Amazon KDP: A Beginner’s Guide to Print-on-Demand

Publishing used to mean jumping through hoops. Now? You call the shots.

Amazon KDP makes self-publishing as easy as hitting “upload.” Whether you’re an expert in your field, a stay-at-home parent with life hacks, or simply looking for a side hustle, Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) makes your book earn while you sleep, sip coffee, or figure out your next best-seller. We'll provide a quick guide to make it all clear and direct.

What you’ll learn:

• How to start simple with Amazon KDP
• Why Amazon KDP is your go-to for print-on-demand business
• Kindle eBook 101: the essentials

Let’s break it all down.

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What is Amazon KDP?

Amazon KDP is a self-publishing space that allows authors to publish eBooks and paperbacks directly on Amazon. There are no upfront costs, no need for inventory, and, most importantly, you keep complete control over your work, from content to sales metrics.

Amazon pays over $520 million yearly royalties to 1+ million authors who self-publish through KDP. With this earning potential, KDP makes it easy to turn your book into a product that can reach millions of readers, all while earning royalties each time your book sells.

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Why Choose Amazon KDP for Print-on-Demand?

Print-on-demand = Instant shelf space. Forget about large print runs and unsold stock. Beyond eliminating inventory management and cost saving, you should choose Amazon KDP for print-on-demand for the following reasons:

• Amazon dominates the eBook market, accounting for roughly 67% of all sales. When Kindle Unlimited was factored in, its share rose to 83%. This makes it ideal for authors looking to expand their reach worldwide.

• Through Amazon KDP sale, you can earn up to 60% of the royalty on your print-on-demand products, such as hardcover and paperback books. That’s far higher than the typical royalty rates from traditional publishers.

• Amazon KDP lets your book go beyond Amazon to reach major online retailers, libraries, and academic institutions via third-party distribution.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Started with Amazon KDP

The first step to starting with Amazon KDP is creating your own account. 

‍Step 1: Go to the Amazon KDP website. You can either sign up or log in with your existing Amazon account. 

‍Step 2: Add the required information to complete your KDP profile — payment preferences and tax records. Once you've completed everything, you'll be ready to start publishing.

After finishing your profile, you can access the KDP dashboard, which allows you to oversee your entire self-publishing process.

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Choose the Right Niche for Your Book

Niche is basically another term for ‘category’ or ‘topic.’ Finding the right niche gives you a sweet spot where your book meets market demand. Here’s how you can find them:

• Look at Amazon's Best-Seller lists: These lists show popular genres and topics currently in demand.
• Explore categories that interest you. Whether you're passionate about something or have expertise in an area, explore categories related to your interests or trending topics.
• Use external tools to analyze keywords: This will help you determine the amount of demand and the level of competition.
• Read reviews of your competitors' books: Learn what readers like and what they think could be better. This will help you improve your book and offer something readers value.

If you’re interested in selling more than books, many entrepreneurs have found success in how to sell t-shirts on Amazon through print-on-demand. You can try multiple ways until you understand the platform better. 

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Writing your book

After you've zeroed in on your niche, it’s time to start writing. Here are some tips to help you get your words on the page:

• Set a timer for 15–30 minutes, and write as much as you can without distractions. This technique, “writing sprints,” can help you get into the flow and improve your productivity. 

• People remember stories. Studies show people are 22 times more likely to remember content if it is in a story format. As you write, aim to craft your book in a way that tells a compelling story to keep your readers hooked.

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Formate your book

Here’s the formatting process necessary for both Kindle ebooks and paperbacks:

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For Kindle eBooks: KDP accepts several file formats for manuscripts, including DOC, DOCX, HTML, RTF, TXT, and PDF. However, it's advisable to use DOC/ DOCX because it is compatible and easy to format. 

‍For paperbacks: KDP recommends submitting your manuscript in PDF format to preserve your formatting. Also, choose a trim size that aligns with your genre and audience expectations.

Common sizes include 6" x 9" and 5" x 8". KDP offers various trim sizes to accommodate different preferences.

Additionally, to increase your book's exposure to the audience, you should design an eye-catching cover relevant to its genre and content. Several free and paid design tools, such as Canva and Adobe InDesign, can make this process easier.

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How to Upload Your Book to Amazon KDP

For eBooks:

1. Go to your Bookshelf and click the ellipsis ("…") under ‘Kindle eBook Actions.’
2. Select ‘Edit eBook Content’ and upload your manuscript file.
3. After conversion, a confirmation will appear in 5-7 minutes.
4. Use the ‘Online Previewer’ to check formatting and spelling.

‍For Paperback/Hardcover:

1. Go to your Bookshelf and click the ellipsis ("…") under ‘Paperback Actions’ or ‘Hardcover actions.’
2. Select ‘Edit Paperback Content’ or ‘Edit Hardcover Content’ and upload your manuscript.
3. Click ‘Launch Previewer’ to review your print layout and address any issues. You can also order a physical proof copy for review.

