Kindle Direct Publishing Guide: Format And Publish Your Book Step By Step

1. What You Will Learn

This guide walks you through formatting and publishing a professional ebook and print edition on Kindle Direct Publishing. You learn how to prepare a clean manuscript, design compliant covers, set smart metadata, price for your goals, upload without errors, and launch with confidence.

1.1 Who This Guide Helps

Independent authors, small presses, and freelancers who need a reliable process. It suits fiction and nonfiction, including text-heavy books with images or simple tables.

1.2 What You Need Before You Start

A complete manuscript, a preferred editing tool, a cover concept, author bio, blurb, keywords, and a payment method for royalties. You also need time to proof and revise files after preview.

2. KDP Account Setup

2.1 Create Or Verify Your KDP Account

Sign in with your Amazon account at kdp.amazon.com. Add a phone number, mailing address, and two-step verification. Keep your author name consistent with your book metadata.

2.2 Tax, Payments, And Territories

Complete the tax interview, add a bank account, and choose your primary marketplace. Set your publication territories to Worldwide unless you hold limited rights.

3. Choose Your Publishing Path

3.1 Ebook, Paperback, Or Hardcover

Ebook is reflowable, adjusts to screen size, and is required for Kindle Store. Paperback and hardcover are print on demand. Many authors release all three for reach and revenue.

3.2 KDP Select And Exclusivity

KDP Select gives access to Kindle Unlimited and promotional tools in exchange for ebook exclusivity to Amazon for 90 days. Keep wide distribution if you rely on other retailers or libraries. Choose based on your audience and cash flow plan.

4. Manuscript Preparation Essentials

4.1 File Types KDP Accepts

Ebook, upload DOCX, EPUB, or KPF from Kindle Create. Print, upload a print-ready PDF with embedded fonts. KDP also accepts DOCX for print, but a controlled PDF reduces surprises.

4.2 Recommended Tools

Microsoft Word or Google Docs for writing. Atticus, Vellum, or Kindle Create for formatting. Affinity Publisher, InDesign, or Acrobat for print PDFs. GIMP, Affinity Photo, or Photoshop for covers.

4.3 Style And Structure Basics

Use real styles. Apply Heading 1 for chapter titles and Heading 2 or 3 for subheads. Set Normal for body text with a consistent first-line indent or block paragraph style. Avoid tabs and multiple spaces. Use a single space after periods. Keep consistent scene breaks with a dedicated style or a centered ornament.

5. Format For Kindle Ebook

5.1 Page Setup For Reflowable Ebooks

Do not hardcode page size. Ebooks reflow, so focus on structure, not page count. Remove manual line breaks except where needed. Avoid text boxes and floating objects.

5.2 Headings, Paragraphs, And Line Spacing

Body text, 11 to 12 pt equivalent. Line spacing, 1.15 to 1.3 works well. First-line indent around 0.25 to 0.3 inches for fiction. For nonfiction with many lists, block paragraphs with space after can read cleanly.

5.3 Images, Tables, And Captions

Use JPG or PNG at 300 ppi for images that must appear crisp when zoomed. Keep file sizes modest to manage delivery fees at the 70 percent royalty tier. For tables, simplify. Convert complex tables to images with alt text in the caption, or redesign as lists.

5.4 Internal Links And Table Of Contents

Create a logical TOC driven by styles. In Word, mark headings, then generate a hyperlink TOC. Include a live TOC near the front. Add internal links for references, notes, and back matter like “Also by the author.”

5.5 Front Matter And Back Matter

Front matter, title page, copyright, dedication, epigraph, and table of contents. Back matter, acknowledgments, author bio, also-by list, series order, and a request for reviews. Keep calls to action brief and compliant with Amazon’s guidelines.

6. Format For Paperback And Hardcover

6.1 Trim Sizes And Layout Choices

Popular fiction sizes include 5 x 8, 5.25 x 8, 5.5 x 8.5 inches. Nonfiction commonly uses 6 x 9 inches. Choose a size that fits genre norms and your page count. A smaller trim increases page count, which can influence spine width and print cost.

6.2 Margins, Bleed, And Gutters

Set inside margins larger to allow for the gutter. As a baseline, use 0.75 inches inside for 200 to 300 pages, add more for higher page counts. Outside, top, and bottom margins often range from 0.5 to 0.75 inches. Use bleed only if images or rules touch the page edge, extend artwork by 0.125 inches on all sides.

