Self-publishing pertains to being able to publish your book without needing the services of a publisher. There are presently various self-publishing platforms some of which are Smashwords, Lily publishing, blurb, and several others.
WHAT IS KDP?
Kindle direct publishing is amazon’s easily accessible book publishing platform that was created for authors to be able to achieve their publishing aims.
WHY USE AMAZON KDP( KINDLE DIRECT PUBLISHER)
The question that might remain in your mind is WHY KDP? It is well known that there are now several platforms through which authors can publish their books ( some of which are blurb, Smashwords, lulu publishing, etc.). Each platform has its unique features, pros, and cons that you would need to evaluate before deciding to use that platform. Here are some things you might want to know about KDP. It is totally free. Secondly, physical books/ paperbacks. It’s one thing to be able to publish your book (even if it is restricted to ebooks), it is another thing to be able to publish as an ebook as well as a paperback. It’s no news that many authors dream of being able to release their books online and as hardcovers. It’s a print-on-demand service and so there are no costs for authors, no inventory to buy unless of course, you want a private inventory to sell at signing and readings. Thirdly, you can upload your book on the platform in just a few minutes. And your book will be on sale in a couple of days at most. Lastly, easy accessibility. From any part of the world, you can publish your book. You only have to sign in and follow a few steps and boom! Your book is published.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CREATESPACE AND KDP
CREATESPACE is no longer existent. For those that do not know what Createspace was about, CreateSpace used to be a print-on-demand service for self-publishing authors. When amazon acquired CreateSpace, they were in the process of creating their self-publishing division and so in 2018 when they were able to achieve that, they merged the new self-publishing division with Createspace and the duo is now known as KDP ( kindle direct publishing). Although CreateSpace is no longer operational, there is not much difference that has shown over time between the then CreateSpace and the present KDP as they are majorly identical in quality and pricing.
CreateSpace used to offer better-expanded distribution than what kdp is currently offerinCreateSpace is used to revise your list price, description, categories, and keywords without republishing your book, whereas any changes at KDP require republishing.KDP tops the chart in terms of convenience.There is no boundary for royalties on KDP. You don’t have to gain $100 before payment.The transfer was very easy as people that had accounts on Createspace were only asked to verify their CreateSpace account. Verify their KDP account and click the ” start your move” transfer to complete the transfer.
IS KDP SELF PUBLISHING STILL PROFITABLE IN 2022
Ebooks are the new trending thing currently. Ebooks can be read at any time in any place and are easily accessible compared to hardcover books and so there’s a growing need and hunger for ebooks on the rise. The number of ebooks being sold in 2022 is surprisingly higher than in past years and they keep increasing. You spend less publishing and get more in return. With Kindle direct publishing, you can earn up to 70% ebook royalties, which is much more than the amount your earn with a traditional publisher.It is fast, quick, and efficient. Within a few hours or days, your book can get published and that means you can publish more books and make more money in less time.
NOTE: Remember every business has its ups and downs, same with kdp books but note that kindle direct publishing is an awesome business idea with easy access for anyone interested. Read: 10 Best College’s for Publishing and Editing in 2022 | Tuition and Admission Requirements
CAN YOU MAKE MONEY WITH KDP AND HOW MUCH MONEY CAN BE MADE?
Be rest assured that you can make a lot of money by self-publishing on amazon kdp. So yes, you can make money with KDP. Many businesses that could have boomed died prematurely because the owners refused to put in a lot of work or because of proper knowledge of the business scope.
2 EASY STEPS TO CREATE A KINDLE DIRECT PUBLISHING ACCOUNT
The first step to becoming a self-published author is creating a kindle direct publishing account. Within minutes you can create your account easily and be one step closer to being the author you want to become. There are 2 quick steps to creating a KDP account.
