Self Publishing on Amazon: A Complete Guide to Getting Started

Self publishing on Amazon has become one of the most powerful ways for authors, entrepreneurs, and creatives to share their work with the world. Whether you’re writing your first novel, publishing a business book to build authority, or creating a low-content journal, Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) platform offers an accessible path to reaching millions of readers without the need for a traditional publisher.

In this guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know — from the benefits of Amazon KDP to step-by-step publishing, tips for maximizing visibility, and mistakes to avoid.

Why Amazon KDP?

Amazon controls over 70% of the eBook market, which means publishing here instantly puts your book in front of a massive audience. Unlike traditional publishing:

• You keep creative control – No gatekeepers deciding what’s “marketable.”
  
  
• Higher royalties – Earn up to 70% royalties on eBooks.
  
  
• Fast publishing timeline – Get your book live in as little as 24–72 hours.
  
  
• Global reach – Amazon automatically lists your book across multiple countries.
  
  
• Multiple formats – Publish eBooks, paperbacks, and hardcovers.
  
  

In short, KDP democratizes publishing. Whether you’re a first-time author or an experienced writer, you can take full ownership of your work and brand.

Step 1: Plan Your Book

Before you even log in to KDP, the groundwork matters.

• Choose your topic/genre carefully – Non-fiction books solve problems, while fiction books connect emotionally.
  
  
• Understand your audience – Who are you writing for? Business leaders, students, romance fans, parents?
  
  
• Research competitors – Browse Amazon for books in your niche. Check covers, titles, and reviews to identify gaps you can fill.
  
  
• Decide on format – Will you launch with just an eBook, or add paperback and hardcover options for more credibility?
  
  

Remember: publishing is the easy part. Creating something that resonates is what will keep readers coming back.

Step 2: Write and Edit

Amazon doesn’t police grammar, but readers do. A poorly edited book can ruin your credibility.

• Draft without overthinking – Just get your ideas down first.
  
  
• Edit ruthlessly – Trim filler, polish flow, and tighten sentences.
  
  
• Hire a professional editor if possible – Especially if it’s your first book.
  
  
• Proofread multiple times – Typos are a quick way to earn negative reviews.
  
  

Tip: Tools like Grammarly or ProWritingAid can help, but nothing replaces a human editor.

Step 3: Design Your Cover and Format Your Manuscript

Your book cover is your first marketing tool. On Amazon’s crowded shelves, design matters more than you think.

• Covers – Professional, genre-appropriate, and eye-catching. Avoid DIY covers unless you have design experience.
  
  
• Formatting – Ensure your manuscript is clean and readable. Use tools like Kindle Create, Vellum (Mac), or Atticus (PC).
  
  

📌 Quick note: A strong subtitle with keywords can also help boost Amazon search visibility.

Step 4: Set Up Your Amazon KDP Account

Head to kdp.amazon.com and sign in with your Amazon account.

You’ll need to provide:

• Author details (name, pen name if applicable).
  
  
• Payment and tax information.
  
  
• Book details (title, subtitle, series, description).
  
  
• Keywords and categories (crucial for discoverability).
  
  

KDP guides you through the process step by step, so it’s beginner-friendly.

Step 5: Upload Your Book

Here’s where it gets exciting:

• Manuscript file – Upload your eBook (in DOCX, EPUB, or KPF) or print version (PDF).
  
  
• Cover file – Upload your cover, or use Amazon’s Cover Creator (not recommended for professional authors).
  
  
• Preview tool – Check how your book looks on different devices (Kindle, phone, tablet).
  
  

Once everything looks good, you’re ready to publish.

Step 6: Pricing and Royalties

Amazon lets you choose between two royalty structures:

• 35% royalty – For books priced $0.99 to $200.
  
  
• 70% royalty – For books priced $2.99 to $9.99 (most authors aim here).
  
  

For paperbacks and hardcovers, you’ll earn 60% royalties minus printing costs.

Tip: Pricing strategy matters. Competitive pricing can help you attract readers early, then you can increase later.

Step 7: Marketing and Promotion

Publishing your book is just the beginning. Without promotion, even the best books can get buried.

Free and organic methods:

• Optimize your title, subtitle, and keywords for Amazon search.
  
  
• Choose the right categories to rank higher.
  
  
• Build an author page on Amazon Author Central.
  
  
• Collect early reviews from your audience or ARC readers.
  
  

Paid promotions:

• Amazon Ads – Target readers based on keywords and competitor titles.
  
  
• Book promo sites – Services like BookBub or Freebooksy.
  
  
• Social media and email lists – Drive your existing audience to Amazon.
  
  

Remember: the first 30 days on Amazon are golden. That’s when the algorithm decides whether your book is worth pushing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping editing – Leads to bad reviews.
  
  
• Choosing the wrong categories/keywords – Limits discoverability.
  
  
• Overpricing your book – Can scare away new readers.
  
  
• Ignoring marketing – Publishing isn’t “set it and forget it.”
  
  
• Using low-quality covers – Makes your book look amateur.
  
  

Advanced Tips for Success

Once you’ve mastered the basics, here’s how to level up:

1. Series strategy – Readers love series. More books = more visibility.
   
   
2. KDP Select – Enroll your book for exclusivity and get access to Kindle Unlimited (great for page-read royalties).
   
   
3. Multiple formats – Offer eBook, paperback, and audiobook (via ACX).
   
   
4. Leverage keywords – Use tools like Publisher Rocket to research what readers are searching for.
   
   
5. Build a brand – Don’t just publish one book. Create an ecosystem of products, blogs, or courses.
   
   

Final Thoughts

Self publishing on Amazon is more than just uploading a manuscript — it’s about building a long-term presence as an author or entrepreneur. The platform gives you control, global reach, and solid royalties, but success depends on planning, execution, and smart marketing.

If you approach it strategically — with the right book idea, professional editing, strong design, optimized listings, and consistent promotion — Amazon KDP can transform your writing dream into a real business.