Amazon Ebook Publishing: A Step-by-Step Guide to Success

The landscape of the publishing industry has undergone a remarkable transformation with the advent of the internet. This shift has leveled the playing field, affording both novice and seasoned authors nearly equal opportunities to release their literary creations independently, without the need for traditional publishing houses.

Furthermore, the world of book publishing is no longer confined to authors alone; it has embraced online marketers, journalists, entrepreneurs, and individuals with unique passions. They enter this realm for various reasons, whether to establish their authority, engage with their audience on a new platform, fortify their marketing strategies, or expand their enterprises.

This article is your guiding light, tailored to assist budding authors like yourself in crafting your manuscript, uploading it to Amazon, and successfully reaching your desired readership.

• CHAPTER 1: AMAZON PUBLISHING SERVICES
  • The Benefits of Amazon Publishing
  • Amazon's Publishing Services
  • Alternative Income Streams
• CHAPTER 2: PREPARING YOUR EBOOK
  • Choosing Between Fiction and Non-Fiction
  • Writing Your Ebook
  • Editing and Proofreading
  • Formatting
  • Create a Cover
  • MyEcoverMaker
  • Images
  • Typography
  • Color Scheme
• CHAPTER 3: PUBLISHING ON AMAZON
  • Enter your book’s key details
  • Upload your Kindle Book content
  • Choose Your Royalty and Pricing
  • Royalty and Pricing
• CHAPTER 4: Marketing Your eBook
  • KDP Promotion Programs
  • Book Review Blogs
  • Goodreads Author Program
  • The Virtual Book Tour
  • Guesting on Podcast Shows
  • Creating Your Own Show
• Conclusion

Amazon Publishing Services

The Benefits of Amazon Publishing

Why should you consider publishing your work on Amazon? Beyond its status as one of the world's largest online shopping destinations, Amazon holds the title of the biggest product search engine. Moreover, Amazon is a dominant force in the publishing realm, and its review system serves as a trusted metric of authority.

Amazon also serves as a powerful promotional tool. Once your book garners a few sales, it earns a coveted spot in the 'Recommendations' list, making it visible to a broader audience.

However, what truly sets Amazon apart is its accessibility. Even for newcomers, Amazon simplifies the publishing process. Once your files are prepared, you can upload your book and commence selling within hours. By concentrating your efforts strategically, you can swiftly ascend the bestseller ranks.

Amazon's Publishing Services

• Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP): This program, known as KDP, enables independent authors to offer downloadable editions on the platform. Account setup and file uploads are free. Authors can earn royalties ranging from 35% to 70% of the total selling price, depending on whether the copy is distributed through KDP or KDP Select (another Amazon service). Notably, KDP doesn't impose digital exclusivity, allowing authors to sell their digital books on other commercial sites such as iTunes and Google Books.
• KDP Select: Opting for KDP Select requires granting Amazon exclusive selling rights for your book for ninety days. The advantage lies in the higher royalty rates and the potential for your books to be available to Amazon's Prime Members through the book-lending library. Authors receive a share of Prime members' payments for each borrowed book. Additionally, KDP Select offers the option to offer your book for free or at a discounted price for up to five days, facilitating book promotion.
• CreateSpace: Amazon's CreateSpace service allows independent authors to offer print-on-demand copies for readers who prefer physical books. Print-on-demand eliminates the need for authors to manage unsold inventory. With CreateSpace, there's no concern about printing and shipping physical copies – royalties are automatically deposited into your bank account every month. You won't be charged for book printing; instead, you set a commission for each copy sold. Amazon takes $2.50 for 150 pages, and you can add your desired cost to determine your book's selling price. Once your files are uploaded, you can 'test download' your Ebook or order a physical copy, make necessary corrections, and re-upload it on Amazon's platform.

These Amazon services provide authors with powerful tools to bring their books to a global audience, whether in digital or print form.

Alternative Income Streams

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates is an affiliate program that offers compensation to individuals who connect product links from Amazon. Some authors leverage this resource by incorporating links to products mentioned in their books. Consequently, they earn an additional 5-8% on each book sale, along with commissions if buyers utilize their provided links to make purchases on Amazon.

Amazon Associates provides a unique URL to track sales originating from your book or website content. It's important to note that there are restrictions on where you can use your affiliate links. Amazon prohibits the use of links in newsletters, PDF files, emails, and the shortening of affiliate links for social media posts.

Amazon Author Central

Whether you're a novice or a seasoned author, you can establish your Author Central profile on Amazon. Here, you can share information about yourself, including your biography, profile photo, book reviews, and even the RSS feed of your blog.

