may feel like busywork, completing these forms correctly ensures your payments won’t be delayed. Once your Kindle Amazon Publishing account is verified, you’re officially set up as an independent publisher on Amazon, ready to move on to uploading your very first title.
2. Start a New eBook Project
Once your account is ready, click on the “Create” button in your KDP dashboard. Here, you’ll choose whether you’re publishing a Kindle eBook, a paperback, or both. For beginners, starting with the eBook makes the process less intimidating, and you can always add the print version later.
The KDP interface is structured to walk you through the process step by step. It will open a form divided into three sections:
- Book Details
- Content Upload
- Pricing
Don’t rush through these pages. Each field you fill out has an impact on how your book is discovered, marketed, and perceived by readers. Even something as small as how you phrase your subtitle can make a difference in search visibility.
3. Enter Your Book Details
No other step in the Amazon book publishing journey is as critical as this one. Why? The information you enter here, known as metadata, determines whether your book gets lost in the endless Amazon catalog or actually shows up in front of your ideal readers.
You’ll begin with your book title and subtitle. Double-check that your title is clear, memorable, and relevant. The subtitle can include keywords or clarify the book’s theme, but avoid “stuffing” it with too many phrases, as Amazon can penalize that.
Next, you’ll enter your author name and any contributors, such as editors, illustrators, or co-authors. The description box is your sales pitch. It’s just like the back cover blurb that convinces someone to click “Buy Now.”
How to Pen Down?
Write it in a way that highlights what makes your book different than usual books while targeting the emotions or needs of your audience. Using short paragraphs and some bold text (Amazon allows limited HTML formatting) makes it easier to read on screens.
Keywords and Categories Come After That
They’re often overlooked by first-time authors. You’ll choose up to seven keywords that readers might type when searching for a book like yours. For instance, if you’re writing a business guide, terms like “entrepreneurship,” “startup growth,” or “passive income” could help your book appear in relevant searches.
Categories are equally important. Amazon allows you to select two, and choosing strategically can place your book in less competitive categories where it has a better chance of ranking higher. These small but deliberate choices can make a big difference in the success of your Amazon book publishing journey.
4. Upload Your Manuscript and Cover
With your details entered, it’s time to upload your actual book files. Amazon accepts several formats, such as DOC / DOCX (Microsoft Word), EPUB, KPF, AZW / AZW3, RTF, HTML / HTM, TXT, and PDF. Many authors use Amazon’s free tool, Kindle Create, which converts your manuscript into a Kindle-ready format while letting you preview how it will look on different devices.
The goal here is readability. The book must have clean headings, consistent fonts, and a clickable table of contents. Don’t skip formatting, as sometimes it is the reason why books are not going the hype you authors want. Readers are quick to abandon a book if the layout looks messy on their Kindle or phone.
Your cover is just as important as your manuscript. According to a study, almost 57% of Americans bought or read a book because of its cover. You can design one yourself using tools like Canva, or better yet, hire a professional designer who understands genre trends and typography.
A thriller cover, for example, should look very different from a self-help book. Amazon also offers a Cover Creator tool, which is fine for practice, but most serious authors invest in a custom design. Once uploaded, use the Previewer tool to check how your book looks both as an eBook and in paperback format if you’re also opting for Amazon print on demand.
What are the safe file formats to upload to Amazon KDP?
When you reach the stage of uploading your manuscript, the last thing you want is technical trouble. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) accepts several file types, but not all of them guarantee a smooth, professional reading experience for your audience. Choosing the right format ensures your eBook looks polished on every Kindle device, tablet, and phone.
Word Documents for Beginners
Microsoft Word is the most popular choice for first-time authors. It’s familiar and easy to use, and KDP can process Word files directly without much fuss. If your manuscript is typed and formatted in Word, you can upload it as is, and Amazon will convert it into Kindle format.
The advantage here is simplicity. Word files allow for headings, paragraphs, page breaks, and basic formatting without complicated coding. If you use Amazon’s Kindle Create tool, you can import your Word file and turn it into a professional-looking eBook complete with clickable tables of contents.
Of course, Word isn’t perfect. If your document has heavy graphics, columns, or unusual fonts, it might not convert cleanly. That’s why many experienced authors use Word for the initial draft but then refine the formatting in another program before uploading. Still, for most novels, memoirs, and nonfiction guides, Word remains the safest starting point.
EPUB to Maintain Professional Standards
While Word is great for beginners, EPUB is considered the gold standard in digital publishing. It’s the most widely supported eBook format in the industry, compatible with Apple Books, Kobo, Nook, and countless other reading platforms. Amazon also accepts EPUB uploads, converting them automatically into a Kindle-friendly file.
The biggest benefit of EPUB is flexibility. Unlike a PDF, which locks content into fixed pages, EPUB files are reflowable. This means the text automatically adjusts to the reader’s screen size, font choice, and zoom settings. For Kindle readers, this creates a smooth experience that feels tailored to them.
If you want your eBook to look professional across devices and you plan to publish on platforms beyond Amazon, EPUB is the safest option. Many formatting tools like Vellum, Calibre, and Scrivener make exporting EPUB files simple and reliable.
What About Other Formats?
1. PDF – While KDP does accept PDF files, they aren’t ideal. PDFs lock your text layout, making them hard to read on smaller devices like Kindles or phones. They work better for workbooks, cookbooks, or highly designed manuals, but not for standard eBooks.
2. AZW3 – These were Amazon’s traditional Kindle formats. While still supported, Amazon now prefers EPUB or Word because MOBI is gradually being phased out.
3. HTML or RTF – These are technically accepted but can introduce formatting errors. They’re not recommended unless you know exactly what you’re doing.
