What Are the Requirements to Publish a Book on Amazon Digital Publishing?

Publishing a book has never been more accessible thanks to Amazon Digital Publishing. As a self-publishing powerhouse, Amazon offers tools and reach that empower authors worldwide. But before diving into publishing, it’s crucial to understand the key requirements and steps involved to ensure your book is accepted and successful.

In this post, we’ll explore what you need—technically and creatively—to publish a book on Amazon Digital Publishing.

Understanding Amazon Digital Publishing

Amazon Digital Publishing refers to Amazon’s suite of self-publishing services, including Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), which allows authors to publish eBooks and paperbacks easily. It offers global distribution, real-time sales tracking, and control over pricing and rights. Whether you're a new writer or a seasoned author, KDP can help you monetize your work efficiently.

Basic Requirements for Publishing

Before submitting your manuscript, make sure you have the following essentials ready:

A Complete Manuscript

Your book must be finalized, proofread, and formatted. Amazon accepts several file formats, including DOC/DOCX and EPUB. Avoid errors by hiring a professional editor.

A Book Cover

A compelling, high-quality cover is crucial for attracting readers. Your image must be a JPEG or TIFF file with minimum dimensions of 1,000 x 625 pixels.

An Amazon KDP Account

Create an account at kdp.amazon.com. You’ll need to provide tax details, bank account information for royalties, and identification verification.

ISBN (for print books)

While Amazon provides a free ISBN for paperbacks, you can also use your own for broader publishing control.

Title and Description

Your book’s metadata—title, subtitle, and description—must be optimized for both readers and search engines. Incorporate relevant keywords naturally.

Categories and Keywords

Amazon allows you to select two categories and seven keywords. Choose wisely based on reader search intent.

Formatting Guidelines

Amazon has specific formatting rules, particularly for Kindle eBooks:

• Use readable fonts like Times New Roman or Arial.
• Avoid large images that may distort on Kindle devices.
• Insert page breaks between chapters.
• Include a clickable table of contents.

Legal and Content Requirements

Amazon Digital Publishing prohibits certain content:

• Plagiarized material
• Offensive or explicit content (unless properly labeled)
• Public domain works not sufficiently differentiated

Make sure your content abides by their guidelines to avoid rejection or removal.

Royalty and Pricing Structure

Amazon offers two royalty options:

• 35% Royalty: For books priced below $2.99 or above $9.99.
• 70% Royalty: For books priced between $2.99–$9.99 and meet specific regional criteria.

Consider pricing strategies that align with your audience’s expectations and market trends.

Post-Publishing Tips

Publishing is only the beginning. To make the most of Amazon Digital Publishing, consider:

• Regularly updating your book based on feedback.
• Leveraging Amazon Ads and Kindle Deals.
• Encouraging readers to leave reviews.

Conclusion:

Publishing on Amazon Digital Publishing is a streamlined yet powerful process that can bring your words to a global audience. By understanding and preparing the core requirements, you’ll set yourself up for success in the competitive self-publishing market.