How to Publish a Book on Amazon: A Quick Start Guide

In this quick-start guide, I teach you how to publish a book on Amazon. (Note: as of Feb 2024, I am updating this guide. If you sign up, you will receive the revised version in your inbox soon!)

This post assumes you have written, edited, and proofed your book. In other words, you are ready to GO. If you’re not there yet, no worries! Go ahead and read through the guide, because you’ll be needing it soon.

Once your manuscript is ready for public consumption, here is your checklist for what must happen next to see it in (virtual) print:

How to publish a book

Open an Account at Amazon

First, open an account at Amazon, aka Kindle Direct Publishing (https://kdp.amazon.com). I suggest you do this first before doing anything else because seeing your shiny account at KDP will motivate you to do the next steps!

•  PRO TIP #1: Have your bank account information handy when signing up so Amazon will know where to deposit your royalties.

•  PRO TIP #2: Be ready to enter your social security number or tax ID if you are a business entity. Many indie authors in the US register as sole proprietors; however, if you have questions about this, consult your tax advisor. You will not be able to complete your account until you have entered this information.

Format the manuscript

Format your manuscript for eBook distribution (epub and mobi file; Amazon prefers the latter). You can do this with a program like Vellum or have it professionally formatted. (I’ve done all three and will discuss in future posts.). If your manuscript is simply text, you can also upload a doc/docx file directly to KDP, but you will want to take extra care to view it in the Kindle previewer first to make sure that the file is presentable. Read this post about formatting your book in MS Word to ensure that your doc/docx file is the best it can be. Take extra care to view it in the Kindle previewer to make sure that the file is presentable. Don’t stress! This can be done right in your dashboard. 

UPDATES: You can also now format your ebooks using Kindle Create  or Draft2Digital. (Note: I’m still loving Vellum and have not used either formatting service above, though I’ve heard great things about them!)

Create metadata

Metadata is simply the basic, important facts about your book, ie., the who, what, why, where, when of your eBook. Strong metadata is crucial, as this information is used to drive your eBook into readers’ hands (or at least into their minds). So, write the metadata for your eBook and have it ready when you are setting up your first book on Amazon. The info you’ll need: title, subtitle (if any), series name (if applicable), book description, SEO keywords, and author bio.

Create a cover

If you are graphically savvy, you can create a cover using a program like InDesign, PhotoShop, or even PowerPoint as outlined in this article. Or, if you’re like me, you can purchase one from a designer. But there’s a third option: click the button in your KDP dashboard that says “Launch Cover Creator” and create one there. Design choices are limited, but this is a no-cost, simple option. Images available on sites such as depositphotos.com – I’ve arranged for my readers to receive a special discount using this code: OS36258741. (Note: If you will be uploading your eBook at other sites, such as Nook, iBooks, etc., you will not be able to use the cover created in your KDP dashboard.)

Upload 

Upload your formatted eBook by opening your KDP dashboard. There you will upload your mobi file and your cover (or launch the cover creator). Amazon prefers mobi, but will also accept epub files. You will also add the metadata that you wrote earlier here, and pricing information as well.

Submitting Your Book

Submit your eBook for sale. After submitting your eBook, click the tab on your dashboard that says “Bookshelf” and you will see your eBook’s status. (Note: If you plan to sell your eBook on other platforms, such as Nook, iBooks, etc., then DO NOT sign up for KDP Select, which is an Amazon exclusive option available on the Bookshelf tab.)

Six Pro Tips on How to Publish a Book on Amazon!

Make sure to sign up here to receive this post in PDF. When you sign up, you’ll receive 6 EXTRA PRO TIPS for how to publish a book on Amazon. Then keep your quick-start guide handy so you don’t miss a step along the way. Exciting times for you ahead!