What is Amazon KDP?

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is Amazon's free self-publishing platform, launched in 2007, that allows authors, publishers, and creators to independently publish eBooks, paperbacks, and hardcovers directly to the Amazon Kindle Store and other global marketplaces. It uses print-on-demand technology, meaning books are printed and shipped only when ordered, eliminating upfront inventory costs. KDP supports 44 languages and enables global distribution to reach millions of readers.

Key Features

Formats Supported: eBooks (Kindle format), paperbacks, and case-laminated hardcovers.

Pricing Control: Set prices between $0.99 and $200 for eBooks; KDP handles printing costs for print books.

Global Reach: Books are available on Amazon stores worldwide, with options to expand availability.

Tools Provided: Free cover creator, previewer, and marketing tools like Amazon Advertising.

Intellectual Property Rights: You retain full rights to your content (unlike traditional publishing), but eBooks enrolled in KDP Select must be exclusive to Amazon.

Royalty and Earnings

eBooks: Up to 70% royalty on sales priced $2.99–$9.99 (35% otherwise). Enroll in KDP Select for additional page-read royalties via Kindle Unlimited (KU), where readers pay a subscription fee for unlimited access.

Print Books: 60% royalty minus printing costs (e.g., ~$3–$5 per paperback depending on page count and ink type).

Recent Payouts: In August 2025, total KDP KU author earnings reached $63.5 million, showing strong ongoing revenue potential.

Payments: Royalties are paid monthly, 60 days after the month's end, via direct deposit, check, or wire transfer.

How to Get Started?

Create an Account: Sign up at kdp.amazon.com using your Amazon account. It's free and takes minutes.

Prepare Your Manuscript: Upload in supported formats like Word (.doc/.docx), EPUB, or PDF. Use KDP's built-in tools for formatting and previews.

Design a Cover: Use the free Cover Creator or upload your own (JPEG/TIFF, min. 1,600 pixels on the longest side).

Set Details: Enter title, description, keywords, categories, and pricing. Preview on devices.

Publish: Hit "Publish" – eBooks go live in 24–48 hours; print books in 3–5 days after review.

Optional: KDP Select: Enroll for KU access, promotional tools, and higher visibility, but it requires 90-day exclusivity.

For detailed guides, check KDP's Help Center.

Pros and Cons

Aspect	Pros	Cons
Ease of Use	Simple upload process; no gatekeepers.	Learning curve for formatting/keywords.
Cost	Completely free to publish.	Printing costs deducted from print royalties.
Reach	Access to Amazon's massive audience.	Competition is high; visibility requires marketing.
Earnings	High royalties; KU page reads add income.	Exclusivity in KDP Select limits other platforms.
Control	Full ownership and updates anytime.	Amazon can suspend accounts for violations (e.g., low-quality content).

Tips for Success in 2025

Research Niches: Use tools like Publisher Rocket or free Amazon searches for low-competition keywords.

Marketing: Leverage Amazon Ads, social media, and email lists. Recent community discussions note sales dips in some niches, so diversify (e.g., low-content books like journals or puzzles).

Quality Focus: High ratings (4+ stars) boost visibility; avoid AI-generated spam, as Amazon cracks down.

Resources: Join the r/KDP subreddit for tips, or watch KDP's YouTube channel for tutorials. Books like Amazon Book Publishing & KDP Ads Mastery offer strategies.

If you're new, start with an eBook for quick testing. For specific help (e.g., troubleshooting uploads), visit the KDP Community forums. What aspect of KDP are you interested in—publishing your first book, royalties, or something else?