How to Upload Your Book to Amazon KDP
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is one of the most popular platforms for self-publishing authors, offering a direct path to millions of readers worldwide. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to upload your formatted book files and get your book ready for sale on Amazon.
Follow these steps to successfully launch your eBook and print book on Amazon KDP.
Watch Our Quick Guide Video
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Preparation Checklist Before You Begin
Make sure you have:
- Your professionally formatted EPUB file (for your eBook).
- Your professionally formatted print-ready PDF file (for your paperback/hardcover).
- Your high-resolution book cover image (JPEG or TIFF, meeting KDP's specifications).
- Completed your keyword and categories research for optimal discoverability.
- A compelling book description (blurb) ready to paste. If you need help, check our guide on Crafting a Compelling Book Blurb.
- Your chosen categories for your book.
- Your ISBN(s) if you are providing your own.
Step-by-Step Guide to KDP Upload
Once you have everything ready from the checklist above, you can proceed with the upload process.
Create or Sign In to Your KDP Account
Go to kdp.amazon.com and sign in with your Amazon account. If you don't have one, you'll need to create a new account.
Set Up Your Title
From your KDP Dashboard, click on "Create a New Title." You'll choose between "Kindle eBook" or "Paperback/Hardcover." Start with one, then you can link the other version later.
- Enter Book Details: Fill in your book title, subtitle, author name, description, categories, keywords, and target audience. These are crucial for discoverability.
- ISBN: You can choose to use a free KDP ISBN (which lists Amazon as the publisher) or enter your own purchased ISBN.
Upload Your Manuscript
For Kindle eBook: Upload your formatted EPUB file. KDP will convert it to their Kindle format (KPF).
For Paperback/Hardcover: Upload your print-ready PDF file.
Important: Always use the professionally formatted files we provided to ensure the best quality and avoid rejections.
Upload Your Book Cover
Upload your high-resolution book cover image separately. KDP has specific requirements for cover dimensions and file types (typically JPEG or TIFF). Ensure your cover meets these specifications.
Preview Your Book
Use KDP's "Launch Previewer" tool to thoroughly review your book's interior and cover. This is a critical step to catch any formatting issues before publishing. For print books, pay close attention to margins and bleed.
Set Your Pricing & Territories
Decide on your book's price and select the territories where you want to sell it. KDP will show you your estimated royalties based on your chosen price and royalty plan (e.g., 35% or 70% for eBooks).
Publish Your Book
Once you're satisfied with all settings and have previewed your book, click the "Publish" button. It can take up to 72 hours (or sometimes longer during peak periods) for your book to go live on Amazon.
Frequently Asked Questions About KDP Uploads
Common questions authors have when publishing their book on Amazon KDP.
For eBooks, Amazon KDP primarily accepts EPUB files. For print books (paperback and hardcover), they require a print-ready PDF file. While KDP can attempt to convert other formats (like Word documents), we strongly recommend using our professionally formatted EPUB and PDF files for the best results and to avoid conversion errors.
No, you use the same KDP account for both your Kindle eBook and your paperback/hardcover versions. You will create separate "titles" for each format within your KDP dashboard and can link them together once both are published.
After you hit "Publish," it typically takes Amazon KDP up to 72 hours for your book to be reviewed and go live on the Amazon store. During peak periods or if there are any issues with your files, it might take a bit longer.
The "Launch Previewer" is KDP's built-in tool that allows you to see exactly how your book will look on various Kindle devices (for eBooks) or as a printed book (for paperbacks/hardcovers). It's crucial because it helps you identify any formatting issues, text overflows, or image problems before your book is published. Always use it to thoroughly review your book before finalizing your submission.
Yes, you can make changes to your book after it's published. You'll go back into your KDP dashboard, select the title you want to update, upload the revised manuscript or cover file, and then go through the review and publishing process again. The updated version will typically replace the old one within 24-72 hours.