You have got this great idea for a book, and now you’re thinking, “How do I actually get this thing published?” Due to digital platforms, it’s easier than ever to publish your work, and Amazon is the go-to for many authors. Why? Because it offers a global audience and tons of support for self-published authors.

If you’re wondering how to publish an eBook, especially on Amazon, let us walk you through preparing your manuscript to set up your book on Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). We will also learn about Amazon’s print-on-demand services and find out how to market your eBook!

Why Choose Amazon for eBook Publishing?

First things first—why Amazon? Amazon dominates the eBook market. Seriously, it’s the king. If you want to reach readers worldwide, Amazon is your best bet. They make it easy to publish a book on Amazon, and their Kindle platform is super popular.

Amazon gives you the tools to manage everything yourself. You control the price, the cover, and even how you market it. Plus, Amazon’s royalty rates are higher, especially compared to traditional publishers.

Tools Provided by Amazon for Publishing

If you’re worried about how to publish a book on Amazon, the platform provides tools to publish and promote books. Here’s a rundown of the tools Amazon offers for book publishing:

• Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

KDP is the primary platform for self-publishing eBooks and paperbacks on Amazon. It’s free to use and allows authors to upload their manuscripts, design book covers, and publish directly to Amazon’s global marketplace.

• KDP Select

This program offers authors additional promotional opportunities, such as inclusion in Kindle Unlimited and the Kindle Owners’ Lending Library, in exchange for granting Amazon exclusive distribution rights for a certain period.

• Kindle Create – Formatting Tool

It is a free tool that helps authors format their manuscripts for Kindle Amazon publishing. It supports converting Word documents into Kindle-ready formats and offers templates for creating professional-looking eBooks.

• Cover Creator – Book Cover Design Tool

If you don’t have a professionally designed cover, Amazon’s Cover Creator allows you to design one easily. The tool offers templates and customization options to help create an eye-catching cover.

• Kindle Previewer – eBook Preview Tool

It allows authors to see how their eBook will look on various Kindle devices before publishing. It helps ensure the formatting is correct and the reading experience is smooth.

• KDP Reports – Sales and Performance Tracking

It provides authors with detailed sales data, including the number of units sold, pages read (for KDP Select titles), and earnings. This helps track book performance and make sound marketing decisions.

• Amazon Advertising – Promotional Tool

Authors can use Amazon Advertising to create paid ads for their books. These ads can appear in search results and on product pages, helping to increase visibility and sales.

• Author Central – Author Profile Management

Author Central allows authors to create and manage their Amazon author page, where they can showcase their biography, photos, and all their published books. It also provides access to customer reviews and sales data.

• Look Inside the Book – Preview Feature

This feature allows potential readers to preview a portion of the book before buying. Authors can activate this through their KDP dashboard, giving readers an idea of the content.

• Kindle Countdown Deals – Promotional Pricing Tool

Part of KDP Select, Kindle Countdown Deals allow authors to run limited-time discounts on their books, which can help boost sales and visibility.

• Free Book Promotions – Free Book Giveaway Tool

Also available through KDP Select, this tool allows authors to offer their eBook for free for a limited time, which can help increase readership and gather reviews.

• Amazon Charts and Best Sellers Lists – Ranking Tools

Although not directly controllable by authors, these lists and rankings provide visibility to top-performing books in various categories, which can drive additional sales.

Preparing Your Manuscript for Publishing

Before you think about uploading your eBook, your manuscript needs to be polished, which means editing, proofreading, and formatting. Nothing kills a reader’s interest faster than typos and poor formatting. There are plenty of tools out there to help with this, or you can hire a professional editor. 

Once your manuscript is designed perfectly, you’ll need to format it for Amazon. Kindle publishing prefers formats like MOBI or EPUB, but don’t worry—there are simple tools to help you convert your file. Getting the formatting right is necessary because you want your eBook to look good on any device. So, take your time with this step.

