How to Self-Publish a Book on Amazon
Ready to get your book into the hands of millions of readers? This step-by-step guide breaks down how to self-publish on Amazon KDP in 2025.
If you've ever dreamed of becoming an author, Amazon makes it easier than ever to publish your book and reach a global audience. Self-publishing on Amazon via Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) gives writers full control over the publishing process, royalties, and timelines.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to self-publish your book on Amazon in 2025.
Step 1: Finish and Edit Your Manuscript
Before publishing, ensure your manuscript is polished. This means:
- Hiring a professional editor for grammar, structure, and flow
- Formatting your manuscript for Kindle (MOBI/EPUB) and print (PDF)
- Creating a compelling title and subtitle that grabs attention
Step 2: Create a KDP Account
Visit kdp.amazon.com and sign in with your Amazon account or create a new one.
Step 3: Set Up Your Book Details
In your KDP dashboard:
- Choose whether it's an eBook, paperback, or hardcover
- Enter your book title, subtitle, author name, and series info if applicable
- Write a compelling book description with target keywords
- Choose relevant categories and keywords so Amazon can categorize your book
Step 4: Upload Your Manuscript and Cover
KDP accepts:
- Manuscript: DOCX, EPUB, or PDF
- Cover: A high-resolution JPEG or PDF (a cover creator is available in KDP)
💡 Tip: A professionally designed cover can significantly boost sales. At Books Sphere we offer custom covers tailored to your genre.
Step 5: Preview and Proof
Use Amazon's preview tool to see how your book will appear on Kindle and in print. Order a proof copy of the paperback/hardcover if needed.
Step 6: Set Pricing and Royalties
Choose your pricing:
- eBook Royalties: 35% or 70% (depending on price and region)
- Paperback & Hardcover: Amazon prints on demand and subtracts the cost before paying you royalties
💡 Tip: Research similar books to price competitively.
Step 7: Hit "Publish"
Once everything looks good, click "Publish Your Book" and your title will be live on Amazon within 72 hours.
Bonus Tips for Success
Optimize Your Amazon Page
Use SEO keywords in your title, description, and backend metadata.
Launch with Reviews
Send advance copies to friends, family, or reviewers and encourage honest reviews.
Promote Your Book
Share on social media, run ads, and issue press releases to spread the word.
Self-publishing doesn't mean going it alone. At Books Sphere we help authors navigate every step of the Amazon self-publishing process, from editing and cover design to formatting and marketing. Whether it's your first book or your fifth, we can help you publish with confidence.
Contact us today to launch your book the right way.
Ready to Publish Your Book on Amazon?
Let Books Sphere handle the technical details while you focus on what you do best - writing. We'll help you navigate every step of the Amazon publishing process.
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