How to Publish Your eBook on Amazon KDP (Easy Step-by-Step for Beginners)
If you want to know how to publish an ebook on Amazon KDP, this beginner-friendly guide walks you through the entire process — from setting up your Kindle Direct Publishing account to uploading your manuscript and choosing categories.
I’ve also included a full video tutorial above so you can see exactly what the KDP dashboard looks like and avoid common publishing mistakes.
Why Publish on Amazon KDP?
Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) platform allows you to:
Publish your ebook for free
Reach readers worldwide
Earn up to 70% royalties
Control pricing and updates
For first-time self-publishers, it’s the simplest way to get started.
But there are a few key steps that can impact your discoverability and sales — especially your metadata and keywords.
Step 1: Create Your KDP Account
To publish your ebook on Amazon:
Go to the KDP website
Log in with your Amazon account
Click “Create a New Title”
Choose ebook format
Inside the dashboard, you’ll enter your book details and begin the setup process.
🎥 I show exactly where to click and what each screen looks like in the video tutorial above.
Step 2: Enter Your Book Metadata Correctly
Metadata includes:
Title and subtitle
Book description
Categories
Keywords
Publishing rights
This is how Amazon indexes your book.
If your keywords and categories are weak, your book won’t show up in search — even if it’s great.
👉 In the video, I explain how to choose better keyword phrases and avoid common mistakes.
Step 3: Upload Your Manuscript and Cover
Amazon KDP accepts:
Word documents
EPUB files
Kindle Create files (KPF)
You’ll also upload a high-resolution cover (JPEG or TIFF).
Formatting errors can hurt your reviews, so it’s important to preview carefully.
🎥 I walk through the preview process step-by-step in the full tutorial.
Step 4: Choose Pricing and Royalties
You’ll choose between:
35% royalty
70% royalty (for ebooks priced between $2.99–$9.99 in most markets)
Pricing affects both royalties and perceived value.
If you’re unsure how to price your first book, I explain beginner pricing strategy in the video.
Step 5: Publish Your Kindle Book
Once everything is complete:
Click “Publish”
Wait 24–72 hours
Your ebook goes live on Amazon
That’s it — you’re officially self-published.
Frequently Asked Questions About Amazon KDP
Is Amazon KDP free?
Yes. There are no upfront publishing fees.
How long does it take to publish an ebook?
Most books go live within 24–72 hours.
Do I need an ISBN for an ebook?
No. Amazon assigns an internal identifier automatically.
Can I update my book after publishing?
Yes. You can update your manuscript, cover, and pricing at any time.
Watch the Full Amazon KDP Tutorial
This article gives you the overview — but if you want to see exactly how to publish your ebook on Amazon KDP step-by-step inside the dashboard, watch the complete walkthrough here:
Additional Tips for Self-Publishing Success
Prioritize Metadata: Accurate categories and keywords are your #1 tools for discoverability.
Invest in a Great Cover: Professional-looking covers increase conversions.
Preview Carefully: Minimize typos and formatting errors.
Start Exclusive on Amazon: Simplifies your launch and maximizes visibility with KDP Select.
Combine With Marketing: Even a perfect book won’t sell without a launch plan, social media, or newsletter promotion.
Publishing on KDP can feel complex, but breaking it down step-by-step makes it manageable. Follow these tips, and you’ll have a professional, discoverable book ready for readers.