Complete Guide to Self-Publishing on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing

Introduction: Your Publishing Journey Starts Here

Self-publishing has never been more accessible. Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) platform empowers anyone with a story to share their work with millions of readers worldwide. Whether you're writing a children's book, a novel, or a non-fiction guide, the path from manuscript to published book is straightforward when you know the steps.

This comprehensive guide walks you through the entire self-publishing process, sharing real-world insights from successfully published authors. By the end, you'll have everything you need to publish your own book on Amazon.

📚 Quick Navigation

Step 1: Figure Out Your Story
Step 2: Outline and Write on Google Slides
Step 3: Write Illustration Descriptions
Step 4: Hire an Illustrator
Step 5: Publish on Amazon KDP

Step 1: Figure Out What Story You Want to Tell

Before diving into the technical aspects of publishing, you need a compelling story. Most aspiring authors already have an idea in mind when they begin exploring self-publishing, but if you're still developing your concept, here's a powerful approach:

Start with the Moral

Begin by identifying the core message or moral you want to convey. What lesson do you want readers to take away? What truth do you want to share? Once you have this foundation, build your narrative around it.

This approach gives your story purpose and direction. From there, let your imagination fill in the characters, settings, and plot points that will bring your message to life.

Remember, your story doesn't need to be overly complex. Some of the most beloved children's books tell simple stories with profound messages. Focus on clarity, emotional resonance, and authenticity.

Step 2: Outline and Write Your Book on Google Slides

Google Slides is an surprisingly effective tool for creating children's books and illustrated publications. Unlike traditional word processors, Slides lets you visualize each page as it will appear in the final book, making it easier to plan your layout and illustration placement.

Setting Up Your Document

📄 Title Page

Create your title page with the book name and author information. You don't need your ISBN yet; that comes later from Amazon KDP.

📖 Copyright & Dedication

Include a copyright page and dedication. These establish your ownership and add a personal touch.

📝 Story Pages

Write your story text on each slide. Number each page to stay organized and communicate clearly with your illustrator.

Critical Layout Tip: Mind the Crease

⚠️ Important Formatting Rule

Don't let text span across the center of two-page spreads. Remember that physical books have a crease down the middle, which will make text difficult to read if it crosses the binding.

Keep text contained to individual pages or clearly on one side of a spread. This ensures readability in the final printed product.

Page Count Considerations

The number of pages in your book affects your publishing options:

Under 75 pages: Paperback only
75+ pages: Eligible for hardcover printing

If having a hardcover option is important to you, plan your book to meet the 75-page minimum. A template with 50 pre-formatted slides can help you get started quickly.

Step 3: Write Descriptions of Illustrations on Each Page

Once your text is complete, it's time to envision the visual elements. For each page or spread, write clear descriptions of what you want illustrated. These descriptions guide your illustrator and ensure your vision becomes reality.

How to Write Effective Illustration Descriptions

Your descriptions don't need to be elaborate, but they should be specific enough for the illustrator to understand your vision. Include:

Main subjects or characters
Key actions or poses
Setting or background elements
Perspective or viewpoint
Mood or atmosphere

Example Descriptions

Illustration 12:

"Single page illustration: Bird's eye view of the lake revealing its boxer shape. Show trees around the edges and maybe a boat or two for scale."

Illustration 21:

"Two-page spread: Show the animals reaching into suitcases and pulling out items. Show the boys sleeping in their sleeping bags. One big illustration."

Even brief descriptions can be effective if they capture the essential elements. Professional illustrators are skilled at interpreting creative direction and bringing scenes to life.

Step 4: Hire an Illustrator on Upwork or Fiverr

Finding the right illustrator is crucial to bringing your book to life. Two popular platforms make it easy to connect with talented artists: Fiverr and Upwork.

💡 Modern Alternative: AI-Powered Illustrations

While hiring a professional illustrator produces beautiful custom artwork, AI-powered illustration tools offer a faster, more affordable alternative. Generate professional-quality illustrations in seconds instead of months, at a fraction of the cost.