6.3 Fonts, Widows, And Orphans

Select readable serif families for body text in print. 10 to 12 pt works for most books. Control widows and orphans through paragraph settings to avoid single stray lines at the top or bottom of pages. Avoid full justification gaps by enabling hyphenation with conservative settings.

6.4 Page Numbers, Headers, And Footers

Start page numbering at the first page of the main text, not the title page. Use Roman numerals for front matter if your tool supports it. Set running headers with book title on the left pages and author name on the right, remove headers on chapter opening pages.

6.5 Export A Print-ready PDF

Embed all fonts. Use the exact trim with bleed when needed. Flatten transparency. Check black levels for rich blacks in covers and pure black for text. Review the PDF at 100 percent and 200 percent zoom for thin rules, artifacts, or shifted objects.

7. Covers That Meet KDP Specs

7.1 Ebook Cover Requirements

Supply a front cover image in JPG or TIFF. Aim for at least 2560 pixels on the longest side, higher for premium look. Keep clean typography at small Kindle thumbnails.

7.2 Print Cover, Full Wrap With Spine

For paperbacks and hardcovers you need a full wrap, front, spine, and back, sized to your trim, page count, paper color, and bleed. KDP’s cover calculator provides the exact template. Place barcode space on the back lower right area unless you supply your own barcode.

7.3 Color Profiles, Resolution, And Safe Areas

Keep 300 ppi throughout. Use CMYK or RGB per your workflow, KDP converts as needed. Keep critical text inside safe margins. Avoid borders close to the trim to reduce visible shift.

8. Metadata That Helps You Get Found

8.1 Title, Subtitle, And Series

Exact metadata must match the cover and interior. Series fields help readers find the next book. Use a clear subtitle to communicate genre or benefit.

8.2 Contributors And Descriptions

List all contributors correctly, including editor, illustrator, or translator. Write a product description that hooks early paragraphs, uses short paragraphs and scannable elements, and includes strong keywords naturally.

8.3 Keywords And Categories

Choose seven keyword phrases that describe content, audience, and problems solved for nonfiction. Pick categories that match reader expectations. You can request additional browse paths through Author Central after publication.

9. Pricing And Royalties

9.1 35 Percent Vs 70 Percent For Ebooks

The 70 percent royalty applies in eligible regions for list prices between specific thresholds and includes a delivery fee based on file size. Images increase file size and reduce net royalty. The 35 percent option has no delivery fee and supports broader price ranges.

9.2 Print Cost, List Price, And Expanded Distribution

Print royalties equal list price minus print cost, then a percentage to you. Page count, ink choice, and trim size drive print cost. Expanded Distribution places your paperback in wholesale catalogs at a lower royalty. Evaluate based on your goals for libraries and bookstores.

10. Upload And Publish On KDP

10.1 Create A Kindle Ebook Project

Add book details, languages, and age ranges if applicable. Paste or upload your description with clean HTML or plain text. Set publishing rights. Enroll in KDP Select if you choose exclusivity. Upload your manuscript file, then your cover file. Launch the Kindle Previewer to test across devices. Fix issues and re-upload until the preview is clean.

10.2 Create A Paperback Or Hardcover Project

Enter print details, black and white or color interior, paper color, and trim size. Upload the print interior PDF, then upload the full cover wrap PDF. Use the Print Previewer to scan every page for margin warnings, low-resolution images, or content outside the safe area.

10.3 Previewers, Proofs, And Fixes

Address every flagged item from the previewers. Order a physical proof for final checks, especially for color, full-bleed elements, and spine alignment. Review the barcode placement and back cover copy for clarity.

11. Quality Control Before You Go Live

11.1 Device And App Checks

Test the ebook in Kindle Previewer for phone, tablet, and e-ink. Verify the live TOC, links, and image scaling. Check night mode legibility.

11.2 Typography And Image Review

Confirm consistent paragraph styles, indents, and spacing. Check that ornamental scene breaks display across devices. Ensure images are sharp, captions align to the same style, and there is no text wrap collision.

11.3 Common Error Messages And Fixes

Low-resolution image, replace with a higher dpi file. Embedded fonts missing, export with fonts embedded or switch to system fonts. Margins too small, increase outer and inner margins. Bleed elements cut off, extend artwork by the required bleed. Metadata mismatch, align title, subtitle, and contributor fields across interior file, cover, and KDP dashboard.

