How to Publish Your Book on Amazon KDP

The 8 steps from finished draft to live listing

1. Step 1

   Finish and review your book inside the studio

   Open your book in the studio and read it end-to-end one last time. Tweak chapters, regenerate any sections you don't love, and confirm illustrations look right on every page. KDP rejects files with placeholder text or broken layouts, so this final pass matters.

   • Use the print preview to spot bad page breaks before exporting
   • Make sure the title and subtitle match exactly what you'll use on KDP
   • Confirm your author name is consistent across cover and metadata
2. Step 2

   Export the KDP-ready interior PDF

   Click Export and choose your trim size. Standard 6×9″ is the safest default for novels and chapter books. Use 8.5×11″ for large-print or activity books, and 5×8″ for travel/pocket editions. The exported PDF already includes proper margins, gutters, and page numbers — no reformatting needed.

   • Match the trim you choose here to the trim you'll select on KDP
   • Keep the file under KDP's 650 MB limit (almost all of ours are far smaller)
   • Save the file somewhere you can find it again — KDP will ask you to upload it
3. Step 3

   Download your cover (or upload your own)

   Right-click the AI-generated cover in the studio and save it. For paperbacks, KDP needs a full wraparound cover (front + spine + back). You can use Amazon's free Cover Creator with your front cover image, or upload a finished wraparound PDF you designed yourself.

   • 300 DPI minimum — our covers export at print resolution
   • Leave 0.125″ bleed on all four sides if you make your own wraparound
   • Spine width depends on your page count — KDP calculates this for you
4. Step 4

   Create a new paperback on KDP

   Sign in at kdp.amazon.com and click 'Create' → 'Paperback'. Fill in the Details tab: title, subtitle, series (optional), author, description, keywords, and categories. Pull these straight from your studio — the AI already wrote a publishable description for you.

   • Pick 7 keywords that real readers would search for, not generic terms
   • Choose 2 BISAC categories that match your genre exactly
   • Set the language and publication date
5. Step 5

   Upload the interior + cover and run KDP's previewer

   On the Content tab, upload the PDF you exported in step 2, then upload your cover. KDP will process the files and offer a Launch Previewer. Open it and click through every page — this catches any trim-bleed or margin issues before you publish.

   • Wait for the 'Print Preview' button to turn blue before clicking
   • Check that page numbers, headers, and chapter starts all look right
   • Fix anything flagged in red — KDP won't let you publish with errors
6. Step 6

   Set pricing and royalty

   On the Pricing tab, choose your primary marketplace (usually Amazon.com) and set your list price. KDP shows your printing cost and royalty (60% minus printing cost for paperback) live as you type. Most indie paperbacks land between $9.99 and $14.99.

   • Enable 'Expanded Distribution' to reach bookstores and libraries (lower royalty)
   • Use the price-other-marketplaces auto-fill — it converts based on exchange rates
   • Aim for at least $2–$3 royalty per copy after printing costs
7. Step 7

   Order a proof copy (highly recommended)

   Before publishing publicly, order a printed proof. It costs only the printing fee plus shipping, and it's the only way to truly see how your AI-generated book will look in a reader's hands. Check ink density, image clarity, and binding.

   • Proofs ship in 3–7 business days in most countries
   • If anything looks off, fix it in the studio, re-export, and re-upload
   • You can order multiple proofs — each round is cheap insurance
8. Step 8

   Hit Publish and go live on Amazon

   Once you're happy with the proof, return to KDP and click 'Publish Your Paperback Book'. Amazon reviews the file (usually within 72 hours) and your book goes live on its product page. You'll get a unique ASIN and your listing will be searchable worldwide.

   • Share the listing URL with friends and family for early reviews
   • Set up Amazon Author Central to claim the book under your author profile
   • Come back to the studio anytime to make a sequel — KDP loves series

Frequently asked questions