1. INPUTTING URL AND SIGNING UP
Input the kindle direct URL. The first step to creating your account is to open whichever browser you have on your gadget and input the kindle URL I.e kdp.amazon.com. Immediately you would be directed to the kdp page where you have the options of signing in or signing up. Click on “Sign Up.” Ensure you use your real names as Written on id cards, your correct home address, email address, and phone number where necessary. ( Note: Your name in your author-publisher information is different from your pen name). After inputting your details on the signup page, you would need to go back to your mail and confirm the account, after which you can now sign in. Read: Top 7 Digital Publishing Companies In 2022
2. COMPLETION OF DATA
After you must have confirmed your account, you can now go back to your browser and sign in to your account. After signing in, on the top right corner of your device, you would see some words written there, one of which is “your account”. In ” your account” is where you would click to complete your data. There is 3 area you would need to fill up.
HOW TO DELETE/ REMOVE/ UNPUBLISH YOUR BOOK ON AMAZON KDP
You cannot delete an eBook on amazon kdp. You can only unpublish a book on kdp once the eBook already has an ISBN. To unpublish a book, you would be required to go to your bookshelf, click the ellipsis button (“…”) under KINDLE EBOOK ACTIONS next to the book you want to unpublish, and click unpublish. Click the ellipsis button (“…”) under PAPERBACK ACTIONS next to the book you want to unpublish. Choose Unpublish. However, customers won’t be able to buy new copies through KDP unless you republish your paperback. Read: 20 Best Publishing Companies For Authors | 2022
STEP BY STEP GUIDE ON HOW TO SELF PUBLISH ON AMAZON
1. Create a kindle publishing account
Just like most traditional sites or applications, you would have to sign in to access their services, if you are not already registered then you would have to sign up.
2. Input your ebook title and subtitle:
Once you have successfully signed in to kindle direct publishing, You would be taken to the kdp dashboard where you are to Create your eBook. Remember, there’s no publication without a title and so the first thing to do is to input your title. The title field should simply contain the exact title of your book as it appears on your book cover. What you input there will show as your book’s title on your product page. Also, ensure there are no errors to avoid your book’s authenticity is questioned. Make sure your title is captivating as that is what potential readers will notice about your book first. Your title can determine if customers will purchase your book.
3. Book detail and description:
Your book title is not the only detail that would be required to provide. Other details like author/author’s name, description, keywords, age range, category, etc. will also be required. If the book has more than one author, ensure you show by adding the other author’s name in the contributor’s name. Your title, description, and keywords are your selling point and so ensure they are captivating enough. Select up to two categories for your book and upload up to seven related keywords to boost your book views.
4. Create and upload a cover:
Now, this is also one part that is very crucial and can determine your book sales. It is highly recommended that you allow a professional to design your cover.
5. Activate DRM
Ensure you enable DRM. Digital Rights Management deters people from duplicating your book and delivering it to other people without payment. Even with DRM activated, people are still afforded the opportunity to lend the book to friends for a short period through Kindle’s lending system. DRM only prevents them from stealing your book. Read: Top 20 Book Publishing Companies in Chicago | 2022
6. UPLOAD YOUR BOOK:
Adding your book to matchbook and book lending is left to you but you’ll have to enroll in book lending if you want the 70% royalty.
7. ROYALTY AND PRICING:
Choose between 35% and 70% for your royalty. For most Authors, the 70% royalty will pay more. One thing to notice is that each royalty rate has its terms and conditions.
8. Save to draft until you are ready to publish
9. You can publish when you are sure you have filled every information properly and you have previewed it on multiple devices.
When they remove your content from their platform, they’ll also be removing your book titles from bestselling lists in all applicable categories plus all book reviews from people, among other things. Your book could take up to 72 hours or less. Officially you would be informed it can take up to 72 hours, however, note that approval of paperbacks takes longer than eBooks. REVIEWS: Reviews are one of the extraordinary ways to market your products. People want to know what those that have gotten your products think about it before purchasing it. However, you must still market personally to ensure the influx of customers to your book. Kindle Direct Publishing pays royalties every month, approximately 60 days after the end of the month in which the sale was reported through direct deposit, wire transfer, or check, as long as you meet the minimum threshold for payment.
CONCLUSION
It’s totally freeEasily accessible Fast andPublishing on the worlds number 1 online marketplace is a plus.
Note: Remember kdp also has its slow sales seasons.
REFERENCE
RECOMMENDATION
Tribune Publishing Company | Cost, Location, ContactIDW Publishing Review | Cost, Location, ContactTop 20 Book Publishing Companies in Chicago | 2022
