Self-publishing has transformed the manner through which writers propound their stories. KDP is the easiest and most lucrative of all the available platforms both to new and experienced writers. This go-to guide will take you through all you need to know about KDP in establishing your account to optimizing your book.
Be it your first book or simply want to diversify your publishing strategy, learning how to utilise the strong platform that Amazon offers can be a game-changer in your writing career. Now we are going to go over all the ins and outs and understand why millions of writers rely on the Kindle Direct Publishing their dream of becoming an author.
What is Kindle Direct Publishing?
Kindle Direct Publishing Amazon maintains a free self-publishing platform known as Kindle Direct Publishing through which authors can download their digital and print books into Amazon markets. Introduced in 2007, KDP has opened up the publishing business to the masses by removing the traditional gatekeepers in the publishing industry and leaving the complete control over their books to the author.
The site allows millions of readers to access the platform through the Amazon network and hence helps an author to access outlets he or she never would have through traditional publishing outlets. KDP allows you to maintain the rights to your work as well as the advantage of the huge distribution network provided by Amazon and in-house marketing tools.
Key Features of KDP
KDP possesses a number of great features that appeal to writers:
At Global Reach: Your books will be available to customers in many additional countries utilizing Amazon international marketplaces.
Royalty Options: Authors have the options of getting between 35 or 70 percent royalties as directed by their pricing methods and details of the books.
No Inventory- No shipping, or managing large quantities of books in storage, with the benefit that the books are printed when somebody requests it.
Real-time Reports: Monitor sales, royalties and reader activity with rich analytics.
Marketing Tools: Giving access to promotional tools such as Kindle Countdown Deals, and Free Book Promotions.
Setting Up Your KDP Account
It is easy to get started with Kindle Direct Publishing, but being attentive during that process will alleviate you of future heartache.
Account Creation Process
To access the KDP site, 1. Start by going to the KDP site and clicking sign up. To continue you will need an Amazon account. In case you already have those credentials you can use them. Otherwise, go make a new account and enter a business email.
When registering, you will have to enter:
Your personal or business information
US Tax information (W-9 US citizens, W-8 foreign authors)
Banking information on royalty remitting
Phone number to identify account
Tax Information Requirements
The Amazon requires publishers to provide tax information to meet the tax laws of the country internationally. The W-9 must be completed by US authors whereas international authors must fill in a W-8BEN. When this information is at hand, the process of account creation will be faster
Payment Setup
Set your payment method with caution as changing the payment method may hold the payment of royalties. KDP has various payment options available to make including direct deposit, wire transfer, and checks (depending on the country receiving the payment).
Preparing Your Manuscript
A good manuscript will greatly help in making it successful at KDP. It supports a number of file formats, but the best is formatting so that your book can be readable on all platforms.
Formatting Requirements
KDP has specific formats that include DOC, DOCX, HTML and PDF. The DOC or DOCX is the most flexible to support Kindles reflow of the text, so using these file formats will maximize the effects on the Kindle.
Important formatting rules are:
Use common font, Cornflake and Palate Wilshry
Be consistent with Best paragraph spaces
Add page-parsing between chapters
To use heading styles to present the titles of the chapters
Be sure to properly indent paragraphs
Cover Design Considerations
Your book cover attracts the attention of potential readers first of all Although KDP has a simple cover maker feature, non-professionally designed covers usually are not as effective.
KDP general cover specifications are:
At least 1000 pixels on the short side
1600 x 2560 pixels advising the developer of the best quality
As JPEG or TIFF
Size less than 50MB
Publishing Your Book on KDP
When your manuscript and coverwork are completed the publishing process comes into play in which several important steps are involved.
Book Details Setup
First of all, enter the fundamental data of your book:
Title and sub title
Your name -author name (how you want it to look)
Book summary (your book’s sell copy)
Keywords (up to 7 keywords / phrases)
Departments (Select 2 matching department)
Content Upload
Provide the file of the manuscript and cover image. The previewer tool that was provided by KDP enables you to preview how your book would look like on other devices. Take some time to proof read this preview, to look at formatting errors or screen viewing.
Pricing Strategy
Pricing right is very much important. KDP provides two royalty plans
Royalty: It can be enjoyed by all price points and there are no extra requirements.