MOBI 

It is a popular ebook format initially developed by Mobipocket, which was later acquired by Amazon. It is specifically designed for mobile devices and is the default format for Amazon Kindle devices. MOBI files can include complex content like bookmarks, JavaScript, and frames, making them useful for various types of ebooks. 

MOBI is somewhat limited in terms of advanced formatting compared to other formats like EPUB. It supports features such as DRM (Digital Rights Management) to protect the content from unauthorized distribution. It is particularly advantageous for authors and publishers targeting the Amazon Kindle market.

EPUB

EPUB (Electronic Publication) is an open and widely supported ebook format, including tablets, smartphones, and e-readers like the Nook and Kobo. It is not tied to any single retailer, making it a more universal format for distributing ebooks. 

EPUB files are reflowable, meaning the text automatically adjusts to fit different screen sizes and orientations, providing a better reading experience. The format supports images, videos, and interactive elements, making it ideal for ebooks that require more complex layouts and designs.

Creating a Professional Book Cover

Your book cover is the first thing readers will see, and it needs to grab their attention. Do you know why? A recent study found that nearly 57% of Americans bought or read a book because of its cover. So, if you’re not a designer, it’s worth hiring someone who knows what they’re doing.

Your cover should be clear, eye-catching, and relevant to your book’s content. Amazon even offers a cover creator tool, but you should go with a custom design if you can swing it. Remember, a professional-looking cover can make the difference between someone clicking on your book or scrolling right past it.

How to Design a Book Cover Based on Your Genre

Here’s a guide to designing a book cover that fits your genre perfectly.

• Romance

For romance novels, your cover should evoke emotion and hint at the central romantic theme. Typically, romance covers feature:

•  Imagery – Soft, dreamy visuals with couples or intimate settings.
•  Colors – Warm, inviting colors like reds, pinks, and pastels.
•  Fonts – Elegant, flowing fonts that suggest romance and passion.

A well-designed romance cover often shows a couple or a romantic scene set against a backdrop that enhances the mood of the story. Think of classic romance covers that feature close-ups of couples or picturesque scenes that evoke love and connection.

• Mystery/Thriller

These covers need to create intrigue and convey a sense of suspense. Key elements include:

•  Imagery – Dark, moody visuals such as shadows, enigmatic figures, or suspenseful scenes.
• Colors – Bold, contrasting colors like blacks, grays, and deep reds.
•  Fonts – Strong, bold fonts that capture the tension and urgency of the plot.

It often uses dramatic imagery to give a clue about the story’s twists and turns. This might include a dark alley, a shadowy figure, or a gripping scene that leaves the reader wanting more.

• Fantasy

Fantasy book covers should transport readers to another world and reflect the magic and wonder of the genre. It includes:

• Imagery – Fantastical elements such as mythical creatures, enchanted landscapes, or magical symbols.
•  Colors – Vibrant, otherworldly colors like purples, blues, and gold.
• Fonts – Decorative, whimsical fonts that match the fantastical setting.

A fantasy cover often includes elaborate artwork depicting magical realms, mythical beings, or epic battles, setting the stage for an adventurous and imaginative story.

• Science Fiction

It covers the need to capture the futuristic and technological aspects of the genre. Look for:

•  Imagery – Sci-fi elements like spaceships, futuristic cities, or advanced technology.
• Colors – Cool, metallic colors such as silvers, blues, and blacks.
• Fonts – Sleek, modern fonts that convey a sense of progress and innovation.

A well-designed sci-fi cover might feature a high-tech cityscape, alien landscapes, or advanced machinery, drawing readers into a world of futuristic possibilities.

• Non-Fiction

For non-fiction books, the cover should be professional and straightforward, reflecting the content and purpose of the book. Key aspects include:

• Imagery – Relevant visuals that directly relate to the subject matter, such as charts, diagrams, or relevant photographs
• Colors – Clean, simple colors like blues, grays, and whites that convey reliability and clarity
• Fonts – Clear, readable fonts that emphasize the book’s informative nature

Non-fiction covers often use straightforward imagery and design elements that align with the book’s topic, making it clear to readers what they can expect to learn or gain from the book.

