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How to Publish Your Book on Amazon KDP Step-by-Step

how to publish your book on amazon kdp

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

  • Get your account, rights, and metadata ready before you upload to avoid delays and rejections.
  • Prepare a clean EPUB or print-ready PDF, plus a market-tested, thumbnail-readable cover.
  • Use tools for EPUB conversion, cover design, and upload preparation to reduce errors and speed publication.

Table of Contents

What to prepare before you click Publish

If you’re searching for how to publish your book on amazon kdp, you already know the platform is straightforward—yet the difference between a smooth launch and a rejected upload is in the prep work. The first 24–72 hours after you hit Publish are hectic enough without scrambling for a cover file, ISBN, or tax form.

Start with these essentials:

  • KDP account and tax/payment info: Use your Amazon login to sign in, then complete payment and tax interviews so royalties aren’t delayed.
  • Rights and publishing decision: Confirm you hold rights for your content and decide whether you’ll enroll in programs like KDP Select.
  • Final manuscript and cover files: KDP prefers EPUB for eBooks and print-ready PDFs for paperbacks. Have both ready.
  • Marketing blurbs: A short hook (one-sentence), a longer description (200–400 words), and a list of keyword ideas.
  • Category and audience choices: Know which two Amazon categories and up to seven keywords reflect your book.

Before you dive into KDP’s Bookshelf, do one more thing: read a short, focused walkthrough or checklist that matches current KDP steps—this reduces errors during upload. For a guided, step-by-step walkthrough of account setup and common publishing tasks, see Publish Book Amazon Kdp, which covers the items you’ll be asked to enter on KDP and practical tips to avoid common mistakes. If you need help moving files to retailers, consider tools such as BookUploadPro for upload assistance.

Manuscript files, formatting, and EPUB conversion

KDP accepts a few file types, but EPUB is the best choice for eBooks. It handles reflowable text, internal navigation, and metadata embedding, and KDP converts EPUB cleanly for Kindle devices. For paperbacks, a print-ready PDF with correct margins and embedded fonts is ideal.

What to tidy in your manuscript before export

  • Clean chapter breaks: Use consistent styles for chapter titles and body text. Remove manual page breaks except where needed for print.
  • Table of contents: For non-fiction, a clickable TOC is essential. Ensure heading styles generate accurate navigation.
  • Images and captions: Compress images to suitable DPI (usually 300 DPI for print), and use JPEG or PNG. For eBooks, keep images smaller to reduce file size.
  • Front and back matter: Include a title page, copyright page, short author bio, and a call-to-action such as an email-signup or author website.
  • Proofread and humanize: If you used an AI tool to write your book, read it aloud and adjust phrasing so it sounds natural and clear—KDP’s review team looks for readability issues.

EPUB conversion: when to use a converter

If you’re not confident exporting a clean EPUB from your editor, use a purpose-built converter. A proper EPUB converter handles metadata, cover embedding, and navigation automatically—so you won’t be troubleshooting broken chapter links or missing covers in the KDP previewer. A reliable converter creates store-ready EPUBs with metadata and correct navigation in one step.

Creating both ebook and paperback files

If you plan to sell both formats, prepare both file types at once. Many tools, including BookAutoAI, let you generate the ebook and a paperback interior from the same manuscript. That saves time and ensures the content matches across formats, which is important for reader trust and reviews.

Metadata, categories, pricing, and KDP settings

Metadata and settings determine discoverability and royalties. Spend time here—this is where small choices affect long-term sales.

Title, subtitle, and series

Keep your title accurate and readable at thumbnail size. Subtitles are powerful for non-fiction—use them to promise a clear benefit or outcome. If the book is part of a series, include correct series metadata so readers can find related titles.

Description and editorial copy

The description is sales copy: lead with the problem you solve, the unique angle, and a short list of outcomes or features. Use short paragraphs and bold on Amazon’s description builder to highlight key points.

Keywords and categories

You get seven keyword slots on KDP. Use phrases readers search for, not single words. Think like a reader: time management for freelancers beats productivity. Choose two categories; once live you can request additional browse categories via Amazon support if needed.

ISBNs and identifiers

eBooks do not need ISBNs for Kindle, but paperbacks typically do. You can use a free KDP ISBN or provide your own. Enter identifiers consistently across editions so Amazon links them correctly.

Territories, rights, and KDP Select

Select where you hold distribution rights—worldwide or individual territories—and choose distribution channels. Decide on KDP Select: exclusivity gives promotional tools like Kindle Countdown Deals and Kindle Unlimited royalties, but it limits distribution to Amazon while enrolled.

