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How to Use Amazon KDP Step by Step for Self-Publishers

How to use Amazon KDP: a practical walkthrough for self-publishing authors

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

  • Step-by-step KDP publishing: set up account, add metadata, upload files, set pricing, and publish.
  • Prepare clean, formatted files and a market-ready cover; EPUB or print-ready PDF reduces rejections.
  • Use tools that convert to EPUB and generate covers to speed production and reduce formatting errors.

Overview & account setup

If you’re learning how to use Amazon KDP, start with a simple goal: get your book from manuscript to a live Amazon listing without format errors.

KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) hosts ebooks, paperbacks, and hardcovers with print-on-demand and global distribution. It’s free, but it requires careful setup so your file previews cleanly and your metadata helps readers find the book.

First, create your KDP account using the email you want associated with sales and payments. You’ll enter tax info and payment details in KDP’s account settings so royalties can be paid.

If you want help moving from manuscript to marketplace quickly, see our guide on Publish Book Amazon Kdp — it walks through the upload steps and common triggers for rejections.

The dashboard is where you manage all your titles, royalties, and reports.

Entering book details and metadata

The Book Details page is where you type the title, subtitle, author name, and description. These fields matter for discoverability, so spend time here.

What to fill in and why

Book title and subtitle: Use the exact title as it appears in the interior. The subtitle is useful for keywords and clarifying benefit or topic.

Series info (if any): If your book is part of a series, add series title and number.

Author and contributors: List the author as you want it to appear on the book page.

Description: Keep it clear, benefit-oriented, and scannable. The first 1–2 lines are critical because they appear in search results and on mobile views.

Keywords: KDP lets you add up to seven keyword phrases. Use reader-focused phrases that describe the problem solved or the main topic.

Categories: Choose two categories that match reader expectations. Categories affect browse placement, so pick the most relevant.

Age and grade range (if applicable): For non-fiction targeted at specific readers, set audience fields appropriately.

ISBN and publishing rights: If you use KDP’s free ISBN for print, they will register it. For ebooks, KDP assigns ASINs automatically.

Tips for metadata

Avoid keyword stuffing. Use natural phrases readers would search for.

Match description language to the genre conventions — this helps conversion.

Keep formatting simple in the description; excessive markup can look spammy.

Metadata is the bridge between your book and readers. Clear, honest, searchable metadata reduces returns and increases clicks.

Uploading manuscript, cover, and EPUB

Files are where most small mistakes happen. KDP checks your files during preview; if page breaks, images, or navigation are broken, KDP will flag errors.

If you use third-party upload services for retailer submissions, consider options like Book Upload Pro to simplify retailer uploads.

Manuscript files: ebooks vs. print

Ebook: Upload an EPUB or KPF. EPUB is the standard cross-platform format.

A clean EPUB needs correct heading styles, embedded images at suitable resolution, and a linked table of contents for navigation.

Paperback/hardcover: Upload a print-ready PDF sized to the correct trim (for example, 6″ x 9″). Include embedded fonts, proper margins, and a single-column layout.

For print books, preview every page to catch widows, orphans, and blank pages.

If you want a faster route to a store-ready EPUB that already includes clean chapter structure and embedded cover images, try the EPUB Converter.

Cover files and why they matter

A cover must work as a thumbnail. A book cover needs readable title typography, genre-appropriate composition, and hierarchy that reads at small sizes.

The Cover Generator produces market-ready front covers with readable title and author typography and export quality suitable for ebooks and print.

For paperbacks the cover requires a back and spine in the print-ready PDF; for ebooks, embed the front cover correctly in the EPUB or upload a separate image.

Upload checklist

  • Ebook EPUB: embedded front cover, correct metadata, functioning internal navigation.
  • Paperback PDF: correct trim and bleed, embedded fonts, single PDF for interior, separate cover PDF or generated cover with spine.
  • Cover image (for ebooks): 1600–2560 px height recommended, JPEG or TIFF, 72–300 dpi.

Always use KDP’s online previewer. For print, order a physical proof copy before final publishing — this catches color shifts or margin issues that previews can miss.

For streamlined ebook and paperback creation, BookAutoAI can generate the manuscript, create a matching cover, and produce the EPUB you need to upload.

Pricing, royalties, review, and publish

Pricing affects royalties and visibility. KDP offers two main ebook royalty tiers: 35% and 70%.

The 70% option applies in certain territories and with specific price ranges. For print books, royalties are the list price minus printing costs; KDP calculates these after you enter the price.

Setting price and royalty preferences

  • Consider reader expectations. Non-fiction often does well at price points that reflect perceived value (for example, $6.99–$14.99).
  • Remember delivery costs: for ebooks, delivery fees apply for the 70% royalty in some formats.
  • KDP Select: enrolling gives access to Kindle Unlimited and promotional tools, but it requires exclusivity for Kindle ebooks.

Final checks before publishing

  • Metadata: confirm title, subtitle, keywords, and categories are correct.
  • Files: preview both ebook and print proofs. Fix any formatting issues and reupload.
  • Territories and pricing: choose worldwide or specific territories, and set price tiers accordingly.

Publishing workflow and post-publish

After you click Publish, Amazon reviews your book for policy and formatting compliance. Review times vary but are usually under 72 hours for ebooks.

Once live, verify the listing, reviews, and sales reporting.

Post-publish tasks include:

  • Creating an Author Page on Amazon Author Central.
  • Setting up promotional activities and ads as needed.
  • Monitoring sales reporting and adjusting price or metadata for better discoverability.

A practical tip: keep an evergreen source file and regenerate outputs as needed. If you update cover or interior, re-export the EPUB or print PDF and upload a new version.

For authors who prefer less technical friction, tools that centralize manuscript, cover, and EPUB production reduce re-uploads and formatting errors.

Final thoughts

Learning how to use Amazon KDP is mostly about consistent preparation: clean files, accurate metadata, and a cover that communicates at thumbnail size.

Use the preview tools and order proofs for print. For non-fiction authors, tools that generate humanized manuscripts, create market-ready covers, and convert to EPUB remove technical roadblocks so you can focus on promotion and reach.

Write like a Human, Publish like an author.

FAQ

How long does it take for KDP to publish my book?

After you submit, Amazon usually reviews ebooks within 24–72 hours. Print books can take slightly longer; KDP will email you if there are issues.

Do I need my own ISBN?

No — KDP provides a free ISBN for paperbacks. You can choose to use your own ISBN if preferred.

Which file format should I upload for Kindle?

EPUB is the recommended open standard. KPF (Kindle Create) is another option. Ensure your EPUB has embedded cover art and functioning navigation.

Can I update my book after publishing?

Yes. You can upload revised files and update metadata. For major changes, update the edition information in the book details.

How can I make sure my cover looks good as a thumbnail?

Use clear typography, high contrast, and simple composition. Tools trained on best-selling covers often produce thumbnail-optimized results.

Sources

How to use Amazon KDP: a practical walkthrough for self-publishing authors Estimated reading time: 6 minutes Step-by-step KDP publishing: set up account, add metadata, upload files, set pricing, and publish. Prepare clean, formatted files and a market-ready cover; EPUB or print-ready PDF reduces rejections. Use tools that convert to EPUB and generate covers to speed…