Always ensure your manuscript details match the title set up and fix any errors using the previewer before submitting for publishing.Before you publish, consider providing precise metadata for readers to find your work easily. Here are some tips and tricks to follow:

• Use Amazon’s A9 ranking algorithm to strategically place your book description without keyword stuffing. 
• Experiment with Kindle Unlimited (KU) by offering your book exclusively through KDP Select for 90 days. The borrowed books count toward your overall sales rank, and often, authors find this drives more readers.
• Many authors only use the first few pages for their “Look Inside” feature. Instead, show the first 2-3 chapters or a powerful scene that will hook readers immediately.

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Set the Price for your Book in Amazon KDP

If you're a first-time publisher looking to nail your pricing strategy, keep these things in mind: 

• What is the number of other Kindle eBooks that address comparable subjects?
• For what reasons are they unique? What details are contained within the cover, on the back, and in the middle? 
• Why do you think your ideal customers make a purchase? Do they want an easy solution? Do they require extensive information? Would schematics be helpful?

Here is an example of how your book pricing could appear: 

• Release the book in multiple forms: Prices range from $5.99 for an eBook to $19.99 for a hardcover.
• Launch a free book promotion and sign up for KDP Select.
• To slightly outperform your competitors, you should raise your prices gradually. 

To decide on your book pricing more effectively, you need to understand how Amazon KDP’s royalty earnings work.

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‍For eBooks:

‍You have two royalty options for eBooks in Amazon ADP - 35% and 70%.

• If you choose the 35% royalty option, you'll earn 35% of the list price (excluding VAT) for each unit sold.

• Opt for the 70% royalty option. You'll receive 70% of the list price (excluding VAT), minus delivery costs (typically around $0.06 per unit sold, though this varies based on file size), for each eligible book sold to customers in the 70% royalty regions. For sales to customers outside these regions, you'll receive 35% of the list price (excluding VAT) per unit sold.

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‍For paperback:

‍KDP provides a fixed 60% royalty rate on paperbacks sold through Amazon marketplaces where paperback distribution is available. Your royalty is 60% of the list price, with printing costs deducted based on trim size, page count, ink type, and the specific Amazon marketplace where the paperback is purchased.If you opt for ‘Expanded Distribution,’ the royalty rate drops to 40% of the list price in the distribution channel at purchase, minus the printing costs.

• Post pricing, you can market your book using Amazon’s advertising tools, such as Amazon Author and Sponsored products.
• Leverage social media marketing like Facebook Ads, using relevant hashtags and Pinterest marketing.

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How to Track Your Book’s Performance?

Track your book’s performance using the KDP dashboard. It monitors real-time sales, royalties, and feedback, helping you make educated marketing and pricing decisions. Through the KDP dashboard, you can:

• Manage your book titles: Easily upload new manuscripts, change existing books, or remove titles when needed.
• Track sales and royalties: Keep tabs on your book's sales and earnings with up-to-the-minute data.
• Utilize marketing tools: Use Amazon's marketing features, like price promotions and countdown deals, to increase your book's exposure. Plus, explore the free KDP advertising tools to maximize your reach.
• Monitor performance: You can view how your book ranks within its genre and compare it to similar titles on the platform.

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What are the Common Challenges Beginners Face when using Amazon KDP?   

Challenge 1: Formatting your manuscript correctly for Kindle eBooks or paperbacks can overwhelm a beginner. Minor errors in margins, page numbers, or inconsistent fonts can throw off the whole look of your book.

Solution: Use KDP’s free templates or tools to streamline formatting. Before hitting "publish," preview your book using KDP’s online previewer.

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Challenge 2: Understanding Amazon’s royalty structure can leave beginners scratching their heads. The difference between the 70% and 35% royalty options, plus delivery costs and taxes, can be confusing when predicting earnings.

Solution: Break it down step-by-step. Use Amazon’s royalty calculator under your KDP dashboard to estimate potential earnings for different pricing strategies.

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Conclusion

An excellent approach to realizing your goals in writing is Amazon KDP. Offering POD products on this platform allows you to rely solely on your imagination rather than large spending. This adaptable platform lets you learn, try, and develop as a writer. Go in, personalize it, and savor the trip.

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FAQ

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Is Amazon KDP good for beginners?

The nature of Amazon KDP is to be user-friendly. Its simple instructions make it easy even for beginners to understand. After finishing your book, you may publish it on the platform, choose between eBook and print formats, and choose a price.

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How much does it cost to start an Amazon KDP?

Self-publishing your books, eBooks, paperbacks, and hardcovers is free. Amazon also offers free product detail page creation and direct access to your book on the platform.

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How much can a beginner earn from Amazon KDP?

Consider the following example: Low-level profits: Making less than $300 per month is typical for novice KDP users who have not done any marketing or created a business plan. However, self-publishers have been known to "at times" earn more than $10,000 from a single book.

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How Much Does Amazon KDP Pay?

• eBooks: 70% royalty for books priced $2.99–$9.99 in eligible regions; 35% for books outside this range or region.
• Print Books: 60% royalty minus printing costs for standard distribution; 40% for Expanded Distribution.