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Prepare, Publish, Promote
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Prepare Your Book
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Paperback Submission Overview
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- Build Your Book - Format a Paperback Manuscript (Word for Windows)
- Build Your Book - Format a Paperback Manuscript (Word for Mac)
- Build Your Book – Format a Paperback Manuscript (Pages for Mac)
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Format Your Manuscript
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Publish Your Book
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Kindle Publishing Guidelines
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Prepare, Publish, Promote
Getting Started
Getting Started
You just finished writing the next hit romance novel. Or maybe a memoir destined for the big screen. Or perhaps the first volume of a gripping fantasy series. Now you’ve decided to self-publish your book on KDP, which lets you publish both eBooks and paperbacks. How do you want to start?
Learn more about timelines for new publications.
To fix this, sign out of the current account and then sign back in again with the email and password associated with your KDP account. We recommend clearing any saved passwords from your browser before signing in again.
Forgot the password for your KDP account? To reset it:
If you already published your title as an eBook, we'll review your paperback to make sure it meets to our content and quality guidelines. Learn more about the paperback submission process.
- Step-by-step guidance. For an end-to-end guide with insider tips for self-publishing on Amazon, try KDP Jumpstart.
- Learn on your own. Use our self-guided resources to get started publishing eBooks and paperbacks.
- KDP University. For a comprehensive suite of resources designed to help you take your best book to market, visit KDP University.
- Frequently asked questions. See a list of common questions from authors getting started on KDP.
Want an overview of the KDP website, as well as publishing tools and marketing tips? See our Getting Started with KDP video.
Publish your book on KDP
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Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to publish with KDP?
It's free to self-publish eBooks and paperbacks with Kindle Direct Publishing.I can't sign in.
Sometimes multiple accounts are created if you visit Amazon and accidentally indicate that you're a new customer when you sign in. This creates another account with the same email address and a different password. When signed in to one account, you won't be able to see or edit in the other account.To fix this, sign out of the current account and then sign back in again with the email and password associated with your KDP account. We recommend clearing any saved passwords from your browser before signing in again.
Forgot the password for your KDP account? To reset it:
- Go to KDP and click Sign in.
- Click Forgot your password? This opens the "Password assistance" window.
- Enter the email address or mobile phone number associated with your KDP account.
- Enter the One Time Password sent to the email address or mobile phone number associated with your account and click Continue.
- To protect your account against unauthorized access, you may also be required to enter your zip code or credit-card expiration date. After you’ve done so, click Continue.
- Enter your new password.
- Click Save changes and Sign-In.
How do I create a paperback of my published eBook?
Go to your Bookshelf, find your eBook, and click +Create paperback. We'll update your paperback details with the details you provided when you set up your eBook. You can still edit these details. Like for eBooks, you can set separate prices and distribution options for each supported marketplace for your paperback.If you already published your title as an eBook, we'll review your paperback to make sure it meets to our content and quality guidelines. Learn more about the paperback submission process.
What do I need to know about ISBNs?
- eBooks. An ISBN isn't required to publish an eBook with KDP. After your eBook is published on KDP, Amazon assigns it a 10-digit ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number).
- Paperbacks. KDP can provide you with a free ISBN to publish your paperback. You can buy your own ISBN from Bowker or through your local ISBN agency.
What about copyright?
Your work is under copyright protection the moment it's created and fixed in a tangible form. We don't require a copyright page, but many authors choose to include one. If you have more questions about copyright, please consult an attorney. See our copyright guidelines.How do I upload my book?
To upload your book file, you first need to create a title on your Bookshelf and enter book details (e.g., title, author name). When you're ready to upload your file:- Find the book on your KDP Bookshelf and click Continue setup.
- Go to the "Kindle eBook content" or "Paperback content" tab.
- In the "Manuscript" section, click Upload eBook manuscript or Upload paperback manuscript.
- Find and open your file on your computer. After we finish converting your file, a confirmation appears.
How do royalties and payments work?
- eBook royalties. You can choose between two royalty options for each of your eBooks: the 35% royalty option and the 70% royalty option.
- Paperback royalties. KDP offers a fixed 60% royalty rate for paperbacks sold on Amazon marketplaces where KDP supports paperback distribution. Your royalty is 60% of your list price. We subtract printing costs, which depend on page count, ink type, and the Amazon marketplace your paperback was ordered from.
- Payments. KDP pays royalties every month, approximately 60 days after the end of the month in which they were earned. Learn more about getting paid.