- Eliza Randall
- 0 min read
Everything You Need to Know About Publishing with Amazon KDP
Table of Contents
Self-publishing has changed the game for authors like you, giving you the power to publish your work without needing traditional publishing houses. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), launched in November 2007 alongside the first Amazon Kindle device, offers a platform where self-published authors can easily publish their books. Initially known as the Digital Text Platform, KDP allows writers to publish and distribute ebooks and print books globally.
This review provides an in-depth evaluation of Amazon KDP’s services, processes, and overall effectiveness, highlighting the benefits and potential drawbacks of using KDP as a publishing partner.
Overview of Amazon KDP
While Amazon KDP was initially focusing on digital publishing, over time, it evolved to include print-on-demand services, allowing authors to publish paperback versions of their books within 10 business days. With Amazon KDP, you can tap into Amazon’s vast online marketplace, giving your book global exposure. Its popularity also stems from the fact that they do not charge upfront fees to publish on their platform as well as flexibility in pricing, and the ability for authors to maintain control over their work.
However, with a rating of 1.4 on Trustpilot, KDP appears to fall short of being considered a top publishing platform for authors, especially for first-time authors who would have to navigate publishing on KDP without any support. KDP offers a great platform for authors who are 100% ready to distribute their books but lacks any other real publishing services.
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| ✅ PROS | ⛔ CONS |
| Free – No Cost To Publish Fast Production Time Distribution on Amazon Platform | Limited Cover Design Tool No Editing or Proofreading Services No Marketing Services Lack Of Support |
✅ Pros of Amazon KDP
No Cost To Publish: With Amazon KDP, you can publish your book in eBook, paperback, and hardcover formats for free, making it easy for you to get your work out there without breaking the bank.
Fast Production Time: Publishing with Amazon KDP typically takes between 3 to 10 business days, much faster than traditional publishing, thanks to its streamlined, largely automated processes.
Distribution on Amazon: Publishing with Amazon KDP ensures your book is listed on one of the world’s largest retail platforms, integrating it into Amazon’s networks.
⛔ Cons of Amazon KDP
Limited Cover Design Tool: KDP’s cover design tool can feel limiting, especially if you’re aiming for a professional, eye-catching cover. You may need to look for external design help to make your book stand out.
No Editing or Proofreading Services: KDP does not provide editing or proofreading, requiring authors to independently secure these services to ensure manuscript quality.
No Marketing Services: KDP does not provide managed advertising services. Authors must learn to create and manage their campaigns, similar to running Facebook ads.
Lack Of Support: KDP does not offer direct customer support, instead it relies on a community forum where users can ask questions and seek advice from other authors.
How Does Pricing Work?
One of the standout features of Amazon KDP is that there are no upfront fees. You can publish your book without paying a cent initially, which is great if you’re budget-conscious. Authors can upload and publish their ebooks and print books for free. KDP makes money through a share of the royalties from book sales.
However, unlike many competitors, Amazon KDP does not offer bundled service packages. Competitors such as BookBaby and Spines provide packages that include services such as editing, cover design, formatting, and marketing services for a set fee.
KDP’s model means that while authors save on initial costs, they will need to pay for additional services elsewhere, which can add to the overall expense.
Additional Costs
Authors using Amazon KDP might face several additional costs. While KDP offers basic cover design and formatting tools, these might not meet all authors’ needs. Professional cover design can cost anywhere from $100 to $500, while comprehensive editing services (proofreading, copy editing, and line editing) can range from $300 to $2,000 or more, depending on the manuscript’s length and complexity.
Marketing is another area where costs can add up. Although KDP offers promotional tools like Kindle Countdown Deals and Kindle Unlimited, authors often invest in additional marketing strategies to boost visibility. These might include Amazon Advertising, social media promotions, and book review services, potentially costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars over time.
Overall, while KDP’s basic services are free, authors should budget for additional professional services to ensure their book meets industry standards and successfully reaches its target audience.
Publishing Timeline
When you publish with Amazon KDP, expect it to take about 3 to 10 business days for your book to go live. If you’re publishing an eBook, that’s even faster – usually within 72 hours. Print books, including paperbacks and hardcovers, usually take longer, averaging 5 to 10 business days due to printing and quality checks.
Several factors can influence these timelines. Manuscript and cover design readiness, adherence to KDP’s formatting guidelines, and the completeness of metadata all play crucial roles. Any issues requiring revision can delay the process. Additionally, high submission volumes during peak publishing seasons may extend review times.
Distribution Channels
With Amazon KDP, your book will be available on Amazon’s huge online marketplace, giving you instant access to millions of potential readers worldwide. This includes regional Amazon sites such as Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, and others, ensuring extensive reach across multiple countries.
Global Reach
KDP’s global distribution capabilities enable authors to make their books available worldwide.
The platform supports sales in key markets in North America, Europe, and Asia, making it easier for authors to reach a diverse audience.
