Highlights
- Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing enables authors to publish their work, retain rights, and earn higher royalties.
- KDP allows authors to publish eBooks and print books without upfront fees.
- Through Amazon's distribution channels, authors can earn up to 70% royalties on eBooks and up to 60% on paperbacks.
- Books published through KDP can go live on Amazon within 3 to 10 business days.
Why We Wrote This?
We wrote this content to provide valuable information and guidance to aspiring authors and self-publishers interested in utilizing Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing for their books. By outlining the features, benefits, and processes of KDP, we aim to help readers understand how they can leverage this platform to publish their work effectively and efficiently.
What is Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing?
Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is Amazon’s platform for self-publishing, allowing authors to publish their work. Launched in November 2007, KDP helps writers follow their passion while earning higher royalties and keeping the rights to their work.
Amazon Kindle Publishing Direct makes it easier for independent authors and publishers to publish paperback books or eBooks. Amazon encourages authors to self-publish their paperbacks, hardcovers, and Kindle eBooks through KDP at no upfront cost. You only pay when a book is sold.
Amazon allows the publication of various types of eBooks and print books, including:
- Novels
- Poetry
- Comics
- Journals
- Textbooks
- Cookbooks
- Book Series
- Children’s Books
7 Key Benefits of Amazon Kindle Self Publishing
To understand why Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing is a top choice for authors who want to self-publish, here are some advantages of using Amazon KDP:
- Wide Distribution Channels
Since Amazon operates globally, authors are not limited to specific regions. Amazon KDP offers broad distribution across the United States and many other countries, including the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Spain, Brazil, Mexico, India, Australia, and New Zealand.
- Flexibility
With Kindle Direct Publishing Amazon, authors can publish their work as eBooks, printed books, or both. If you choose to publish in paperback or hardcover, Amazon handles the printing and shipping. Moreover, you can use the Amazon Kindle Store and Kindle Unlimited to reach a wider audience.
- Higher Royalty Rates
Self-publishing with Amazon KDP is financially beneficial because of higher royalties. Authors can earn around 70% royalty on eBooks, up to 60% for paperbacks if they use Amazon’s distribution channels, and 40% for Expanded Distribution channels.
- Extensive Self-Publishing Capabilities
With a KDP account, you can publish many books. While there’s no official limit on the number of books you can release, there is a cap of 500 books. Authors must wait for their current book files to be reviewed before adding new titles.
- Amazon Brand Presence
When your books are on Amazon, they are associated with the trusted Amazon brand. Amazon’s strong reputation in eCommerce helps your book gain recognition and acceptance among online shoppers.
- Quicker Turnaround Time
The biggest benefit of Amazon KDP is its fast turnaround. Traditional publishing can take nine months to two years for a book to reach the market. With Amazon KDP, your book or updates can go live on Amazon within 3 - 10 business days.
- Convenient and Cheaper Inventory
Previously, authors had to buy large quantities of printed books upfront. Amazon’s print-on-demand service eliminates the need for bulk purchases because books are printed as ordered.
How Much Does Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing Cost?
Publishing through KDP is completely free!
In contrast, traditional publishing in the United States usually costs between $500 and $5,000. These fees often cover editing, book design services, and marketing. With KDP, these expenses are not required.
How is Amazon KDP printing cost calculated?
Amazon KDP determines the printing costs for both hardcover and paperback books using the following formula:
Fixed cost + (page count * per page cost) = printing cost
To provide a clearer picture, here is an overview of the fixed costs for black ink paperback and hardcover books:
Black Ink Paperback
Black Ink Hardcover
How Do Authors Get Paid with Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing?
When you publish eBooks through KDP, you earn royalties — both you and Amazon receive a percentage of the revenue.
There are two royalty rates: 35% and 70%.
70% Royalty Option
You might think choosing the 70% royalty option is a no-brainer, but it's not that simple. To meet the 70% royalty rate criteria, you must qualify:
- Pricing: Your eBook must be priced between $2.99 and $9.99.
- Distribution Fee: You must pay a "delivery fee" based on your eBook's file size. Within the $2.99 to $9.99 price range, Amazon charges $0.15 per megabyte. Since Amazon compresses eBook files, your fee may be lower than expected. After listing your book, you can use their fee calculator on the pricing page.
- Physical Books: The eBook price must be at least 20% lower than the list price of the paperback.
- Copyright: You must own the copyright to the eBook. If the book is in the public domain, you cannot receive a 70% royalty.
- International Sales: To be eligible for 70% royalties in Brazil, Japan, Mexico, and India, you must enroll in KDP Select.
35% Royalty Option
The following are the requirements for the 35% royalty rate:
- If your book is priced lower than $2.99 or above $9.99, you will get a 35% royalty.
- You will not pay a delivery fee with this option.
- The 35% royalty rate is ideal for large books, like textbooks, cookbooks, or picture books with big file sizes.
Pros and Cons of Self-Publishing on Amazon
How to Do Kindle Direct Publishing Sign In?
Signing up for Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing is simple. Once you sign up, you're just minutes away from being able to publish your work.
- Go to the Kindle Direct Publishing dashboard and click the Kindle Direct Publishing login.
- Read and agree to the KDP Terms and Conditions.
- Complete your profile by providing basic information, payment details, and tax information.
How to Advertise Your Book on Amazon?
Marketing is crucial when self-publishing a book. Amazon offers tools, including a PPC advertising strategy, to help authors sell their books.
If you’ve listed physical products on Amazon, you might already be familiar with sponsored ads and PPC campaigns. Amazon PPC campaigns can significantly increase your book's visibility and sales by displaying it to potential readers looking for similar content.
For more on Amazon bidding strategies, you can hire SwiftStart agency to reach a wider audience.
Summary
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing offers aspiring authors and self-publishers an accessible, efficient, and empowering platform to bring their literary creations to life. With no upfront costs, broad distribution channels, higher royalties, and extensive support and resources, KDP provides a pathway for writers to share their stories with the world.
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FAQ
What Is Kindle Direct Publishing?
Kindle Direct Publishing allows you to self-publish eBooks, paperbacks, and hardcover books at no cost. It grants direct access to Amazon's publishing platform.