Self-Publishing on Amazon KDP: A Beginner's Guide
Amazon KDP lets anyone publish an ebook or paperback for free and earn royalties. Here's the no-fluff version of how it works.
Ebook vs paperback
You can publish a Kindle ebook, a print paperback, or both. Ebooks need a cover image (1600×2560) and an EPUB/PDF interior; paperbacks need a print interior at your trim size plus a full-wrap cover with spine.
Pick a trim size
6×9" is the most popular trade paperback size for fiction and non-fiction. Smaller sizes (5×8) suit novels; larger (8.5×11) suit workbooks.
Royalties
Kindle ebooks earn 70% in the $2.99–$9.99 range (35% outside it). Paperback royalties are 60% of list price minus printing cost.
Categories & keywords
Choose specific categories and 7 backend keywords that match how readers search. Niche-down: it's easier to rank #1 in a small category than #50 in a broad one.
FAQ
Does KDP cost anything?
No. Publishing is free; Amazon takes a cut of each sale via the royalty split.
Do I need an ISBN?
KDP provides a free ISBN for paperbacks. Ebooks use an ASIN automatically.
How do I make a print-ready interior?
Use a 6×9 layout with proper margins and a gutter; Bookery exports a KDP-ready 6×9 interior PDF.