What Amazon KDP is
Kindle Direct Publishing, usually shortened to KDP, lets authors publish ebooks and print-on-demand paperbacks and hardcovers to Amazon's stores. Print copies are produced when a reader orders them, so there is no need to buy a print run in advance. For many authors it is the most direct route to readers on Amazon.
KDP is straightforward to start with, but the details matter. Your files must meet the platform's technical requirements, your metadata (title, subtitle, description, categories and keywords) affects how readers find the book, and choices such as trim size, paper and enrolment options affect cost, availability and earnings.
Who it suits
- Authors who want to be on Amazon quickly without upfront printing costs
- Authors who want both ebook and print-on-demand editions
- Authors comfortable managing their own listing and pricing
- Authors who plan to add wider distribution later
What to prepare before you upload
- A final, proofread manuscript with a clean interior file
- A full-wrap print cover sized to your page count and paper, plus an ebook cover
- A short description that sells the book in its first two lines
- Chosen categories and keywords based on how readers actually search
- Your ISBN plan: use a platform-provided one or your own, understanding what each means for control
- Tax and payment details for your account
Things to weigh up
- Enrolment options can limit where your ebook is sold while you are enrolled, so read the terms first
- Print-on-demand costs depend on page count, trim size and ink, which affects your pricing
- Platform rules and royalty terms change, so check the current KDP help pages before you decide
- Wide distribution to bookstores and libraries often needs an additional channel
How we help
We prepare print and ebook files to KDP's published requirements, design covers to the right dimensions and review your listing text before you publish. We do not publish on your behalf without your approval, and you stay in control of your account and your rights.
- Book Cover Design: Custom front, spine and back covers that fit your genre and meet print and ebook specifications.
- Book Interior Layout & Formatting: Professional print and ebook interiors, from typography and chapter openers to platform-ready files.
- Proofreading: A final, careful check for typos, punctuation and layout errors before your book goes to print.
Common questions
Do I need my own ISBN for KDP?
Not necessarily. KDP can provide an identifier for print books, but it will list the platform as publisher of record for that edition. Using your own ISBN gives you more control. We explain the trade-offs so you can choose.
Can I publish on KDP and other platforms at once?
For print, yes, because the paperback is non-exclusive. For ebooks, it depends on whether you enrol in programmes that require exclusivity, so check current terms before choosing.
What do I need to upload?
An interior file, a cover file, and your book details and pricing. We make sure the files are built to the platform's current templates.
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Platform terms, fees and technical rules change, so check the current help pages of Amazon KDP before you decide. Lulu Publishing Services is independent of Amazon KDP and is not affiliated with it.