Royalty: Royalty applies only to books between 2.99 to 9.99 and terms and conditions apply.
Think about the length of your book genre, and target audience when establishing prices. Read similar books written in your niche to get into the mind of the market.
Marketing Your KDP Book
Publication of the book is only a starting point Proper marketing will go a long way in boosting your prowess in the platform.
KDP Select Program
KDP Select is an optional add-on that takes your book off Amazon exclusivity so that it can be available to all companies on 90-day rotations. Benefits include:
Availability to marketing materials
Increased royalty royalties in some markets
Available in Kindle Unlimited
Other marketing prospects
Promotional Tools
KDP provides number of promotional features
Countdown Deals Kindle Set the price down temporarily, and receive higher levels of royalty rates.
Featuring: Make your book free in order to gain awareness, up to 5 days per 90 days enrolled in KDP Select.
Amazon Advertising: Make sponsored advertisements to have more visibility in the Amazon search results.
Building Your Author Platform
The success on KDP can many times be a result of building a good author platform:
Be social media active
Compile a list of interested readers in the email
Connect with audiences via the author pages and social media
Think about beginning a blog or newsletter
Connect with other writers of your genre
Maximizing Your KDP Success
Instead, many Kindle Direct Publishing authors find that it takes continuous work and planning to succeed in the long-run.
Understanding KDP Analytics
KDP offers reporting of data on the performance of your book. The main metrics to watch are:
The amount of units sold and pages read
Royalty earnings
Conversion rates
Reviews and ratings by the customers
Use this information to enhance your marketing plans and in future book publications.
Building a Series Strategy
Lots of authors who do very well in KDP have built series as opposed to writing standalone books. There are a few strengths to series.
More engagement and loyalty of readers
The possibility of cross promotion of books
Greater income potential all round
Better screening in Amazon algorithm
Continuous Improvement
Outstandingly performing KDP authors consider publishing a continual learning procedure Keep up with any change in the platforms, test a variety of marketing options and work tirelessly to advance your expertise.
Common KDP Mistakes to Avoid
It may seem that you can learn more through the failure of others and therefore become greatly successful in the platform in record time.
Content Quality Issues
Editing and formatting mistakes can turn out to be a great blow to your book. It is best to proofread carefully and even employ professional editors in case of important processes.
Neglecting Keywords and Categories
Appropriate keywords research and the series of categories are essential in discoverability. Utilize KDP search bar, bestseller lists of Amazon to use to get keywords and categories.
Ignoring Customer Feedback
Reviews and ratings are good indications of preferences to the reader. Listen attentively to the common feedback and also work on it in order to make future publications.
Inconsistent Publishing Schedule
On a regular basis publishing keeps energy alive and curiosity up. Set up a sustainable publishing routine & stick to it.
Advanced KDP Strategies
Now you have mastered the basics, but here are some of the advanced strategies to use so that you can do your best.
International Expansion
KDP lets you have work in several worldwide markets. Explore the use of popular books or work with a particular foreign audience with localized content.
Multi-format Publishing
Branch out to other services beyond eBooks by making paperback and hardcover accessible through KDP Print. This would expand your total addressable market, and target those readers who like to read physical books.
Building Author Brands
Authors that have the most success in the KDP usually create a brand around their book This may entail standard cover design, topics, or writing styles readers are accustomed to and look forward to.
Your Path to KDP Success Starts Now
KDP allows authors to use the opportunities and make successful publishing careers. Such ease of use with the reach of Amazon allows possibilities to be created that did not possible a few decades ago.
Working successfully on KDP will require effort, analytical thinking, and constant education. In case you cannot afford aggressive, high-powered marketing, put your energy into quality content and professional presentation first; over time you will be able to add to your marketing mix.
In a majority of cases, there is no instant success among the KDP writers who are most successful. They started, book by book, by trial and error and by each successive book they improved the process. By exhibiting patience, persistence, and the tips and tricks of the trade presented here, you can be a successful participant on Kindle Direct Publishing.
It is never too late too late to start doing that today. Set up your KDP account and start working on your first manuscript. The publishing industry needs your own voice and story.