Steps
Create your KDP account
Go to kdp.amazon.com and sign in with your Amazon account or create a new one. Complete the tax interview (W-8BEN for non-US authors; W-9 for US authors) and add a payment method. You cannot receive royalties until tax information is submitted.
Click "+ Kindle eBook" or "+ Paperback"
From your KDP Bookshelf, click the "+ Create" button to start a new title. Choose your format: Kindle eBook, Paperback, or Hardcover. You can add additional formats to the same title after the first format is published.
Complete Book Details (Step 1)
Enter: book title, subtitle (optional but recommended for non-fiction), series name and number (if applicable), edition number, author name, contributors, book description, publishing rights confirmation, and your 7 keyword fields. Choose whether to age-verify your content.
Upload your manuscript and cover (Step 2)
Upload your formatted manuscript file (.epub recommended for eBooks; .docx or .pdf for print). Upload your cover image (JPG or TIFF, minimum 2,560×1,600px for eBooks; full-wrap PDF for print).
KDP will process your files and run an automated check. Address any errors or warnings before proceeding.
Set pricing and distribution (Step 3)
Choose your royalty territory (Worldwide or individual territories). Set your primary marketplace price — KDP automatically suggests prices for other marketplaces. Select your royalty tier (70% or 35% — KDP shows this automatically based on your price). Enable or disable KDP Select/Kindle Unlimited enrolment.
Click Publish
Review your settings and click "Publish Your Kindle eBook" (or "Submit for Review" for print). KDP will review your book — eBooks typically go live within 24–72 hours. Print books take 3–5 business days for initial review.
Tips
- Preview your book before publishing. KDP provides an online Kindle Previewer — check that your formatting looks correct on both phone and tablet screen sizes.
- Your first book going live will also create your Author Central page at author.amazon.com — set this up with a bio and photo immediately after publishing.
- You can edit any aspect of your book after publishing: description, keywords, categories, price, and even your manuscript. Changes take 24–72 hours to reflect on your live Amazon page.
FAQ
Do I need an ISBN to publish on KDP?
eBooks do not require an ISBN on KDP — Amazon assigns an ASIN automatically. For paperbacks and hardcovers, KDP can assign a free ISBN (which lists Amazon as publisher of record) or you can use a purchased ISBN with your own imprint.
How long does KDP publishing review take?
eBooks: 24–72 hours. Paperbacks and hardcovers: 72 hours to 5 business days for initial review. Once approved, your book appears on Amazon within a few hours. After the first publication, future updates to the same title are faster.