Where to Find Illustrators

Fiverr.com

Note: Spelled with two R's

Generally more affordable
Package-based pricing
Easy to browse portfolios
Quick hiring process

Upwork.com

Professional freelance platform

Hourly or fixed pricing
Detailed profiles & reviews
Good filtering options
Professional contractors

Search Terms to Use

"children's book illustration"
"children's storybook illustration"
"picture book illustration"
"book illustrator"

What to Ask Potential Illustrators

KDP Experience

Have they worked with Kindle Direct Publishing before? Do they know the technical requirements?

File Formats

Can they provide print-ready files with proper trim size and bleed? Will they create a .mobi file for Kindle format?

Vector Files

Negotiate to receive all vector files. This allows you to make future edits and adjustments.

Timeline & Budget

Discuss weekly hours and monthly budget. Set clear expectations about pacing and deliverables.

Understanding Costs & Timeline

Budget and timeline vary based on your book's complexity and the illustrator's rates. Here's a real-world example:

📊 Real Project Example

Book: 20+ illustrations, ~50 pages
Rate: $10/hour
Hours: Up to 15 hours/week
Monthly Cost: ~$600
Duration: 5.5 months
Total Investment: ~$3,250 (including tip)

Budget-Friendly Options

You don't need thousands of dollars to get started:

Limit weekly hours: 3-5 hours per week at $10/hour = $120-$200/month
Extend timeline: Take 8-10 months instead of 5
Start with fewer illustrations: Focus on key scenes
Look for new illustrators: Less experienced artists often charge lower rates while building portfolios

Working with Your Illustrator

The best illustration projects start with clear communication:

Share reference photos: If characters are based on real people, provide photos
Request sketches first: Review rough sketches before final artwork to ensure alignment
Maintain open communication: Provide feedback promptly and constructively
Set up weekly check-ins: Regular updates keep the project on track
Show appreciation: Consider a bonus or tip for exceptional work

Step 5: Submit Your Book to Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing

Once your illustrations are complete and your book is finalized, it's time to publish. Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing platform makes this surprisingly straightforward.

Getting Started with KDP

Go to kdp.amazon.com
Sign in with your Amazon account or create a new one
Click "Create" to start a new book project
Choose between Kindle eBook, Paperback, or Hardcover

Section 1: Paperback Details

📚 Basic Information

Language: Select your book's language
Title & Subtitle: Enter your book title (subtitle is optional)
Series: Add if your book is part of a series
Edition: Start with "1" for first edition

👥 Contributors

Add yourself as Author
Add your illustrator with proper credit
Include any co-authors or editors

📝 Description & Keywords

Write a compelling book description that appears on your Amazon page. Create a teaser that hooks potential readers without giving away the entire story.

Add relevant keywords to help readers find your book through Amazon search.

🏷️ Categories

Choose up to two categories. Browse the extensive list to find the best fit for your book. Categories affect discoverability, so choose strategically.

🔞 Content Rating

Indicate whether your book contains adult content. This ensures appropriate audience targeting.

Section 2: Paperback Content

📖 ISBN Number

You have two options:

Free KDP ISBN: Amazon assigns you a free ISBN (recommended for most authors)
Your own ISBN: Purchase and use your own if you prefer

Once assigned, provide this ISBN to your illustrator to include in the book's copyright page.

🎨 Interior & Paper Type

Popular choices:

Black & White: Most economical, great for text-heavy books
Premium Color on White Paper: Best for illustrated children's books
Standard Color: Mid-range option

📏 Trim Size

Choose your book's dimensions. Popular sizes include:

8" x 10": Qualifies for expanded distribution
8.5" x 11": Larger format
6" x 9": Standard book size

⚠️ Expanded Distribution Tip: Check which trim sizes qualify for expanded distribution. This allows bookstores to order your book at wholesale prices, significantly expanding your reach.

🖼️ Bleed Settings

For books with images extending to page edges, include bleed. Your illustrator will provide the correct file format.

