If you’ve ever dreamed of publishing a book, there’s never been a better time to do it yourself. Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) platform makes it possible for anyone to turn their manuscript into a published book—available worldwide in both digital and print formats. Whether you’re writing fiction, memoir, poetry, or a how-to guide, the process is accessible, affordable, and—when done right—professional. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:
1. Finish and Format Your Manuscript
Before uploading anything to Amazon, your manuscript should be fully edited and properly formatted. This includes:
A title page
Proper chapter breaks
Page numbers (for print)
A table of contents (for eBooks)
You can format it yourself in Word or use a tool like Kindle Create, but if you want it to look polished and clean, our team can handle formatting for both Kindle and paperback editions.
2. Create a Cover That Sells
Your cover is your book’s first impression. It must be eye-catching and well designed. If you are a skilled artist, of course you can tackle this task on your own. If you aren’t so skilled in that department, there are other options. Amazon provides a free Cover Creator tool, or you can seek cover design services tailored to your genre and audience, or if you have a little tech savvy, you can even use Artificial Intelligence tools to create one yourself.
3. Set Up Your KDP Account
Visit kdp.amazon.com and sign in with your Amazon account, or create one if you don’t have one already. Please note that during the set up process, you’ll need to input tax and banking information to receive royalties.
4. Upload Your Manuscript and Cover
Next, choose whether you’re publishing an eBook, paperback, or both. You’ll then upload your manuscript and cover files, preview the layout, and fix any formatting issues. This part can be tricky—many authors run into file errors or layout warnings, or simply begin to notice mistakes that did not notice previously. It is important to take your time and make sure this part is done correctly.
5. Enter Book Details and Keywords
You’ll add a book description, select categories, and input up to 7 keywords to help readers find your book. This is your chance to pitch your book to potential buyers, so it is highly recommended to do a little research on what to use.
6. Set Pricing and Distribution
Amazon allows you to set your own price and choose royalty options (typically 35% or 70%). You can also choose expanded distribution to make your book available to libraries and bookstores.
7. Publish and Promote
Once your files are approved, you can hit “Publish” and your book will go live in 72 hours or less. If you have chosen paperback or hardcover format, your book will become available on a print-on-demand basis on the Amazon marketplace, and you as the author will have the option to order “Author’s Copies” at discounted rates for resale. eBooks will also become available for purchase by the general public once publishing is complete. Once this is complete, you can pat yourself on the back, because you will officially be a published author.
Need Help? Let’s Bring Your Book to Life.
Self-publishing is empowering—but also technical. If you’d rather focus on writing while someone else handles the tech, Helpdesk 609 is here to help. From formatting to publishing and beyond, we make the process easy, professional, and affordable. Reach out today to get started.
