How to self-publish a book on Amazon KDP: a step-by-step checklist

Step by step

1. Finish and edit the manuscript. Get at least one other person to read it. Typos are the most common complaint in reviews.
2. Format the interior. Use the Book Formatter to export a print PDF at your trim size and an EPUB for Kindle.
3. Design the cover. Make the front cover in the Cover Designer. Paperbacks need a full wrap with spine and back.
4. Set up your KDP listing. Title, description, keywords, categories, ISBN (KDP offers a free one) and price.
5. Upload, preview and publish. Check every page in KDP's previewer, then publish. Review usually takes up to 72 hours.
6. Tell people. Make launch graphics, quote cards and posts in Social Media mode.

Start with the Book Formatter

Ebook, paperback or both?

Do both if you can. The ebook is quick to set up, and the paperback gives readers a choice and makes the ebook price look like a bargain. You can publish the ebook first and add the paperback later; KDP links them on the same product page.

Keywords and categories matter

Readers find books mostly through Amazon search, so your seven keyword boxes matter almost as much as the cover. Use phrases readers actually type, like cozy mystery with cats, rather than single words.

Order a proof copy

Before you hit publish on the paperback, order a printed proof from KDP. It costs a few dollars and is the only way to see the real cover colours, the spine and how the pages feel. Almost every author finds something to fix.

Questions