Create an Amazon KDP Account
Go to kdp.amazon.com and sign in with your existing Amazon account, or create a new one. KDP is completely free to join.
- Visit kdp.amazon.com and click 'Sign Up'
- Use your existing Amazon account or create a new one
- Accept the KDP Terms and Conditions
- You'll be taken to the KDP Bookshelf dashboard
Complete Your Tax Information
Before you can publish, Amazon requires tax information. This is a one-time setup.
- Go to your KDP account settings
- Click 'Tax Information' in the left sidebar
- Complete the tax interview (takes about 5 minutes)
- US authors: Fill out a W-9 form
- International authors: Fill out a W-8BEN form
- Amazon will validate your information automatically
Set Up Your Payment Method
Tell Amazon how you'd like to receive your royalty payments.
- In account settings, click 'Getting Paid'
- Add your bank account information for each marketplace
- At minimum, set up payments for Amazon.com (US)
- Payments are made 60 days after the end of each month
- You can also add accounts for UK, EU, and other marketplaces
Prepare Your Book Files
BookSmith generates all the files you need. Here's what you'll upload to KDP.
- eBook manuscript: EPUB or DOCX file (BookSmith provides both)
- Paperback manuscript: Print-ready PDF with proper margins
- Book cover: High-resolution JPEG for eBook, full-wrap PDF for paperback
- BookSmith handles all formatting specifications automatically
- Trim size: 6" x 9" (most popular, BookSmith default)
Create Your eBook Listing
Start with the Kindle eBook version. You can add paperback later.
- Click '+ Kindle eBook' on your KDP Bookshelf
- Enter book details: title, subtitle, author name, description
- Paste in your BookSmith-generated book description/blurb
- Add up to 7 keywords (BookSmith suggests these for you)
- Select 2 browse categories that best fit your book
- Upload your manuscript file and cover image
- Preview your book using KDP's online previewer
Set Your Pricing
Choose your price and royalty option. KDP offers two royalty plans.
- 35% royalty: Available for any price between $0.99-$200
- 70% royalty: Available for prices between $2.99-$9.99
- Most authors choose 70% royalty with a price of $2.99-$9.99
- You can set different prices for different Amazon marketplaces
- Consider starting at $2.99-$4.99 for your first book
- You can change your price at any time after publishing
Publish and Wait for Review
Click publish and Amazon will review your book within 24-72 hours.
- Click 'Publish Your Kindle eBook' to submit
- Amazon reviews your book (usually 24-72 hours)
- You'll receive an email when your book is live
- Your book will appear on Amazon with its own product page
- Repeat the process for paperback if desired
Add a Paperback Edition (Optional)
Offer your book in print format. KDP prints and ships on demand - no inventory needed.
- From your KDP Bookshelf, click '+ Paperback' next to your eBook
- Most details carry over from your eBook listing
- Upload the print-ready PDF from BookSmith
- Upload the full-wrap cover PDF (includes spine and back cover)
- Choose trim size: 6" x 9" is standard
- Choose paper type: white or cream, matte or glossy cover
- Order a proof copy before publishing (recommended)
Pro Tips
Start with eBook
Launch your Kindle eBook first. It's faster to set up and you can start earning royalties while preparing your paperback.
Keywords Matter
Your 7 keywords determine how readers find your book. BookSmith generates optimized keywords based on your book's content and genre.
Category Selection
Choose the most specific categories possible. It's easier to rank #1 in a niche category than a broad one.
Book Description
Your book description is your sales page. BookSmith generates a compelling blurb optimized for Amazon's formatting.
Price Strategically
For your first book, consider pricing at $2.99-$4.99 to maximize the 70% royalty while keeping the barrier to purchase low.
Order a Proof
Always order a physical proof copy of your paperback before publishing. Check margins, font size, and cover alignment.
Ready to Publish?
Create your book with BookSmith and get KDP-ready files in minutes.