📄 Cover Finish

Glossy: Shiny, eye-catching finish
Matte: Elegant, professional appearance

⬆️ Upload Your Files

Upload two files from your illustrator:

Manuscript (Interior): The pages inside your book
Cover: Front cover, spine, and back cover as one file

🔍 Launch Previewer

Amazon's previewer checks your files for errors. Any formatting issues will be flagged. Fix any errors before proceeding; your illustrator can help with technical adjustments.

Section 3: Rights & Pricing

Confirm that you own the copyright and hold necessary publishing rights for your book.

🌍 Territories

Most authors select "All territories" to maximize global reach.

💰 Pricing Your Book

Amazon shows you the printing cost and calculates your royalty based on your list price:

Example Pricing:

List Price: $15.99
Printing Cost: $7.48
Amazon Fee: $3.41
Your Royalty: $5.10 per book

You typically receive 60% revenue share on standard sales, and 40% on expanded distribution sales (which are usually bulk orders).

✅ Expanded Distribution

If you qualify, check this box. It allows bookstores and libraries to order your book through wholesale channels. While the per-book royalty is lower (40%), bulk orders can significantly increase your overall revenue.

Publishing Your Book

🚀 You're Ready!

Once all sections are complete and error-free, click "Publish Your Paperback Book."

Amazon reviews your submission, typically within 24-72 hours. Most books go live the next day!

You'll receive an email confirmation when your book is live on Amazon. Congratulations, you're a published author!

Ordering Author Copies

Once published, you can order author copies at printing cost (without Amazon's fee). This is perfect for:

Personal copies for friends and family
Local bookstore consignment
Event sales and book signings
Marketing and promotional purposes

💡 Selling to Local Bookstores

A smart strategy for local distribution:

Order author copies at ~$4.50 each (printing cost only)
Sell to bookstores for ~$10 (wholesale price)
Bookstores sell for $15-16 (retail price)

Everyone profits: You make $5-6, the bookstore makes $5-6, and Amazon made their printing fee.

After Publishing: Tracking Your Success

Once your book is live, KDP provides robust reporting tools to track your sales and earnings.

Sales Reports

Your KDP dashboard shows:

Daily, monthly, and lifetime sales
Units sold by marketplace (US, UK, etc.)
Kindle and paperback sales separately
Real-time updates (with small delays)

Royalty Payments

Payment Schedule: Amazon pays royalties approximately 60 days after the end of the month in which sales occurred.

Payment Method: Direct deposit to your bank account.

For example: Sales from October are paid in late December/early January.

Key Takeaways

✅ Do These Things

✓ Start with a clear moral or message
✓ Use Google Slides for layout planning
✓ Write detailed illustration descriptions
✓ Vet illustrators for KDP experience
✓ Request all vector files
✓ Choose trim size that qualifies for expanded distribution
✓ Preview thoroughly before publishing
✓ Price competitively but profitably

❌ Avoid These Mistakes

✗ Text crossing page creases
✗ Hiring without checking KDP experience
✗ Forgetting to negotiate for vector files
✗ Choosing trim size that blocks expanded distribution
✗ Publishing without thorough preview
✗ Pricing too low (you deserve fair compensation)
✗ Rushing the illustration process
✗ Skipping the ISBN

Join the Self-Publishing Community

Self-publishing is a journey, and you don't have to take it alone. Connect with other authors who are bringing their stories to life:

📚 Share your published book links in author communities
💬 Ask questions and exchange tips with fellow publishers
⭐ Leave reviews for books you enjoy (karma works!)
🎯 Celebrate milestones: your first sale, first review, first 100 copies
📈 Learn from others' successes and challenges

Ready to Bring Your Book to Life?

While professional illustrators create beautiful custom artwork, modern AI tools offer a faster, more affordable path to publishing. Generate professional illustrations in seconds, get your book to market faster, and start earning royalties sooner.

Why Authors Choose AI Illustrations:

✓ 10x Faster: Days instead of months
✓ 90% Less Expensive: Hundreds instead of thousands
✓ Unlimited Revisions: Iterate until it's perfect
✓ Perfect Consistency: Maintain style across all images
✓ KDP-Ready Files: Automatically formatted correctly