Publishing Your Book on Amazon
Enter the world of self-publishing, riding on its many benefits. It empowers authors, giving them total control over their work. Setting prices, deciding on distribution, and engaging directly with readers find a place in an author’s duties. Such freedom, previously unheard of in traditional publishing, is heralding a new era of authorship.
For instance, author & self-publisher Amanda Hocking became a millionaire selling her books directly to readers, setting her own prices, and retaining more profits than traditionally published authors.
Amazon offers two main platforms for self-publishing—Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and CreateSpace. KDP is the realm of eBooks, whereas CreateSpace is Amazon’s platform for print books.
1. Kindle Direct Publishing: KDP takes care of digital publishing. Conversion of files into Kindle-compatible formats, listing on Amazon’s marketplace, and worldwide distribution are services offered by KDP. Readers with Kindle devices or the Kindle app have direct accessibility to the eBooks.
2. CreateSpace: For print books, CreateSpace is the go-to platform. The on-demand printing system means no upfront costs or inventory for authors, making it easy for any author to have their book printed and shipped as orders come in.
Steps to Publishing Your Book on Amazon
Publishing a book on Amazon is an exciting venture that becomes less daunting by following specific steps. Let’s delve deeper into the critical stages of preparing your manuscript, creating a book cover, and pricing your book.
The initial stage of the publishing process entails manuscript preparation. It’s the stage where an author polishes their book content, optimizes their file formatting, and ensures they meet Amazon’s publishing guidelines. For instance, the manuscript must be saved in a Kindle-friendly format like MOBI or EPUB for easy conversion. Also, authors should consider hiring professional editing services to ensure the manuscript is grammatically correct and readable.
A compelling book cover is a fundamental aspect of successful self-publishing. It’s the first thing prospective readers see, and it plays a role in their decision to explore the book further. When designing a book cover, authors must keep certain key elements in mind. These include relevance to the book’s genre, appealing aesthetics, and the use of legible fonts. Amazon offers a free cover creator tool, but authors can also employ the services of professional designers for a standout cover.
Determining the book price is a critical strategic decision. Authors must strike a balance between their book value and the market expectations. Factors such as the book genre, length, and quality, in comparison with similar books, could inform this decision. Furthermore, authors should consider Amazon’s royalty structure, which provides either 35% or 70% royalties based on the chosen price range. Detailed research and thoughtful assessment contribute to strategic pricing, helping authors maximize their returns.
Extra Features for Publishing Your Book on Amazon
In addition to the basics, Amazon’s publishing services offer advanced features. This piece will delve into Kindle eBook promotions and the Print on Demand option.
Amazon provides promotional tools for authors using Kindle Direct Publishing, notably the Kindle Countdown Deal and the Free Book Promotion. The Kindle Countdown Deal lets authors put their books up for promotional discounts, which increases their visibility on Amazon’s website for up to seven days. For example, in this promotion, a $10 eBook could be discounted progressively: $6 on day one, $7 on day two, and so on.
On the other hand, the Free Book Promotion allows authors to offer their eBooks free of charge for a specified period, typically between one to five days. It’s a unique feature that aids in the book’s discovery by new readers and can serve as a launching pad for sequels or series.
Besides digital formats, Amazon’s self-publishing wing houses a print on demand service named Kindle Direct Publishing Print. This platform empowers authors to provide physical copies of their books to readers who prefer them over eBooks.
Contrary to the traditional bulk printing approach, print on demand avails the book to the reader as soon as they place an order. Amazon then prints a single copy and dispatches it. This method eliminates the need for inventory, thus preventing potential losses associated with unsold copies. For instance, an author could list a 200-page novel for $12 without worrying about print costs until a customer places an order.
Kindle eBook promotions and Amazon’s Print on Demand option present yet more opportunities for authors to expand their reach and diversify their offerings, enhancing prospects for both visibility and profitability.