5. Set These Things
Rights
There, you have to decide how your book will be sold and how much you’ll earn from it. Amazon will ask whether you have rights to the content. If you wrote the book yourself or have secured the rights from another author, you’ll select that you own all rights.
If your book is in the public domain, the rules are stricter, and you’ll need to provide additional details. You’ll then have the option to enroll your eBook in KDP Select, Amazon’s exclusivity program.
If you choose this, you can’t publish the eBook on any other platform, but you gain access to perks like Kindle Unlimited and special promotional tools. Some authors prefer going exclusive with the publication of the book on Amazon for higher royalties, while others prefer to “go wide” and distribute across multiple platforms using aggregators.
Pricing and Royalties
Pricing is another key decision. For eBooks, Amazon offers two royalty options: 35% and 70%. To qualify for the higher 70% rate, your book must be priced between $2.99 and $9.99. Most indie authors price within this sweet spot. Paperbacks operate differently, with royalties calculated based on the list price minus printing costs.
With the Amazon POD, you don’t pay anything up front, but printing costs reduce your per-book earnings. Deciding on the right price takes some thought, but remember, you can always adjust later if sales don’t meet your expectations.
Amazon KDP Pricing and Royalties Breakdown
Publish and Go Live
Once all the sections are complete, you’ll hit the big Publish button. At this point, Amazon reviews your book to make sure it meets its content and formatting guidelines. This usually takes 24 to 72 hours, though in some cases it can be quicker.
Once approved, your eBook will appear on the Amazon marketplace with its own product page, complete with your cover, description, reviews (as they come in), and purchase options. Seeing your book live for the first time is a milestone moment.
It marks the transition from aspiring writer to published author. But don’t think the journey ends here. In fact, publishing is just the beginning. You’ll now need to focus on marketing, as Amazon sellers receive 4.5x return on it.
Also, drive reviews and build visibility so your book doesn’t get lost in the sea of millions of titles. Amazon does a lot to help with discovery through its recommendation engine, but it’s up to you to push those first sales and reviews that trigger the algorithm.
What Makes Authors Pick Amazon for Their Book Publishing?
They prefer it because of how simple the process feels compared to working with one of the top book publishing companies. You don’t need to wait months for approval. You don’t need to negotiate with agents.
You simply fill in your information, upload your files, and within days, your book is available to millions of readers worldwide. It’s this accessibility that has made Amazon eBook publishing the go-to choice for independent authors.
Ending Note
What once required years of waiting for agents and publishers now takes just days. By creating a KDP account, setting up your tax and payment details, and carefully entering your metadata, you position your book for success in the world’s largest online bookstore.
Uploading a properly formatted file, whether Word for simplicity or EPUB for professionalism, and designing an eye-catching cover ensure your book looks as good as it reads.
While Amazon makes the technical side easy, the real challenge begins after your book goes live. Rights, pricing, and royalties require careful thought to maximize income, but marketing is what truly drives visibility.
The path to publishing is simpler than ever, but success comes down to preparation and persistence. Authors who promote their work, gather reviews, and engage with readers consistently outperform those who don’t. That’s why Amazon is the best book publishing service!
FAQ
Can I publish both an eBook and a paperback at the same time?
Yes! Amazon KDP allows you to release your book in both digital and paperback formats without extra cost. Many authors publish the eBook first to build momentum, then add the paperback using Amazon print on demand. This way, readers who prefer physical books can order copies, and you don’t need to handle shipping or inventory. Offering multiple formats increases credibility and expands your audience reach beyond Kindle readers.
How do royalties work if I enroll in Kindle Unlimited?
If you enroll your eBook in Kindle Unlimited (through KDP Select), you won’t earn per book sold. Instead, you’ll get paid based on the number of pages read by subscribers. Amazon sets a global fund each month, and your royalties come from that pool. Many new authors use Kindle Unlimited for visibility since it helps with rankings and page reads. Just note that it requires exclusivity; your eBook can’t be distributed on other platforms.
What are the tax implications of Amazon’s book publishing?
When you publish a book there, royalties are considered taxable income in most countries. Amazon collects tax details when you set up your KDP account. U.S. authors submit a W-9 form, while international authors provide a W-8BEN form. Taxes are withheld depending on your country’s treaty with the U.S. It’s wise to consult a tax professional to understand deductions for expenses like editing, design, and marketing, which can reduce your taxable income.
Can I update my eBook after publishing it?
Yes. You can upload a new manuscript file anytime, whether you’ve fixed typos, added new chapters, or updated links. Amazon usually reviews and updates your file within 72 hours. Readers who bought the book previously may get the updated version automatically, depending on their Kindle settings. This makes digital publishing more lenient compared to traditional print publishing, where changes are costly.
Do I need an ISBN to publish on Amazon?
No, you don’t need an ISBN to publish an eBook on Amazon. Kindle Amazon publishing assigns a free ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number) to every eBook. However, if you also want to distribute your book outside of Amazon, or if you’re publishing a paperback through their print-on-demand, having your own ISBN may be beneficial. ISBNs make your book easier to catalog across global publishing platforms and libraries.
How do I protect my eBook from piracy?
Unfortunately, no method is 100% piracy-proof, but Amazon does offer DRM (Digital Rights Management) as an option when you publish a book on Amazon. DRM restricts readers from freely copying and distributing your eBook. Beyond that, the best protection is marketing and visibility. If your book is widely available at an affordable price, most readers will buy it legally. You can also use services that track and issue takedowns for pirated versions online.
About Author
Hi, my name is Zachary Stone I’m a book marketing nut — or, as I like to call myself, a “Shelf Marketer.” No, I don’t sell wooden shelves; I market the books that are left forgotten on them. If you want your book to be the next bestseller, I am your go-to person. I am here to remind you that it’s not just about writing a great story — it’s about building a buzz among people with great campaigns.
