Amazon KDP Explained

21 July, 2025 · 2 days ago
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If you’ve ever dreamed of publishing your own book, chances are you’ve come across Amazon KDP, short for Kindle Direct Publishing. And rightly so. Amazon KDP is one of the fastest, easiest, and most accessible platforms for turning your manuscript into a published eBook or paperback and reaching millions of readers around the world.

But what exactly is Amazon KDP? How does it work? And how can you make sure your book doesn’t just get published, but gets discovered and sells?

Grab a pen (or open your notes app), because we’re about to break down Amazon KDP from A to Z, and show you how Best Selling Publisher can make your publishing journey easier, smoother, and more profitable.

What is Amazon KDP?

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing is a self-publishing platform. It allows authors to publish eBooks and paperbacks directly to Amazon without needing a traditional publishing deal.

It’s completely free to use, offers global distribution, and gives you up to 70% royalties on eBook sales.

Whether you’re a fiction writer, non-fiction expert, children’s author, or entrepreneur with a brilliant idea, KDP gives you the tools to launch your book in the biggest online bookstore on the planet.

How Does Amazon KDP Work?

Book Publishing on Amazon KDP involves a few basic steps:

  • Creating a KDP Account: Sign in using your Amazon account or create a new KDP account.
  • Preparing Your Manuscript: Format your book according to Amazon's specifications.
  • Designing a Cover: Either upload your own cover or use Amazon’s Cover Creator tool.
  • Uploading Your Files: Submit your manuscript and cover (PDF for print, or .doc/.epub for eBooks).
  • Setting Pricing & Royalties: Choose your price point and royalty structure (35% or 70%).
  • Hitting Publish! Your book will typically be live on Amazon within 72 hours.

Technically, it is. But successfully publishing on KDP is another story entirely.

That’s where Best Selling Publisher come in with the ebook publishing service.

The Problem Most Authors Face

Most first-time authors think, “If I publish it, people will buy it.”

Spoiler alert: They won’t.

With millions of titles on Amazon, your book can easily vanish into obscurity if it’s not properly optimized. Without the right keywords, categories, cover design, description, and marketing plan, your dream book might gather dust, even on a digital shelf.

That’s why most self-published books never sell more than a handful of copies.

Why You Need Best Selling Publisher

we don’t just publish your book, we position it to become a bestseller.

Our team of publishing experts helps you:

  • Professionally format your manuscript for eBook and print
  • Design a custom, high-converting cover that demands attention
  • Research and implement high-traffic keywords and profitable Amazon categories
  • Write compelling book descriptions optimized for Amazon search
  • Set up your KDP dashboard the right way
  • Develop launch and promotion strategies to boost visibility and sales
  • Avoid common pitfalls that lead to account blocks or poor ranking

Amazon KDP Royalties Explained

Amazon gives authors two royalty options for eBooks:

  • 35% Royalty: Available for books priced between $0.99 and $200. Simple, but with limitations.
  • 70% Royalty: Available for books priced between $2.99 and $9.99, with a few additional conditions (like delivery fees based on file size).

Print books work on a different royalty model: You earn 60% of list price minus printing costs.

Our team at Best Selling Publisher helps you price your book strategically to maximize earnings while staying competitive.

Tips for Succeeding on Amazon KDP

  • Want your book to rise to the top? Here's what separates bestsellers from “also-rans”:
  • Don’t try to appeal to everyone. Serve your ideal reader.
  • Amazon is a search engine. You need SEO, use the right keywords.
  • Social proof drives conversions, get more reviews.
  • Your launch strategy should include email lists, social media, podcasts, and more.
  • The more books you have, the more credibility you gain, and the easier it is to sell.

Should You Self-Publish with Amazon KDP?

Yes, but not alone.

While Amazon KDP gives you incredible access to readers and high royalties, going the self-publishing route without expert help can quickly turn into a frustrating maze of technical steps, marketing missteps, and lost potential.

Publishing a book isn't just about uploading a file, it's about launching a product. And if you want your book to sell, earn great reviews, and actually reach people, you need more than a dream. You need a strategy.

So instead of trying to figure it all out yourself, hire an amazing publishing service that knows how to turn your manuscript into a marketable, discoverable, and profitable book.

At Best Selling Publisher, our full-service ebook publishing service does exactly that.

We handle the formatting, cover design, keyword research, Amazon optimization, launch strategy, and more, so you can focus on being an author, not a marketer or tech support agent

Self-publishing doesn’t mean doing it by yourself.

It means choosing the right team to back you up.

Ready to Publish Like a Pro?

Let’s turn your manuscript into a best seller.

Schedule a free consultation with Best Selling Publisher today or Download our Author Launch Checklist to get started on the right foot.