The Ultimate Guide to Self-Publishing Your Ebook with Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

Have you written a book but don’t have an audience to take it to?

Are you confused and apprehensive about the publishing process? Or unsure if it is right to invest money in getting your book published?

Well, then self-publishing might help you out.

First, let’s learn what self-publishing really is.

What is self-publishing?

Self-publishing refers to the process of independently releasing and distributing one's own written work, such as books, novels, or even short stories, without the involvement of traditional publishing houses.

In self-publishing, authors take on various roles, including writing, editing, designing, and marketing their work. With the advent of digital platforms and print-on-demand services, self-publishing in India has become increasingly accessible to aspiring authors.

What is Kindle Direct Publishing or KDP?

Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is a platform provided by Amazon that enables authors to self-publish their books in digital format and distribute them to a wide audience through Amazon's Kindle Store.

KDP allows authors to easily convert their manuscripts into Kindle eBook formats and make them available for purchase or borrowing on Kindle devices, as well as through Kindle reading apps on various devices like smartphones, tablets, and computers. It offers a user-friendly interface where authors can manage their titles, set prices, monitor sales, and track royalties.

What are the advantages of self-publishing with Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)?

1. Creative Control: As a self-published author, you have the final say in every aspect of your book, from the content, cover design, and formatting to marketing.
   

2. Easy and Accessible Publishing: Authors can easily convert their manuscripts into Kindle eBook formats using KDP's formatting tools or upload professionally formatted files.
   

3. Global Distribution: Kindle eBooks can be purchased and read on Kindle devices, as well as through Kindle reading apps on various devices, ensuring that readers across the globe can access and enjoy the books across multiple platforms.
   

4. Income Potential: Depending on the pricing and distribution options chosen, authors can earn up to 70% royalty on sales in select markets. KDP also provides tools and reports that enable authors to track their sales and earnings.
   

5. Flexibility and Control: Authors can set their own book pricing, make changes to the content or cover, and update their books as needed. KDP allows authors to experiment with different pricing strategies, run promotions, and leverage other marketing tools to increase visibility and sales.
   

6. Additional Publishing Options: In addition to Kindle eBooks, KDP also offers paperback and hardcover publishing through its Print-on-Demand (POD) service. Authors can choose to make their books available in both digital and print formats, catering to readers who prefer physical copies.
   

What types of content can you publish with KDP?

According to the help section of KDP, it allows you to publish ebooks and print books (Paperback and Hardcover). Content types typically published using KDP include but are not limited to the following:

• Novels

• Book Series

• Children's Books

• Comics

• Cookbooks

• Journals

• Poetry

• Textbooks

What are the 2 types of royalty options available on Kindle Direct Publishing?

Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) offers two royalty options for ebooks:

1. 35% Royalty Option: Under this option, the author receives a 35% royalty on the book's list price. This option is available for books enrolled in KDP Select, a program that provides additional promotional opportunities but requires exclusivity with Amazon for a specific period. This royalty option is also applicable to books priced below certain thresholds, such as books priced above $2.99 in the 70% royalty option territories.

2. 70% Royalty Option: Authors can earn a 70% royalty on the book's list price, minus delivery costs. To qualify for this option, certain conditions must be met:

• The book must be priced within specific thresholds (generally between $2.99 and $9.99) in most Amazon marketplaces.

• The book must be made available in all territories where the author has rights.

• The book must meet specific requirements regarding file size, pricing, and content.

Do not forget about KDP Select

KDP Select is a program offered by Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) that provides additional promotional and earning opportunities for authors who enroll their eBooks in exclusive distribution with Amazon for a specific period. Here are the key features and benefits of KDP Select:

1. Kindle Unlimited (KU) and Kindle Owners' Lending Library (KOLL): By enrolling in KDP Select, your eBook becomes eligible to be borrowed by Kindle Unlimited subscribers and Amazon Prime members through the Kindle Owners' Lending Library.
   

2. Kindle Countdown Deals: KDP Select participants can run Kindle Countdown Deals. This feature allows you to offer your book at a discounted price for a specific duration, creating a sense of urgency for potential buyers.
   

3. Free Book Promotions: Authors can schedule up to five days within each 90-day enrollment period to offer their eBook for free. This can be an effective strategy to generate buzz, attract new readers, and potentially increase the book's visibility and subsequent sales.
   

4. Earn Higher Royalties from Kindle Unlimited and Kindle Owners' Lending Library: With KDP Select, authors can earn a share of the KDP Select Global Fund based on the number of pages read by Kindle Unlimited subscribers and Kindle Owners' Lending Library borrowers. This provides an additional revenue stream for authors whose books are frequently borrowed and read.
   

Now that you have all of the information for self-publishing your book, you can take the following steps to publish your book.

Steps to publish your ebook with Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

Step 1 Sign up for your KDP account. You can simply do this by using your regular Amazon account.

Step 2 This is what your dashboard would look like. From here you click on ‘Create’.

Step 3

Then, you select the type of book you want to publish - ebook, paperback or hardcover. Because we’re doing ebook, you can go ahead and click on that.

Step 4

Fill out all of the necessary details as part of your Kindle ebook details. This section includes your title, author name, language, categories, keywords etc.

Step 5

Now, fill out your Kindle ebook content. Here you can upload your manuscript, cover and preview your file to check how it appears on different devices.

Step 6

Lastly, fill out the details for your Kindle ebook pricing. This consists of choosing the territories in which you have the right to publish as well as pricing, royalty and distribution. Once you are done, you hit publish! Don’t forget to enroll in KDP Select to maximise your earning potential. KDP can take from 36-72 hours to review your book until it is live and available for purchase.

Start selling your books with Kindle Direct Publishing now!

Hopefully, this article has provided you with the information to take your book to your audience.

If you have any questions, feel free to write to me at tdd@thedarkdoyenne.in with any questions you might have. I would be happy to help you in your journey.

Don’t forget to subscribe to sign up for my blog to stay updated on more information.

Good luck and happy publishing!

Cover photo by Huỳnh Đạt