Additionally, you can promote your Tweets and upcoming events, such as virtual book tours. Followers can subscribe to email updates from Amazon, ensuring they receive notifications whenever you release a new book.

Amazon does require you to have at least one book published through their programs to qualify as an author on their platform.

CHAPTER 2: PREPARING YOUR EBOOK

Before you can upload your Ebook on Amazon, there are several essential steps to take, including having your completed Ebook file ready. Here's your comprehensive guide to crafting your Ebook:

Choosing Between Fiction and Non-Fiction

When deciding on the type of book to write, whether fiction or non-fiction, there are key considerations to keep in mind. Non-fiction books have certain advantages over fiction stories. They are often easier to plot, as you don't need to construct characters and settings from scratch. This typically leads to a faster completion time for non-fiction works.

However, non-fiction books often require in-depth research and fact-checking, which can extend the writing process, depending on your chosen topic. Additionally, non-fiction books may become outdated relatively quickly, necessitating regular revisions or the creation of new editions to stay current with evolving trends and important developments.

Writing Your Ebook

Once you've selected your topic, it's crucial to ensure that there is genuine interest among your potential readers. You can assess this by conducting a keyword search on platforms like Google Trends to gauge the level of interest and demand for your chosen subject.

Editing and Proofreading

While you may undertake some editing on your own, it is strongly recommended to have another set of eyes review your work before publication. Consider these common types of editing services:

• Content or Developmental Editing: This focuses on the overall structure, organization, and content flow of your Ebook.
• Copy or Line Editing: This addresses grammar, sentence structure, punctuation, and language usage.
• Proofreading: This final review is for catching any remaining spelling, grammar, or typographical errors.

Here are some tools and tips to aid in the editing process:

• Utilize Grammarly for spell checking.
• Explore the Text-to-Speech features available in Microsoft Office to assist in proofreading:

Formatting

After completing the writing and editing phases, it's time to format your book. Ensure you download a template compatible with Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and adhere to Amazon's formatting guidelines, including the setup of headings and subheadings.

Creating a Cover

An eye-catching book cover design can serve as a potent marketing tool. Focus on incorporating compelling graphics, an appropriate color scheme, and well-suited typography to make your Ebook stand out.

MyEcoverMaker.com

Your unique selling proposition lies in the harmonious blend, thoughtful arrangement, and appropriate scale of three critical elements: graphics, color scheme, and typography. To master this, you have two promising avenues: hiring a professional graphic designer or taking control with an affordable, yet powerful, tool like myecovermaker.com.

This user-friendly platform offers a range of pricing options to meet various needs. Opt for their free version to design up to six covers with basic functionalities. Need more? For just $9 a month, you can enjoy the freedom of crafting unlimited covers, complete with a rich library of stock photos and advanced features. And if you're aiming for the ultimate edge, their premium package at a modest $15 per month gives you full access to a treasure trove of ready-made, high-quality covers.

Getting started is a breeze. Create your profile with minimal fuss by signing in via Gmail or Facebook, sidestepping the tedious task of manual data entry. Once logged in, your user-friendly dashboard awaits. From here, click on the 'Ecover Maker' option in the right panel to begin crafting your masterpiece from the ground up. Alternatively, premium users can jumpstart their creative process by selecting from an array of pre-designed covers.

Don't forget to consult the industry standards for book sizes, especially if you're targeting a specific niche. When it comes to Amazon's guidelines, they recommend eBook cover dimensions of 2500 pixels in length by 1563 pixels in width, and your file should be saved in either JPG or TIFF format.

In a nutshell, MyEcoverMaker.com is not just affordable, it's a robust, easy-to-use solution that can transform your book cover into a compelling sales magnet.

Images

Choosing the right image can make your book cover an instant eye-magnet.

Stock photo sites are the most common resource for images, but be careful when choosing photos online. At the least, you’re going to be adding some texts and probably changing some parts of the photo. So, make sure that it comes with a license to modify and use commercially.

You can get images from major websites such as:

• Shutterstock
• Adobe Stock
• DepositPhotos
• iStock
• Dreamstime

You can also browse through free stock photo sites such as:

• Pixabay
• Pexels
• Unsplash

However, you have to be aware that downloading a stock photo from free sites might not always mean you are free to use them in your book. So just to be safe, check the type of license the photo offers and verify any restriction it comes with.

Typography

Typography is the design and layout of the text in your book. The main focus of your typography should be the author’s name and the book title, meaning they should be larger in size compared to other texts such as taglines or quotes.