12. Preorder, Launch, and Post-Launch Tasks

12.1 Preorder Setup And Timelines

You can set an ebook preorder and upload final files later within Amazon’s deadlines. Use the window to gather early interest, build your email sequence, and schedule promotions. Print preorders are not supported the same way, so plan soft announcements with proofs and author copies.

12.2 A+ Content And Look Inside

After the book is live, add A+ Content, image modules that showcase features, mood, or comparison charts. Review the Look Inside preview to confirm the first pages sell the book. Front load value, teaser content, and clear structure.

12.3 Early Reviews And Updates

Encourage early reviews from your street team or ARC readers who received the book legitimately. If you find an error, upload an updated file. Small text fixes normally roll out without losing your product page.

13. Legal And Compliance Basics

13.1 Copyright And ISBN

You hold copyright to your original work from creation. For print, you can use a free KDP ISBN or your own from your national agency. If you plan to publish with other printers, supply your own ISBN to keep the same identifier across vendors.

13.2 Public Domain And AI Disclosures

Avoid publishing public domain material unless you add substantial original value that meets Amazon’s policies. If you used AI tools in your process, follow current disclosure requirements in KDP’s content guidelines. Keep a clear record of your workflow and rights to all images and fonts.

14. Maintenance And Iteration

14.1 Edit, Update, And Re-publish

KDP allows updates. Maintain a changelog for your files. When you improve front matter, add new back matter titles, or refresh a cover, upload new versions and verify previews again.

14.2 Track Sales And Read-through

Use KDP Reports to monitor units, Kindle Unlimited page reads, and royalties. Watch read-through from Book 1 to later books. If read-through drops at a specific title, improve the hook, cover, or description for that book.

Also Read

• Writing & Self Publishing: A Guide for Indie Authors – A complete overview of the self-publishing process, covering writing, editing, formatting, and marketing strategies for independent authors.

• Self-Publishing Success: 17 Powerful Secrets for Indie Authors – Learn 17 proven tactics to help you publish confidently, attract readers, and build a sustainable author career.

• How to Write a Press Release for Your Book Launch – A straightforward guide to crafting a professional press release that grabs attention and drives book sales.

15. Troubleshooting Reference

15.1 Ebook Formatting Issues

Paragraphs crammed or spaced inconsistently, remove extra returns and rely on styles. TOC missing, ensure proper heading levels and regenerate the navigation TOC. Images too large, compress while keeping 300 ppi for print-quality graphics and suitable resolution for ebook displays.

15.2 Print Formatting Issues

Text shifts near the gutter, increase inside margin or reduce font size slightly. Page numbers on chapter openers, set a separate section that suppresses headers and footers on opening pages. Spine text off-center, re-export the cover using the exact page count and template.

15.3 Account And Payment Issues

Royalty payments missing, confirm bank details and payment thresholds, then check the monthly reporting schedule. Book not appearing in search, give indexing time, verify categories and keywords, and ensure the title and subtitle match cover and interior.

Conclusion

Publishing with Kindle Direct Publishing is a repeatable process. Prepare clean source files, format with styles, export to the exact specifications for ebook and print, then validate with Amazon’s previewers and a physical proof. Strong metadata, an accurate price strategy, and a clear launch plan help readers find and trust your book. Keep your files organized, iterate after feedback, and track results to improve each new release.

FAQs

1. Do I need different files for ebook and print on KDP

Yes. Use a reflowable EPUB or DOCX for the ebook and a print-ready PDF with embedded fonts for paperback or hardcover.

2. What trim size should I pick for a debut novel

Common choices are 5 x 8, 5.25 x 8, or 5.5 x 8.5 inches. Review genre norms and your page count. Larger trims reduce page count and print cost.

3. How do I avoid image warnings during upload

Export images at 300 ppi, keep them sized close to their display dimensions, and avoid scaling them up in the layout.

4. Can I change my price after publishing

Yes. You can update pricing at any time. For ebooks in the 70 percent tier, confirm the price keeps you within the eligible range.

5. Do I need my own ISBN on KDP

Ebooks on Amazon do not require an ISBN. For print, you can use a free KDP ISBN or purchase your own if you want the same identifier across different printers.