Preparation:
- Prepared Documentation:
- Have all necessary details ready before starting the upload process.
- Includes book title, subtitle (optional but useful for nonfiction), release date, ISBN choice (free or paid), pricing, categories, keywords, and age range.
Uploading Process:
- Accessing Kindle Direct Publishing:
- Log in to your KDP account.
- Click on the “+” sign to start the eBook (or paperback, hardcover) upload process.
- Basic Information:
- Select the book’s language (e.g., English).
- Enter the book title (e.g., “Meet Me at the Summit”).
- Optional: Add a subtitle (helpful for nonfiction for additional keywords).
- Series Details:
- If part of a series, add series information.
- Include edition number if applicable.
- Author and Contributors:
- Enter author’s name.
- Add contributors if necessary (e.g., co-authors, illustrators).
- Description:
- Paste a pre-prepared book description.
- Format as needed for readability.
- Publishing Rights:
- Confirm copyright ownership.
- Keywords and Categories:
- Use tools like Publisher Rocket for keyword ideas.
- Select up to seven relevant keywords.
- Choose two appropriate categories.
- Consider checking competitors’ categories for ideas.
- Age Range:
- Select appropriate age range for the book’s target audience.
- Publication and Pre-order:
- Choose to publish immediately or set up pre-orders for eBooks only.
- Upload eBook Manuscript:
- Upload the .mobi file prepared for Kindle format.
- Ensure proper formatting to avoid issues in Kindle Previewer.
- Upload Book Cover:
- Upload a professionally designed cover (preferably not using KDP’s cover creator).
- Use a PDF for paperback and hardcover covers.
- Kindle Previewer:
- Review how your eBook appears on Kindle devices using the preview tool.
- Check cover, formatting, and overall appearance.
- ISBN:
- Optional for eBooks but required for paperbacks and hardcovers.
- Choose between a free KDP-provided ISBN or a paid ISBN.
- Pricing and Royalties:
- Decide on pricing strategy (e.g., $3.99 for higher royalties).
- Choose royalty rate (70% or 35%) based on price and distribution choices.
- KDP Select Enrollment:
- Decide whether to enroll in KDP Select for eBook exclusivity and additional benefits.
- Territories and Rights:
- Select where you want your eBook available (e.g., worldwide).
- Final Review and Submission:
- Review all details for accuracy.
- Save and continue to finalize publishing details.
- Publishing and Availability:
- Amazon states it may take up to 72 hours, but often books are available sooner.
- Completion and Follow-up:
- Monitor sales and reviews post-publication.
- Consider additional promotional strategies.
Additional Tips:
- Utilize external tools like Publisher Rocket for keyword research and category selection.
- Be mindful of formatting requirements for different book formats (eBook, paperback, hardcover).
- Regularly review and update book details as needed on your KDP dashboard.
