How to Self-Publish a Book on Amazon (KDP Step-by-Step)

What you need before you start

• A finished, edited manuscript
• A professionally designed cover (front cover for Kindle, full wrap for paperback)
• Formatted interior files (EPUB or Word for Kindle, PDF for paperback)
• A book description, 7 keywords and your target categories
• Your bank and tax details for royalty payments

Step 1: Create your KDP account

Sign up at Amazon KDP with your own Amazon account. Complete the tax interview and add your bank details so Amazon can pay your royalties directly. Always publish in your own account — never let a company publish under theirs.

Step 2: Enter your book details

Add your title, subtitle, author name, description and contributors. Your description is sales copy: lead with the reader’s problem or the story’s hook.

Step 3: Choose keywords and categories

KDP lets you add 7 keyword phrases and choose up to 3 categories. Use phrases readers actually type into Amazon search, not single words.

Step 4: Upload your manuscript and cover

Upload your interior and cover files, then use the online previewer to check every page. Most rejections come from incorrect trim size, margins or bleed — which is why many authors use professional formatting.

Step 5: Set your price and royalties

For Kindle eBooks priced between $2.99 and $9.99, you can choose the 70% royalty option (delivery fees apply); otherwise the royalty is 35%. Paperbacks sold on Amazon earn 60% of the list price minus printing costs.

Step 6: Publish and order a proof

Order a printed proof copy before release if you can. Once you click publish, Amazon reviews your book — most books go live within 72 hours.

Should you also use IngramSpark?

Amazon reaches the most readers, but IngramSpark distributes to bookstores and libraries. Many authors publish on both. Our complete guide to publishing a book explains the options.

Frequently asked questions