KDP for Beginners: How to Upload and Format Your First Book

If you've ever dreamed of becoming a published author or earning passive income through self-publishing, Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is the best place to start. Whether you're writing a novel, a low-content journal, or a business guide, KDP makes it possible to upload, publish, and sell your book worldwide—without a traditional publisher.

In this beginner-friendly guide, we'll walk you step-by-step through the process of formatting and uploading your first book on KDP.

What Is Amazon KDP?

Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is Amazon’s free self-publishing platform that allows authors to publish eBooks and print books (paperbacks and hardcovers) and make them available to millions of readers on Amazon stores around the world.

Why Use KDP?

• No upfront cost to publish

• Global reach on Amazon marketplaces

• Up to 70% royalties

• Control over pricing, content, and updates

• Access to Kindle Unlimited (for additional earnings)

Step 1: Write or Create Your Book

Before you can publish, you need a manuscript. Your book can be:

• A full-length novel or nonfiction guide

• A children’s book or cookbook

• A journal, planner, or logbook (low-content book)

• A short story or eBook guide

Make sure your content is original and well-edited. Even low-content books should be formatted cleanly and provide value.

Step 2: Format Your Manuscript for KDP

Correct formatting ensures your book looks professional. Here's how to get it right:

For eBooks:

• Use Microsoft Word or Google Docs

• Apply consistent heading styles, font sizes, and margins

• Save your file as a .docx or convert it to EPUB format

• Tools like Calibre or Reedsy Editor help format for Kindle

For Paperbacks:

• Set up the correct trim size (commonly 6”x9”)

• Use justified alignment and proper paragraph spacing

• Insert page numbers and section breaks

• Save your final file as a PDF

You can also use Amazon's free Kindle Create tool to format both eBooks and print-ready interiors easily.

Step 3: Design a Professional Book Cover

Your cover is the first thing potential readers see—it needs to be eye-catching and relevant to your genre.

You have 3 main options:

1. Use Canva – great for DIY low-budget covers

2. Hire a freelancer from platforms like Fiverr or Upwork

3. Use KDP’s Cover Creator tool during upload (basic but functional)

Make sure your cover is the right size:

• eBooks: 1.6:1 aspect ratio (e.g., 1600 x 2560 pixels)

• Paperbacks: Match trim size + spine width + bleed (KDP has a calculator)

Step 4: Create a KDP Account

Go to kdp.amazon.com and sign in with your Amazon account or create a new one. Then:

• Fill in author/publisher info

• Set up tax and payment details

• Choose how you’ll get paid (direct deposit is fastest)

Step 5: Upload Your Manuscript to KDP

Click “Create a Book” and choose between:

• Kindle eBook

• Paperback

• Hardcover (optional)

Then fill in the details:

Book Details:

• Title and subtitle

• Series name (if applicable)

• Author name and contributors

• Book description (use formatting and keywords)

Keywords and Categories:

• Choose 7 relevant keywords your audience might search for

• Pick 2 categories that best match your genre or niche

Step 6: Upload Manuscript and Cover

• Upload your formatted manuscript (PDF for print, .docx or EPUB for Kindle)

• Upload your cover file (PDF or PNG, depending on type)

• Launch the Previewer tool to check layout and fix any errors

Once everything looks good, click “Approve”.

Step 7: Set Pricing and Royalties

You can choose between:

• 35% or 70% royalties (depends on price and country)

• Price your eBook between $2.99 and $9.99 to qualify for 70% royalty

• Paperbacks typically sell for $6.99–$14.99

Amazon will show you estimated royalties after printing costs.

Step 8: Publish Your Book

Once you click “Publish”, Amazon will review your book (usually within 72 hours). When approved, your book goes live on Amazon stores around the world!

You’ll get a unique URL to share and promote your book.

Bonus: Promote Your Book Like a Pro

After publishing, it’s time to let the world know.

Here’s how to get visibility:

• Share your book on social media

• Start a mailing list or blog

• Join Facebook groups in your niche

• Run Amazon Ads (even a small budget can drive sales)

• Ask friends and readers to leave reviews

Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

• Not previewing your book before publishing

• Choosing the wrong trim size or margins

• Overlooking keywords and categories

• Not designing a professional cover

• Failing to promote your book after launch

Conclusion: You’re Now a Published Author

Publishing your first book with KDP is a powerful way to share your message with the world—and potentially earn passive income for years to come. The process may feel overwhelming at first, but once you’ve done it once, it gets easier.

Whether you're writing fiction, nonfiction, or low-content books, the tools and strategies in this guide will help you go from manuscript to market.

Start today. Your first book is just the beginning.