What Every Author Needs to Know About Amazon KDP

For first-time authors, Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is often the most accessible and powerful platform for releasing a book to the world. It allows you to publish both eBooks and paperbacks for free, reach a global audience, and keep control over your rights. But while KDP has opened the door for countless new authors, it’s not as simple as uploading a file and waiting for sales to roll in.

To succeed on KDP, you need to understand how the platform works, what it can (and can’t) do for you, and how to make your book stand out among millions of titles. This guide covers the essential things every first-time author should know before publishing on Amazon KDP.

KDP is Free to Use — But Professional Quality Costs Money

One of KDP’s biggest draws is that it’s free to list your book. You don’t pay Amazon upfront; instead, they take a percentage of each sale. This means you can technically publish without spending anything — but “technically” is the key word here.

If you want your book to compete with traditionally published titles, you’ll need to invest in professional editing, formatting, and cover design. These services ensure your book looks and reads like it belongs on a bestseller list, not like a rushed amateur project. The reality is that poor presentation can kill your sales before they even begin.

Think of KDP as your distribution channel, not your production team. They’ll make your book available to the world, but it’s up to you to make sure it’s worth buying.

Keywords and Categories Can Make or Break Your Visibility

On Amazon, discoverability is everything. KDP allows you to choose up to seven keywords and three categories for your book. These aren’t just technical details — they’re your ticket to being found by the right readers.

Keywords are phrases potential readers type into Amazon’s search bar, such as “Jamaican romance novel” or “Caribbean business guide.” The right keywords can position your book in front of a highly targeted audience.

Categories determine where your book appears on Amazon’s virtual shelves. By choosing niche, relevant categories, you increase your chances of ranking higher and even earning a “bestseller” tag in that specific category.

If you simply guess your keywords and categories without research, you risk getting buried under thousands of other books. Tools like Publisher Rocket or even basic Amazon search research can help you identify the best choices for your book.

You Control Your Pricing and Royalties

KDP gives you flexibility in setting your book’s price. For eBooks, you can choose between two royalty structures: 35% or 70%. The 70% royalty option is available for books priced between USD $2.99 and $9.99 in eligible territories. For print books, Amazon deducts printing costs before paying you your royalty percentage (usually around 60% of the retail price minus printing costs).

This control over pricing is a considerable advantage, but it also requires a strategic approach. Price too low, and you may undervalue your work; price too high, and you could scare away potential readers. Many first-time authors experiment with pricing after launch to find the sweet spot between profitability and sales volume.

You Can Publish Both eBook and Print Versions

KDP isn’t just for Kindle books — it also supports paperback publishing through its print-on-demand service. This means you don’t need to order and store hundreds of copies; Amazon prints each book as it’s ordered.

Having both formats available increases your potential audience. Some readers prefer eBooks for convenience and lower cost, while others still love the feel of a printed book. Offering both ensures you don’t miss out on either market.

Your Book Listing is Your Sales Pitch

Once your files are ready, you’ll create your KDP listing. This includes your title, subtitle, description, keywords, categories, and cover. Your listing is your book’s online storefront — it’s what convinces someone browsing to click “Buy.”

Your book description should immediately hook the reader, provide just enough detail to intrigue them, and conclude with a compelling call to action. Strong cover design, relevant keywords, and an engaging blurb work together to create a professional first impression.

Amazon Optimization is Ongoing

Many first-time authors upload their book and then forget about it, assuming sales will flow automatically. In reality, the work doesn’t stop at publishing.

KDP allows you to update your keywords, categories, description, and even your book files after publication. This means you can refine your listing based on sales data, reader feedback, and market trends. Adjusting your keywords and categories can help your book maintain or improve its ranking over time.

Additionally, running Amazon ads can increase visibility, especially in the early months after launch. These ads target readers based on keywords and competitor books, placing your title in front of people already interested in similar content.

Reviews Are Crucial for Credibility

Reader reviews are one of the most significant factors influencing buying decisions on Amazon. Books with multiple positive reviews tend to attract more clicks and sales.

Don’t wait for reviews to trickle in naturally. Build a launch team of early readers — ideally people who have already shown interest in your book’s topic or genre — and encourage them to leave honest feedback soon after release. Please ensure you follow Amazon’s guidelines for requesting reviews; offering incentives in exchange for positive reviews is against the rules.

KDP Gives You Global Reach — But You Still Need to Market

One of the most powerful aspects of KDP is its global distribution. Your book can be purchased by readers in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and many other countries. But while KDP makes your book available worldwide, it doesn’t actively market it for you.

Marketing is still your responsibility. This can include social media campaigns, email marketing, interviews, book signings, and partnerships with bookstores. The more visibility you create outside of Amazon, the more traffic you can drive to your KDP listing.

You Retain Your Rights

With KDP, you keep full rights to your book. You can remove it from the platform at any time, publish elsewhere, or release new editions. This is a significant advantage over traditional publishing, where you often sign over certain rights for years.

That said, if you enroll in KDP Select (an optional program that offers benefits like Kindle Unlimited and promotional tools), you agree to make your eBook exclusive to Amazon for 90 days at a time. Consider whether exclusivity fits your goals before enrolling.

The Authors' Guide To Publishing Your Book On Amazon KDP

Amazon KDP offers first-time authors an incredible opportunity to publish professionally and reach a global audience without massive upfront costs. But to make the most of it, you need to approach it like a business. Take advantage of our tips in 'What Every Author Needs to Know About Publishing on Amazon KDP' before you get started.

That means investing in professional production, strategically selecting keywords and categories, optimizing your listing, and actively marketing your book. KDP gives you the tools and platform — but your success depends on how you use them.

At Surge Publishing Company, we help authors navigate KDP from start to finish. Whether you need editing, formatting, cover design, or listing optimization, we ensure your book is polished, discoverable, and ready to sell.

If you’re ready to publish on Amazon KDP with confidence, book your $47 Author Blueprint Session today. We’ll map out your publishing plan, guide you through KDP setup, and help you launch your book the right way.