Amazon KDP – What is Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing?

Amazon KDP – What is Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing?
Michał Wasyl

Michał Wasyl

Tax advisor

Amazon KDP, or Kindle Direct Publishing, is a platform that allows authors to publish books directly on Amazon. Both in the form of e-books and printed books. The platform allows you to skip traditional publishing houses and publish books yourself. Thanks to this you have full control over the publication and distribution process. It has gained huge popularity around the world, allowing creators to reach millions of readers.

Table of Contents

What is Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing?

Amazon KDP is a self-publishing tool. It allows authors to easily publish their books and make them available to readers globally. KDP supports various publication formats: e-books and print-on-demand books. It eliminates the need to order large print quantities. This solution allows production to be tailored to actual market demand.

How does Amazon KDP work?

Publishing a book on Amazon KDP is an intuitive process. It doesn’t require advanced technical knowledge. Authors register on the platform and upload their book files (e.g. in Word or PDF format). Next, you prepare the cover—either by yourself or by using KDP’s tools. The final step involves setting the price and selecting the markets where the book will be available.

Once the book is ready for publication, Amazon handles the rest. The platform stores the files, processes transactions, and in the case of printed books, produces and ships them to customers. For the author, this eliminates costs related to storage and shipping. Amazon KDP makes publishing fast and accessible to anyone.

Amazon KDP

Why use Amazon KDP?

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing offers many benefits for both new and experienced authors. Here are some key advantages:

  • No initial costs – Publishing a book on KDP is entirely free. Authors don’t need to invest in large print runs or worry about logistics.
  • Global reach – Books published on Amazon are available to readers worldwide. Amazon has branches in many countries, significantly expanding the potential audience.
  • High commission – Authors can earn up to 70% of the sale price for e-books. This is much more favorable than traditional publishing models where authors often receive smaller payouts.
  • Control over the content – when publishing on KDP, the author retains full rights to his book. He decides on the content, cover and price on his own.

What are the costs of using Amazon KDP?

One of the biggest advantages of KDP is the lack of initial fees. The publishing process, whether for e-books or printed books, is entirely free. Authors only incur optional costs, such as purchasing ads on Amazon, and hiring a professional editor, or a designer for the cover. The platform takes a percentage of the sales, ranging from 30% to 70%, depending on the set book price.

Sample commission structure:

Book priceAuthor’s Commission (70%)Amazon’s Share (30%)
2.99 $2.09 $0.90 $
9.99 $6.99 $3.00 $
14.99 $10.49 $4.50 $
Commission for using Amazon KDP
Amazon KDP

What kinds of books can you publish on Amazon KDP?

Amazon KDP offers complete freedom when it comes to the types of content you can publish. The platform supports various literary genres, including:

  • Novels and short stories
  • Guides and handbooks
  • Academic textbooks
  • Biographies
  • Cookbooks
  • Children’s books

However, there are certain guidelines to follow. Amazon has strict policies on copyrights and content. Published books must be original and comply with the platform’s rules. Amazon does not accept plagiarized or illegal content, which is understandable given its global reach.

What should you know about copyrights? Check it out here

Is it Worth Using Amazon KDP?

If you’re dreaming of publishing your book, Amazon KDP is an excellent option. The platform is ideal for both novice writers and those looking to expand their reach. The lack of initial costs, global market access, and the ability to control the publishing process are just some of the reasons to consider KDP. Additionally, Amazon offers some promotional tools to help increase sales. For example, Kindle Select and Kindle Unlimited.

Amazon KDP

Amazon KDP – Summary

Amazon KDP is a great solution for those who want to publish a book without traditional publishing houses. With this platform, you can reach millions of readers worldwide. The publication process is simple and quick. KDP allows full control over your book’s content and form. It offers authors greater creative and business freedom. Publishing a book has never been so easy and accessible to everyone.

If you are considering publishing your book on Amazon KDP but need support or additional information, contact us today! Our experts will answer all your questions.

FAQ

What is Amazon KDP?

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing is a platform for self-publishing books as e-books and print-on-demand paperbacks.

How much does it cost to publish on Amazon KDP?

Publication on Amazon KDP is free. You only pay for optional services, such as editing or creating a cover.

How much can you earn on selling a book on KDP?

You can earn up to 70% of the sale price of an eBook, depending on the price and market you set.

What are the technical requirements for book files?

Book files can be uploaded in formats such as .doc, .docx, .pdf, .epub, .rtf, and .html.

Can I edit a book after it’s published?

Yes, you can make changes to the book at any time after it has been published.

Can I publish books in other languages?

Yes, you can publish books in many languages on Amazon KDP.

What are the options for promoting a book on Amazon?

Amazon offers promotion programs like Kindle Select and Kindle Unlimited that can help increase your book’s visibility.

Can I set a free price per book?

Yes, but only within specific promotional frameworks, such as the Kindle Select program.

Do I need to own the copyrights to the book?

Yes, you must have full copyrights or a license to publish the materials.

How long does it take for a book to be published on Amazon KDP?

Publication usually takes between 24 and 72 hours, after which the book becomes available on the platform.

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