Some book cover designers can customize fonts or edit typefaces to make them unique. If you’re doing your own work, you can download fonts from FontSquirrel. Either way, make sure to arrange the text so that it supports the background image, and together they create a cohesive design.

Color Scheme

Although the color may not always be the first priority in cover design, it’s certainly a defining factor. Colors may connote a particular genre. It sets the mood of the book and is meant to attract attention.

Generally, darker hues give off a serious vibe, while red and yellow shades foster high spirits and happiness. Solid colors indicate boldness and strength while pastel colors convey a softer, more peaceful feeling.

CHAPTER 3 Publishing On Amazon

After you’ve finished preparing your eBook, log in to your Amazon KDP account and click + Kindle eBook.

Enter your book’s key details

The old-fashioned paperback books leave very limited space for description and other details. On the contrary, Amazon Kindle gives you the freedom to write a lengthy description and add other key information. Several writers take advantage of this space to include testimonials along with a list of clear benefits for their readers.

If you have contributors such as co-authors, illustrators, editors, etc. you need to mention anyone who dedicated their talent and skills to the actual completion of your book.

As for the copyright, Amazon does not require you to have one registered before you publish your book. Copyright is also assumed automatically in many countries including the US, so you don’t really need to register unless you want to be extremely safe. The only time you’ll really need it is when you have to settle a legal case with someone who tried to copy your book without consent.

Upload your Kindle Book content

Amazon offers digital rights protection for those who want to prevent unauthorized use and plagiarism of your content. It is recommended that authors enable Digital Rights Management to keep others from using your book outside Kindle. However, some consumers like to read using platforms other than Kindle, so they like to purchase books without DRM. You can’t change the setting once your book is published so it’s important to decide early on if you want DRM or not.

Once you have all your files ready, it’s fairly easy to upload them on the KDP portal. You can submit your eBook content in .doc format or .mobi for best viewing.

The ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number. It works as an identifier for the book’s unique information such as its edition, publisher and specific format, which helps with efficient distribution and marketing.

Amazon offers free ISBN, however, you can’t use it outside their platform. If you’re a US-based author, www.bowker.com is an official ISBN source, where you can also purchase a barcode if you want to sell your books at your local bookstores.

Choose Your Royalty and Pricing

KDP Select

KDP Select offers authors a unique opportunity to promote their books with Amazon. However, there's a catch: your book must remain exclusive to Amazon for 90 days. Why consider KDP Select? Here's why it's often recommended for new authors:

1. Promotional Freedom: During the 90-day enrollment period, you can offer your book for free or at a reduced price (e.g., $0.99) for up to five days. This is a powerful tool for new authors to gather initial reviews and attract their first readers.
2. Easier Entry: Readers are more inclined to try a new author's work when it's free or discounted. It's a chance for them to discover your writing without a major financial commitment.
3. Exploration Phase: While enrolled in KDP Select, you can explore its features, promotional opportunities, and competitive rates. This helps you decide whether to continue with KDP Select beyond the initial 90 days.
4. Kindle Unlimited: When your book is in KDP Select, Kindle Unlimited subscribers can borrow it for free. You still earn royalties based on the number of pages read. Many borrowers later choose to purchase the full book.

For debut authors seeking that initial breakthrough, KDP Select can be a game-changer. Keep in mind that once enrolled, you cannot publish your ebook on other platforms like Google Play Books or iBooks.

Royalty and Pricing

KDP offers two distinct royalty rates for eBooks:

• 35% Royalty: For books priced from $0.99 to $200.
• 70% Royalty: For books priced between $2.99 and $9.99.

The pricing of your eBook often depends on its length. Shorter eBooks with around 5,000 words or fewer than 50 pages are commonly priced at $0.99, though this isn't a strict rule. Non-fiction works can often command higher prices. However, straying too far from the standard price range for your genre may not be advisable.

If you're releasing a series of books, consider setting the first book at a lower price point to entice readers. They may be more inclined to invest in subsequent books even if priced higher.

Once you've completed the necessary forms and submitted your files, your book should be available for purchase within 12 to 24 hours. This marks the exciting moment when your literary creation is ready to meet the world.

CHAPTER 4: Marketing Your Ebook

Embarking on the journey as an independent author means more than just writing your book. It's a dynamic blend of creativity and strategy, where every word you pen is a step toward achieving your dreams. Let's dive into the exhilarating world of ebook marketing and unveil the secrets of success.