Pricing and royalty calculations

For eBooks, 35% and 70% royalty tiers depend on price and territory. For paperbacks, printing cost is deducted before royalties. Calculate the net royalty for each format and set list prices accordingly. Don’t forget to check printing costs on KDP’s calculator to avoid negative royalties.

Previewing and final checks

Use KDP’s online previewer to check layout on multiple devices. Pay attention to images, widows/orphans, and hyphenation. Confirm that your Table of Contents links work and that internal links (like email-signup URLs) don’t break.

Cover, preview, launch checklist, and post-publish basics

A strong cover and a clean preview are what readers see first. Covers must read at thumbnail size and match genre expectations—this is not the place for experimental art that confuses shoppers.

Cover essentials for KDP

  • Clear title and author typography that reads at small sizes.
  • Genre-appropriate imagery and color palette.
  • Proper visual hierarchy: title first, subtitle second, author name third.
  • Export quality suitable for eBooks and print with correct spine and bleed settings.

If you’re not a designer, use a cover tool that’s trained on what sells—not just what looks interesting. Cover Generator tools can produce market-ready front covers with readable typography, genre-appropriate backgrounds, and thumbnail-optimized layouts so the book competes with traditionally produced covers.

Print files and proof copies

  • For print, set correct trim size, margins, and gutter. Use embedded fonts and high-resolution images.
  • Order a proof copy from KDP or request author proof to confirm colors, paper, and text flow.

KDP preview and final upload checklist

  • Double-check embedded cover and interior match.
  • Verify chapter navigation and front/back matter order.
  • Confirm pricing and territories match your marketing plan.
  • Upload and use the KDP preview to inspect mobile, tablet, and Kindle-device views.

Launch and early promotion

  • Prepare an email list announcement and time promotions (ads, social posts, or newsletter swaps).
  • Consider Kindle Countdown Deals or limited free promos (if enrolled in KDP Select) to gain initial traction and reviews.
  • Monitor the first 48–72 hours for metadata errors or problems that require a re-upload.

Creating multiple formats and distribution

If you plan to sell outside Amazon or in libraries, make sure your EPUB and paperback files are compatible. For wide distribution and multi-channel management, many authors use services that generate both formats and simplify the process—this approach reduces errors and keeps editions consistent across channels.

Final checks before publishing

  • Run a final read-through or have a fresh pair of eyes scan the manuscript for formatting oddities.
  • Confirm that your payment and tax details are complete in KDP so royalties flow without hold.
  • Back up final files in versioned folders—include a dated EPUB, print PDF, and cover files.

Final thoughts

Publish with confidence: gather your metadata, finalize clean EPUB and print files, use a market-focused cover, and verify KDP settings before you click Publish. Tools that handle EPUB conversion and cover design reduce manual errors and save time when you’re ready to upload multiple formats.

Visit BookAutoAI to streamline file creation, try our demo book, and see how an end-to-end system can take you from idea to a KDP-ready book faster—Write like a Human, Publish like an author.

FAQ

How long does it take for a book to appear on Amazon after publishing?

Generally, eBooks and paperbacks go live within 24–72 hours after you click Publish. Production times can vary during high-traffic periods. If your book is delayed, check KDP’s dashboard for processing messages.

Do I need an ISBN to publish on KDP?

eBooks on Kindle do not require an ISBN. Paperbacks typically do; KDP offers a free ISBN if you don’t have your own. Using your own ISBN gives you more control over distribution metadata.

What file format is best for uploading to KDP?

EPUB is preferred for eBooks because it preserves navigation and metadata. For paperbacks, a print-ready PDF with embedded fonts and correct margins is best. Use a reliable EPUB converter to avoid conversion issues.

Can KDP reject AI-written content?

Amazon evaluates content for quality and policy compliance. If your book is AI-generated, humanize the text and ensure it meets KDP guidelines. Tools designed for non-fiction can help produce natural-sounding content and reduce format issues.

How do I choose keywords and categories?

Think like a reader: use phrase-level keywords (2–4 words) that match search intent. Research similar bestsellers in your niche and match categories that those books use.

Can I fix metadata after publishing?

Yes. You can update title fields, description, categories, and pricing from your KDP Bookshelf. Major changes may require a reprocessing period.

Sources

how to publish your book on amazon kdp Estimated reading time: 4 minutes Get your account, rights, and metadata ready before you upload to avoid delays and rejections. Prepare a clean EPUB or print-ready PDF, plus a market-tested, thumbnail-readable cover. Use tools for EPUB conversion, cover design, and upload preparation to reduce errors and speed…