• Historical Fiction

Its cover should give you the feel of the time period in which the story is set. Elements to consider include:

• Imagery – Historical settings or figures, such as vintage maps, period costumes, or historical landmarks.
• Colors – Earthy, muted tones like sepias, browns, and grays.
• Fonts – Classic, serif fonts that complement the historical theme.

A historical fiction cover often incorporates visual elements that transport readers to the time and place of the story, enhancing the sense of authenticity and immersion.

How to Use Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

Now that your manuscript is ready and your cover is looking sharp, you should use Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) to publish a book on Amazon. Here’s how to get started:

• Setting Up Your KDP Account

If you already have an Amazon account, you can use those credentials to sign in. Otherwise, you’ll need to create a new account specifically for KDP. To make an account, go to the KDP website and sign in using your Amazon credentials.

You’ll be prompted to fill out your account details, including your tax information and payment preferences. This is necessary to receive royalties from your book sales. Although optional, setting up an author profile helps readers connect with you. You can do this through Amazon Author Central, which is linked to your KDP account.

• Uploading Your Manuscript and Cover

Once your account is set up, you’re ready to start uploading on Amazon for book publishing. Before uploading, ensure your manuscript is formatted correctly. KDP accepts various formats, including DOC, DOCX, MOBI, and EPUB. For best results, use Kindle Create, Amazon’s free formatting tool, to convert your manuscript into a Kindle-friendly format.

Go to the “Bookshelf” section in your KDP dashboard and select “Create a New Title.” You’ll be guided through the steps to upload your manuscript. Double-check that the formatting appears as you intended, as this will directly affect how your book is presented to readers.

You can either design a cover using KDP’s Cover Creator or upload a professionally designed cover. Make sure the cover is eye-catching and relevant to your book’s content, as this is a critical factor in attracting potential readers.

• Setting Your Pricing and Royalties

KDP gives you control over the pricing of publishing a book on Amazon and offers two royalty options: 35% or 70%. The 70% royalty option sounds appealing but comes with conditions, such as pricing your book between $2.99 and $9.99 and meeting certain geographical restrictions. If your book doesn’t meet these criteria, you’ll be limited to the 35% royalty option.

Consider your target audience and the length of your book when setting the price. A well-priced book can attract more readers and increase your chances of making sales. KDP offers the option to enroll your book in Kindle Unlimited (KU), Amazon’s subscription service. By enrolling in KU, your book becomes part of the Kindle Owners’ Lending Library, giving you additional exposure and earning opportunities based on the number of pages read.

• Reviewing and Publishing Your Book

Before hitting the publish button, it’s crucial to review all the details of your book, but how can you do it? Have a look:

• Check for Errors – Common pitfalls include formatting issues, typos in the book description, or incorrect metadata. Carefully review everything to ensure it’s perfect.
• Preview Your Book – Use the Kindle Previewer tool provided by KDP to see how your book will appear on various Kindle devices. This step helps you catch any last-minute issues that could affect the reader’s experience.
• Publish Your Book – Once you’re satisfied, hit the “Publish Your eBook” button. Your book will be reviewed by Amazon, and if everything is in order, it will go live on the Amazon store within 72 hours.

What is Amazon Print on Demand (POD)?

Not everyone loves reading on a screen. With POD, you can offer a physical copy of your book without worrying about printing and storage costs. Amazon handles all of that. Setting up POD on Amazon is similar to setting up your eBook. You’ll upload your manuscript and cover, but this time for a print version.

Amazon’s POD service is fantastic because it prints copies only when someone orders them, meaning no upfront costs for you. If you’re considering POD, it’s worth looking into it because some readers still prefer holding a book in their hands. Plus, it’s another way to reach a broader audience.

Marketing Your eBook on Amazon

You’ve done the hard work of writing and Amazon ebook publishing, but now comes the marketing of it. Amazon provides several built-in marketing tools, like Amazon Advertising and Kindle Countdown Deals, that can help boost your book’s visibility.