1. Unleash the Power of KDP Promotion Programs

Ready to make your mark? Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) offers exclusive opportunities. Imagine a world where your book enjoys five days of free promotion or an enticing Countdown Deal. It's within reach.

Kindle's countdown promotions work wonders once your initial orders are flowing in. But for newcomers, the free book promotion is the key. Give your book away for five days and watch the magic unfold. Gain readers, garner reviews, and boost your Amazon scores.

Unlock the potential. Head to your KDP Bookshelf, select your masterpiece, and click 'Promote and Advertise.' From there, it's a simple journey to 'Run a Price Promotion' and 'Create a new Free Book Promotion.' Set your preferred dates, and voila, you're on your way to ebook stardom.

2. Book Review Blogs: Your Path to Recognition

Enter the vibrant world of book bloggers. These dedicated souls are your ticket to visibility. On platforms like Facebook, thousands of book bloggers await. Join genre-specific groups and connect.

But don't stop there. Dive into blog directories like Reedsy. Remember, not all demand free reviews, so explore their review policies. Here are some directories to explore:

• IndieView: Your gateway to volunteer book reviewers. Discover the perfect match for your genre and connect directly through their website.
• The Book Review Directory: Over 160 bloggers await your book for review. Simply search by genre and follow the link to the blogger's site.
• Book Blogger List: A directory that demands bloggers to stay active. No inactive blogs here. Engage with those who are passionate about books.

3. Goodreads Author Program: Building Your Literary Oasis

With over 20 million users, Goodreads is the ultimate hub for book lovers and authors alike. Your journey begins with creating a captivating Goodreads Author profile.

But it doesn't end there. Connect your blog to your profile, keeping your followers in the loop with every post. Engage with groups discussing your genre and expand your fan base. Respond to positive reviews with heartfelt 'thank yous.'

Ready for the big league? Consider paid ads on Goodreads. Customize your ad, offering a sneak peek with a free chapter. The path to success is yours to tread.

4. The Virtual Book Tour: A Digital Odyssey

Your virtual book tour is your digital odyssey. A journey of guest posts, interviews, and captivating content to launch your book into the spotlight.

But tread carefully. Without a concrete plan, your efforts may go astray. Here's your roadmap:

1. Scout for Bloggers in Your Niche: Find at least five blogs accepting guest posts and engage with their content. Build rapport before submitting your pitch.
2. Plan for 10 or More Posts: Craft 10 engaging topics that showcase your expertise and book. Write half of them before pitching to bloggers.
3. Variety Is Key: Don't limit yourself to text. Include Q & A sessions, interviews, or let the blog host write a feature on you.
4. Promote Your Hosts: Share your guest posts on social media to introduce your hosts to your audience, boosting your credibility.
5. Engage With Readers: Respond to comments and connect with your host's followers. Building relationships is key.
6. Say Thanks: Express gratitude to your hosts for the opportunity. Offer to return the favor, cementing your place in the online community.

5. Guesting on Podcast Shows: Your Voice Matters

Podcast shows offer a platform for your voice to resonate with your target audience. Seek out relevant shows in your niche and become the voice of authority.

Search through reputable directories like BlogTalkRadio and Player FM. Start with smaller shows for a more engaged audience.

Now, crafting your pitch is essential. Stand out by showcasing your expertise and professionalism. Include your high-definition headshot, contact information, a brief introduction, discussion topics, and a reviewer’s testimonial with an image.

Creating Your Own Show: Be the Host

If you enjoy speaking and connecting with an audience, consider launching your podcast show. It's a fantastic way to reach your target readers and build a devoted fan base. Record, edit, and upload your content to platforms like iTunes.

In Conclusion

You've explored the path to success as an independent author. Now, it's time to put these strategies into practice. Below, you'll find a convenient summary of the resources metioned above for quick reference. The journey awaits!

• Preparing your Ebook
  • Choosing Topic / Keywords – Google Trends
  • Editing your Ebook - Grammarly, Microsoft Speak
  • Hire Freelance Editors - Upwork, Fiverr
  • Cover Creator - MyEcoverMaker
  • Stock Images - Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, DepositPhotos, iStock, Dreamstime, Pixabay, Pexels, Unsplash
  • Typography - FontSquirrel
  • Paid ISBN (US) - Bowker
  • Preview your Ebook - Kindle Previewer
• Marketing your Ebook
  • Book Reviews - Reedsy, IndieView, The Book Review Directory, The Book Blogger List
  • Book Promotion - Goodreads
  • Podcast directories - BlogTalkRadio, Player FM
  • Podcast Editing - Audacity