Amazon Kindle Book Publishing

This is a specialized version of the checklist, focused specifically on Amazon Kindle Book Publishing (otherwise known as Amazon KDP).  Let’s start from the very beginning and leave no stone unturned so you don’t feel like you’re missing anything and you’re empowered to make the best possible decisions.

1. Manuscript Development

The first thing you’re going to do is make sure your book is totally finished. Yes, this seems like a no-brainer, but I feel like I should say it before we go down this self-publishing rabbit hole where there’s alot to learn and many moving pieces.

  • Work with beta readers to get early feedback on plot, characters, and pacing. If you don’t have beta readers now, hit up your family/ friends/ friends you make in online writer groups. Anything to have more sets of eyes on your book!
  • Consider hiring a professional editor for developmental editing, copy editing, and proofreading
  • Revise and refine your manuscript based on feedback received
  • Ensure consistency in style, formatting, and voice throughout the book

In other words, make sure your book is a) finished and b) decent before you even consider publishing it. I say this not to be harsh but to prepare you upfront. If you put out a bad book, you are not going to enjoy the one-star reviews. Trust me on this.

2. Building Your Platform

Start building your author platform early, ideally while writing your manuscript:

  • Establish a email list. Seriously, this is the most important part of the process. Do it now!
  • Create a reader magnet to get people to sign up for that email list.
  • Put a link (or a QR code) to that sign up form inside your book
  • Create an author website to serve as your home base online
  • Establish a presence on relevant social media platforms (focus on 2-3 platforms rather than spreading yourself thin)
  • Engage with your target audience and other authors in your genre

3. Professional Preparation

Manuscript Formatting

Choose the right tools for professional formatting:

  • Budget-Friendly Options:
    • Microsoft Word, Apple Pages, Google Docs, whatever other word processing program you’re trying to use: Doable with proper formatting knowledge, but honestly, this is probably going to be more trouble than it is worth once you see how difficult it is to actually get the damn formatting to conform to the requirements of KDP (or Ingram, or anywhere else you try to upload your interior).
    • Kindle Create— Amazon (KDP) must know authors struggle with proper interior formatting, because they rolled out a tool to try to help. I don’t personally use this because it didn’t exist when I finally got fed up with my book interiors looking like crap when I created them in Microsoft Word and switched to Vellum (a life-changing event for me), but I have heard from authors that they like it. Give it a try!
  • Professional Options:
    • Atticus: Modern formatting tool with both ebook and print capabilities
    • Vellum: Industry standard for professional formatting (Mac only)

Seriously though, make sure you do a good job on your formatting, because what you don’t want is to write and publish an entire freaking book, only to have someone leave you a one-star review because the formatting is all over the place. That. Is. Heartbreaking.

Cover Design

Your cover is your book’s first impression. Options include:

  • Professional Design Services:
    • Fiverr: Budget-friendly option with varying quality levels
    • Upwork: Access to professional designers with more experience
    • 99Designs: Run a design contest with multiple designers
  • DIY Design Tools:
    • Adobe Photoshop: Professional standard for design
    • Affinity Publisher: One-time purchase alternative to Adobe
    • Canva: User-friendly option with templates

Publication Process

4. Amazon KDP Setup

Create and optimize your KDP account:

  • Visit kdp.amazon.com to create your account
  • Fill out tax information
  • Set up payment methods
  • Familiarize yourself with KDP’s terms of service

5. Book Details and Metadata

Optimize your book’s discoverability:

  • Write a compelling book description
  • Research and select relevant categories (you can choose up to two initially)
  • Choose seven keywords or keyword phrases for maximum visibility
  • Set appropriate age and content ratings

6. Publishing Options

Make informed decisions about your distribution:

  • Choose between KDP Select (exclusive to Amazon) and wide distribution
  • Set up pricing strategy:
    • Consider your genre’s standard pricing
    • Plan promotional pricing strategies
    • Set up territorial pricing if needed
  • Select your royalty option (35% vs. 70%)

7. Quality Control

Before hitting publish:

  • Use KDP’s Preview tool to check formatting across devices
  • Order physical proof copies for print books
  • Double-check all metadata and pricing
  • Verify your author name and book details are correct

Post-Publication Marketing

8. Launch Strategy

Implement a comprehensive launch plan:

  • Time your launch with your marketing activities
  • Consider a soft launch to build reviews
  • Plan a proper launch event (virtual or physical)
  • Coordinate with your email list and social media followers

9. Marketing Tools and Techniques

Utilize various marketing channels:

  • Amazon Marketing Services (AMS):
    • Sponsored Products ads
    • Lockscreen ads
    • Category targeting
  • External Marketing:
    • Book promotion sites
    • Social media advertising
    • Email marketing campaigns
    • Book blog tours
  • Content Marketing:
    • Guest posting
    • Podcast interviews
    • YouTube content
    • Blog articles

10. Ongoing Promotion

Maintain momentum after launch:

  • Monitor and adjust AMS campaigns
  • Regularly engage with readers
  • Gather and showcase reviews
  • Plan periodic promotions
  • Consider writing more books to build your catalog

Best Practices and Tips

  • Join author communities for support and advice
  • Keep learning about industry trends and marketing techniques
  • Track your sales and marketing metrics
  • Build relationships with other authors in your genre
  • Consider creating multiple streams of income (audiobooks, translations, merchandising)
  • Stay engaged with your reader community
  • Continuously improve your craft and business skills

Remember that publishing is a marathon, not a sprint. Success often comes from consistent effort over time rather than overnight success. Focus on creating quality content and building genuine connections with your readers while continuously learning and adapting your strategies.