But don’t rely solely on Amazon. External marketing strategies, like using social media, creating an author website, and building an email list, can make a huge difference. Reviews are also essential, so encourage readers to leave feedback.

Marketing might sound daunting, but think of it as an ongoing process. The more effort you put into promoting your book, the better your chances of success.

Tracking Your eBook’s Performance

Once your book is live, it’s important to keep an eye on how it’s doing. Amazon provides analytics tools that let you track sales, page reads (if you’re enrolled in Kindle Unlimited), and more.

Regularly checking your book’s performance can help you make informed decisions about pricing, marketing, and even future projects. If something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to tweak it. The beauty of digital publishing is that it’s flexible, so you can always make changes as you go.

Hidden Tricks Top Book Publishing Companies Do to Make Ebooks Successful?

Here are the hidden tricks used by these companies to ensure eBook success:

1. Utilizing Amazon’s Tools and Programs

Top publishers leverage Amazon’s extensive tools and programs to maximize their eBooks’ success. This includes using Amazon Advertising to create targeted ads, enrolling books in Kindle Unlimited for broader exposure, and setting up an Amazon Author Central page to connect with readers.

By taking advantage of these tools, authors can increase their book’s visibility, attract more readers, and improve their chances of success on the platform.

2. Comprehensive Metadata Optimization

Optimizing metadata is crucial for ensuring that a book is easily discoverable on Amazon. This includes crafting a compelling book description, selecting appropriate keywords, and choosing relevant categories.

The best book publishing services pay close attention to metadata to enhance their book’s searchability and attractiveness. Independent authors should similarly focus on writing a descriptive, keyword-rich book blurb and selecting categories that accurately reflect their book’s content to improve its discoverability and appeal to potential readers.

3. Building and Engaging with an Author Community

Successful publishers often build strong relationships with their authors and foster community engagement. This can lead to more promotional opportunities and collaborative efforts.

Independent authors can benefit from joining writer groups, participating in book fairs, and engaging in online writing communities. Networking with other authors and industry professionals can provide valuable support, insights, and promotional opportunities, contributing to the book’s overall success.

4. Using Reviews and Testimonials

Positive reviews and testimonials are powerful tools for influencing potential readers. Top publishers actively seek reviews to build credibility and attract new readers. Independent authors should encourage readers to leave reviews on Amazon and other platforms, as well as reach out to book reviewers and bloggers for additional exposure.

Collecting and showcasing positive feedback can enhance a book’s reputation and encourage more readers to give it a try.

5. Analyzing Sales Data and Adjusting Strategies

Continuous monitoring and analysis of sales data allow top publishers to refine their strategies and improve results. By examining metrics such as sales figures and reader engagement, publishers can make informed decisions about pricing, marketing, and promotional efforts.

Indie authors should use tools like Amazon KDP Reports to track their book’s performance and adjust their strategies accordingly. Data-driven decisions can help optimize marketing efforts and increase overall success.

6. Expanding Distribution Channels

These channels beyond Amazon can significantly broaden a book’s reach. Leading publishers often distribute their books through multiple eBook retailers, libraries, and international markets.

Independent authors can use distribution services like Smashwords or Draft2Digital to reach a wider audience and explore opportunities for translation and global distribution. By diversifying distribution channels, authors can increase their book’s visibility and access new markets.

Wrap Up

Publishing a book on Amazon might seem intimidating at first, but once you break it down, it’s pretty easy. From preparing your manuscript and cover to navigating KDP and marketing your book, each step is manageable with a bit of patience and effort. By using tools like Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), you can easily navigate the process from manuscript preparation to final publication.

Amazon’s services, including Kindle Create for formatting, Cover Creator for design, and KDP Select for promotional opportunities, make self-publishing streamlined and effective. With its global reach and user-friendly interface, Amazon is an excellent choice for authors looking to publish their work.

While Amazon provides invaluable resources, successful eBook publishing also involves strategic marketing and continuous engagement with readers. Utilize Amazon’s promotional tools, optimize your book’s metadata, and keep track of performance to enhance visibility and sales.