Expanded Distribution option allows print books to be available to non-Amazon retailers, although acceptance by these retailers is not guaranteed. However, this does not guarantee acceptance by distributors or bookstores. This can limit your book’s exposure beyond the Amazon platform.
Ebook and Print Book Distribution Specifics
Print Books
- Print books, including paperbacks and hardcovers, are printed on demand and distributed through Amazon’s network.
- Print books require shipping and handling, which can impact delivery times and availability in certain regions.
eBooks
- eBooks benefit from immediate availability.
- Ebooks published through KDP are available for instant download globally, making them accessible to readers in any supported region.
Royalties
Amazon offers two different royalty structures for eBook and print book sales.
Amazon KDP offers two eBook royalty options: 35% and 70%.
- The 70% rate applies to eBooks priced between $2.99 and $9.99 and meeting specific criteria, including enabling digital rights management (DRM). Amazon KDP deducts delivery fees for eBooks under the 70% royalty plan based on file size.
- The default rate is 35% for books outside this range or not meeting the conditions.
Print books have a different structure, where the cost is deducted from the sale price based on factors such as page count, color printing, and book size.
- Paperbacks and hardcovers earn a fixed 60% royalty, reduced to 40% if using expanded distribution.
- For paperbacks and hardcovers, printing costs are subtracted before calculating royalties.
- Expanded distribution lowers the royalty rate for paperbacks.
Payment Schedules and Withdrawal Options
Royalties are paid monthly, approximately 60 days after the end of the month in which the sale was reported, extending to 90 days for expanded distribution.
Authors must meet a $100 minimum threshold for wire transfers and checks. Payments can be managed through the KDP dashboard.
Customer Experience and Reviews
If you’re wondering about other authors’ experiences with KDP, it’s worth noting that the platform has received mixed reviews, including a 1.4-star rating on Trustpilot. While some authors appreciate the platform’s ease of use and broad distribution network, others have voiced significant concerns.
Positive comments often highlight KDP’s user-friendly interface and the ability to retain full rights to their work. Authors also value the free publishing option and the potential for high royalties.
However, frequent complaints include the lack of real-time support, and inadequate design services like proofreading and cover design, meaning authors need to source these services externally if needed.
As well as challenges in managing marketing and advertising independently. Authors also note difficulties with the Expanded Distribution option’s effectiveness.
Is Amazon KDP for You?
Amazon KDP is ideal for polished self-published authors who want to publish eBooks, paperbacks, or hardcovers at no upfront cost while retaining full rights to their work. It’s particularly beneficial for those who are tech-savvy, comfortable with managing their own marketing efforts, and eager to leverage Amazon’s vast global distribution network.
KDP is not the best option for first-time self-publishers nor authors seeking extensive support services, such as professional cover design and comprehensive marketing assistance. Those who prefer a more hands-off approach or need help with technical aspects might find KDP challenging. Additionally, authors wanting to publish magazines, periodicals, or spiral-bound books should consider alternative platforms.
Amazon KDP offers a robust platform for self-publishing with significant reach and control over royalties. However, its DIY nature and limited support services require authors to be proactive and resourceful. Assess your needs and capabilities to decide if KDP aligns with your publishing objectives, keeping in mind the potential need for external services to complement what KDP offers.
Best Alternative to Amazon KDP…
Are you still searching for the right publishing company for you? Spines is an innovative platform that streamlines the publishing process with an easy-to-use interface and a blend of technology and human expertise, to deliver an efficient publishing timeline of less than 30 days.
Spines stands out from Amazon KDP by offering an all-in-one dashboard that simplifies every step of the publishing process, from manuscript uploading and editing to distribution and royalty management, making it more accessible for first-time self-publishers. Schedule a free 15 minute call to find out more.
FAQs – Publishing with Amazon KDP
Q: What types of services does Amazon KDP provide for book publishing?
Amazon KDP offers basic services like eBook and paperback publishing. However, it does not include advanced services such as professional editing, cover design, or marketing support. Authors may need to seek these services elsewhere.
Q: How much control do authors have over the pricing and distribution of their books on Amazon KDP?
While Amazon KDP allows authors to set their own prices and select distribution channels, it imposes certain restrictions and fees, which may limit flexibility and profitability compared to other platforms.
Q: What percentage of royalties can authors expect to receive with Amazon KDP?
Amazon KDP offers up to 70% royalties for eBooks, but this percentage can vary based on pricing, distribution channels, and specific terms. Additionally, there may be delivery costs and other fees that impact overall earnings.
Q: How user-friendly is the Amazon KDP platform for first-time authors?
The Amazon KDP platform is relatively straightforward, but first-time authors might find the lack of personalized support challenging. Without a dedicated production manager or comprehensive guidance, navigating the publishing process can be difficult.
Q: What are the marketing and promotional options available through Amazon KDP?
Amazon KDP offers some promotional tools like Kindle Countdown Deals and Free Book Promotions, but these options are limited. Authors may need to invest in additional marketing strategies outside of KDP to effectively promote their books.