How Do I Publish a Book on Amazon? – Step-by-Step Guide

Publishing a book on Amazon is one of the easiest ways to share your story with the world. With Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), you can publish both eBooks and paperbacks, reaching millions of readers globally. Here’s a complete guide to help you through the process.

1. Write and Finalize Your Manuscript

Before you think about uploading your book, your manuscript must be complete and polished.
If you need professional help, consider book editing services to refine your writing or proofreading services to catch any grammar mistakes.

2. Format Your Book for Amazon

Amazon has specific formatting requirements for eBooks and paperbacks. This includes proper margins, headings, and page breaks. If this feels overwhelming, you can hire professionals for book formatting to make your manuscript KDP-ready.

3. Design a Professional Book Cover

Your cover is the first thing readers will notice, so make it visually appealing. Whether you’re publishing fiction or non-fiction, a high-quality cover is a must. Services like book cover design can help you create an eye-catching design that sells.

4. Create an Amazon KDP Account

Go to kdp.amazon.com and sign in with your Amazon account. If you don’t have one, create it. Once logged in, click “Create” to start adding your book details.

5. Enter Your Book Details

Fill out the title, subtitle, author name, and book description. This is also where you choose categories and keywords to help readers find your book. For help with keyword-rich descriptions, you can use book marketing services to make your listing more discoverable.

6. Upload Your Manuscript and Cover

Amazon allows you to upload your manuscript as a DOCX, PDF, or Kindle format. For the cover, you can upload a print-ready PDF or use Amazon’s cover creator. If you also want an audiobook version, you can explore audio book recording services to expand your reach.

7. Set Your Pricing and Royalties

Amazon KDP offers two royalty options: 35% and 70%, depending on your book’s price and distribution. Research other books in your genre to find a competitive price. If you’re unsure, self-publishing experts can guide you.

8. Publish and Promote Your Book

Once you hit “Publish,” your book will be live on Amazon in 24–72 hours. But publishing is just the start—you need promotion. Consider using book promotion services or creating an author website to connect with readers and grow your brand.

Final Thoughts

Publishing a book on Amazon is straightforward, but success comes from preparation, quality, and marketing. By investing in editing, formatting, design, and promotion, you’ll maximize your book’s chances of success.