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.