What Is Amazon KDP? (Kindle Direct Publishing)
If you are a first-time author researching the self-publishing process, one of the first questions you will probably ask is, What is Amazon KDP?
In this article, we’ll explore the popular self-publishing platform. We will cover what Amazon KDP is—and what it is not.
What is Amazon KDP?
KDP is a self-publishing platform. Authors can publish print books and ebooks through KDP.
It’s important to understand that Amazon KDP is not a publisher. Platforms like KDP and IngramSpark allow authors to self-publish. These authors serve as their own publisher.
Amazon KDP provides two main services: printing and distribution. The author/publisher is responsible for everything else, including editing, book design, and marketing and promotion.
It’s crucial that you understand the differences between self-publishing and traditional publishing. Please take a moment to read this breakdown of the different types of publishing.
What Is a Print-On-Demand Service?
With a print-on-demand (POD) service like KDP, books are printed when they are ordered, rather than in advance. Since independent authors are also the publisher, using a POD platform keeps authors from needing to cover up-front printing costs.
How to Self-Publish on Amazon KDP
For authors learning how to self-publish a book on Amazon or IngramSpark, it’s best to take your time. Understand firstly that as a self-published author, you are both the author and the publisher. This will help you set realistic expectations for the amount of work that will be involved with preparing your book for publication.
Self-publishing a book is about more than pressing “publish” on Amazon. You will be responsible for all of the editing, book design, and marketing. To get an idea of what’s involved in the self-publishing process, check out the editing, book design, and self-publishing process that we use at Blue Pen.
The Self-Publishing Process
Before you upload to KDP or IngramSpark, authors need publication-ready files. You can’t simply upload a Microsoft Word document and expect it to turn into a nice book. Here are the primary steps to preparing to self-publish with Amazon:
- Writing and self-editing
- Professional editing
- Cover design for print and ebook
- Interior layout and ebook production
- Back cover blurb and book description
- Secure an ISBN
How to Publish an Ebook on Amazon
The process for publishing an ebook through KDP is basically the same as the process for publishing a print book. Most authors publish both print and digital versions of their book to reach the widest readership.
With ebooks, you also have a presale option, meaning you can presell copies of your ebook before it is available for purchase. This can help you build hype around the release day.
Amazon KDP ISBN Options
When self-publishing through KDP, you can purchase your own ISBNs or use free ISBNs from Amazon.
Authors in the US can purchase their own ISBN directly from Bowker. With a paid ISBN, you choose the publisher name. You may use your name or create a different name. As an independent author, you are the publisher, so the name you use comes down to your preference and marketing plan.
However, if you use a free ISBN, the publisher is listed as “independently published.” This can appear less professional and may make getting your book into bookstores more challenging.
A free ISBN can only be used on the platform through which it was secured. A free ISBN from KDP cannot be used to publish your book through IngramSpark and vice versa. So if you plan to publish through multiple platforms, you should purchase your own ISBNs.
Learn more about ISBNs with this article.
Amazon KDP Pricing
KDP does not charge any up-front fees. Uploading and publishing your work through KDP is totally free.
Amazon KDP Printing Costs
Printing costs vary based on the format, page type, and page count. When you order author copies, you pay only the printing cost. Calculate printing costs here.
KDP Royalties
For authors, KDP royalties are based on the list price, printing cost, and sales channel. Authors’ KDP royalties equal 30% of the profits after deducting the printing cost. But don’t worry—you don’t need to do that math. The printing cost calculator will give you an exact number.
You will also see an exact royalty number while uploading to KDP.
KDP Book Formats
Authors can publish print and ebook formats through Amazon KDP. Kindle Direct Publishing offers a variety of paperback trim sizes.
More recently, KDP began offering hardcover formats. Currently, case laminate is the only hardcover option available through KDP. Authors who want to publish a hardcover book with a dust jacket will need to publish through IngramSpark.
KDP Author Copies
Authors can order proof copies before the book is available for purchase. Proof copies are stamped with a watermark indicating the book is not for resale.
Author copies have no such stamp. Author copies are normal copies of the book, purchased by the author for only the printing cost.
KDP allows authors to purchase proof copies before the book is available and author copies after. That means that you won’t have access to a final, non-watermarked version of your book before it is available for sale.
FAQs
When ordering author copies, authors pay the printing cost plus shipping.
You can order up to 999 KDP author copies at one time. To purchase more, you will need to place a separate order.
- Open your KDP bookshelf in your account.
- Click the ellipsis beside the print version of the book you want to order.
- Select “Order Author Copies.”
- Enter the number of author copies you want (1–999).
- Select your marketplace. US authors should choose Amazon.com.
- Submit order.
- Check out through your Amazon cart.
Author copies look just like the books readers receive. They have no watermark.
KDP author copies do not qualify for Prime shipping. Amazon tends to prioritize paying customers’ orders over KDP author copies. Author copies don’t make Amazon money.
KDP Distribution
According to Wordsrated, Amazon controls up to 80% of all book distribution in the US.
If you plan to sell your book online, publishing your book through KDP is a great way to reach readers.
Typically, bookstores will not typically order from KDP. Amazon is their biggest competitor, and bookstores are already used to ordering books through Ingram (the distribution channel). So if you want to see your book on shelves, publishing through IngramSpark is a good call.
For the widest distribution possible, publish through both IngramSpark and KDP.
What Happened to CreateSpace?
CreateSpace was once an independent print-on-demand (POD) service for independent authors. CreateSpace was acquired by Amazon in 2005.
Authors would publish print books through CreateSpace and ebooks through Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing).
In late 2018, CreateSpace and KDP merged.
Currently, authors publish both print and ebook versions of their books through KDP.
See KDP’s help page about accessing CreateSpace books.
What is KDP Select?
KDP select is a program for authors who are willing to grant Amazon exclusive rights to sell their ebook for the first 90 days of publication.
In return for this exclusivity, authors receive access to additional promotional tools and higher royalty percentages.
KDP Select is not for you if you plan to sell or distribute your ebook through other means, including through your website, an aggregator like Draft2Digital, or a retailer like Apple Books.
What Is Amazon KDP and Is It Right for Me?
Amazon KDP is a self-publishing platform that allows authors to independently publish their books. Authors can publish print books and ebooks through KDP.
With Amazon KDP, authors can access printing and distribution services. However, KDP is not a publisher. The responsibility for creating a publication-ready book, including editing and book design, fall on the author.
If you plan to sell books online and you are prepared to accept the responsibility of being your own publisher, Amazon KDP is a great option for publication.
For support with your publishing process, book a one-on-one consultation. One of our experienced team members will walk you through the process. We will help you design a publication process that fits your goals.
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