You wrote the book. Now you want readers. Learning how to self-publish a book on Amazon is the fastest way to get there, without waiting months for a literary agent or a traditional publisher.
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) lets any author publish an ebook, paperback, or hardcover for free. You keep your rights, set your own price, and earn royalties on every sale in Amazon stores worldwide.
But a book that sells is not just uploaded. It is edited, formatted, and wrapped in a cover that stops scrollers. In this self-publishing guide, we walk you through every step, drawn from our team’s experience on more than 55 book projects.
How to self-publish a book on Amazon: 8 steps
Step 1: Finish and polish your manuscript
Complete your full draft first. Then set it aside for two weeks and read it with fresh eyes. Cut scenes that drag, tighten dialogue, and check that every chapter moves the story or argument forward.
Step 2: Invest in professional editing and proofreading
Readers forgive a lot, but not typos. Bad reviews about grammar can sink a new book in its first week. A professional editor checks structure, flow, and consistency. A proofreader catches the last spelling and punctuation errors. Our editing and proofreading services cover both.
Step 3: Format your book for Kindle and print
Ebooks need reflowable formatting so text adjusts to any screen. Paperbacks need fixed layouts with the right trim size, margins, bleed, and page numbers. Poor book formatting is one of the top reasons KDP rejects a file. Professional formatting and typesetting make your book look like it came from a major publisher.
Step 4: Get a book cover that sells
Yes, readers judge a book by its cover. On Amazon, your cover is a thumbnail competing with thousands of others. A strong book cover design matches your genre, uses readable title text at small sizes, and meets KDP’s exact size and spine-width specs. See our book cover design portfolio.
Step 5: Create your Amazon KDP account
Go to kdp.amazon.com and sign in with an Amazon account. Fill in your author details, tax interview, and bank information so you can receive royalties.
Step 6: Enter your book details and keywords
Add your title, subtitle, author name, and description. Choose up to 7 keywords and your categories carefully. This is Amazon SEO: the right keywords help readers find your book in search. Write a description that hooks readers in the first two lines.
Step 7: Upload your files and set your price
Upload your formatted manuscript and cover, then preview them in KDP’s online previewer. For ebooks, pricing between $2.99 and $9.99 qualifies for the 70% royalty option. Paperback royalties are a percentage of list price minus printing costs. KDP also offers a free ISBN for paperbacks. Consider enrolling in KDP Select to reach Kindle Unlimited readers.
Step 8: Launch and market your book
Publishing is the start, not the finish. Line up early readers for honest reviews, share your launch on social media, build an email list, and test Amazon Ads. A launch plan in the first 30 days helps your book gain ranking momentum.
How much does it cost to self-publish a book?
Publishing on Amazon KDP is free. What you pay for is quality: the services that turn a manuscript into a professional book.
| Service | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Editing and proofreading | Prevents bad reviews and refunds |
| Book cover design | Drives clicks and sales on Amazon |
| Formatting and typesetting | Avoids KDP rejections, improves reading experience |
| Publishing and distribution | Saves time on setup, keywords, and categories |
| Marketing and launch | Gets your first reviews and rankings |
Prices vary with word count and genre. Contact Velora Publishing for a free quote tailored to your book.
5 common self-publishing mistakes to avoid
- Skipping professional editing to save money
- Designing a DIY cover that doesn’t fit the genre
- Uploading a poorly formatted file
- Ignoring Amazon keywords and categories
- Publishing with no launch or marketing plan
Frequently asked questions
Is it free to publish a book on Amazon KDP?
Yes. Creating an account and publishing on KDP costs nothing. Amazon earns a share of each sale instead.
How long does it take to self-publish a book on Amazon?
After you submit, KDP usually reviews ebooks within 72 hours. Editing, formatting, and cover design take longer, often a few weeks.
Do I need an ISBN to publish on Amazon?
Ebooks don’t need one. For paperbacks and hardcovers, KDP gives you a free ISBN, or you can use your own.
Can I publish both an ebook and a paperback?
Yes. KDP links both formats on one Amazon product page, which helps sales and reviews.
Should I hire a professional or do it myself?
You can do it yourself, but professional editing, formatting, and cover design make your book compete with traditionally published titles.
Ready to publish your book on Amazon?
Self-publishing on Amazon KDP puts you in control of your book, your rights, and your royalties. Follow these 8 steps, avoid the common mistakes, and give your book the professional finish readers expect.
Want expert help? Velora Publishing offers book cover design, editing and proofreading, formatting and typesetting, and full Amazon KDP publishing and distribution. We handle the details so you can focus on writing.
Get your free quote today and let’s bring your book to readers worldwide.
Found this guide helpful? Share it with an author friend, or leave a comment below with your biggest self-publishing question.
Leave a comment