If you are looking for the self-publishing tools formerly known as CreateSpace, you have likely noticed that the service has moved. Amazon has integrated its print-on-demand services into Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) to provide a single, streamlined platform for authors. This transition allows you to manage both your digital ebooks and your physical paperbacks from one central dashboard.
Navigating the world of self-publishing can feel overwhelming at first, but the modern KDP platform is designed to be user-friendly. Whether you are a first-time author or a seasoned professional, understanding how to use these tools is essential for getting your work into the hands of readers. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about publishing and managing your books on Amazon’s current platform.
The Transition to Kindle Direct Publishing
For many years, CreateSpace was the go-to destination for independent authors who wanted to see their work in print. However, to simplify the process, Amazon merged these services. Now, Kindle Direct Publishing handles everything from digital distribution to print-on-demand physical books.
This change is beneficial because it allows for faster updates and better reporting. Instead of checking two different websites for sales data, you can see all your royalties and distribution metrics in one place. If you had books on the old platform, they have likely already been moved to your KDP account automatically.
Setting Up Your Publishing Account
To get started, you will need an Amazon account. If you already have a standard Amazon shopping account, you can use those credentials to sign in to the KDP website. Once you are in, you will need to complete your profile before you can publish.
- Tax Information: You must provide tax identity information to comply with legal requirements and ensure you get paid.
- Payment Method: Enter your bank account details so Amazon can send your royalty payments via direct deposit.
- Contact Details: Ensure your legal name and address are correct for official correspondence.
Completing these steps early ensures that your publishing process is not delayed when you are ready to launch your book. It also helps Amazon verify your identity and protect your intellectual property.
Preparing Your Manuscript for Print
One of the most important steps in self-publishing is formatting your manuscript. Because KDP uses print-on-demand technology, your file must meet specific requirements to ensure it looks professional when printed. Unlike ebooks, physical books require precise margins and page layouts.
Choosing Your Trim Size
The trim size is the physical dimension of your book. Common sizes include 6 x 9 inches for standard paperbacks or 5.5 x 8.5 inches for smaller novels. Your choice of trim size will affect how you format your margins and how many pages your book will have.
Formatting Margins and Bleed
When printing a book, you must account for the gutter, which is the space where the pages are glued into the spine. You also need to decide if your book has “bleed.” Bleed is when images or colors extend to the very edge of the page. If your book is mostly text, you likely do not need bleed, but you must still ensure your margins are wide enough to keep the text from being cut off.
Designing a Professional Book Cover
Your book cover is the first thing a potential reader sees, so it needs to be high-quality. KDP offers a tool called the Cover Creator, which can help you design a basic cover using templates and your own images. However, many authors choose to hire a professional designer or use external software like Canva or Photoshop.
If you upload your own cover, it must be a single PDF file that includes the front cover, the spine, and the back cover. The width of the spine is calculated based on the number of pages in your manuscript and the type of paper you choose. Amazon provides a calculator to help you determine the exact dimensions required for your file.
The Step-by-Step Publishing Process
Once your files are ready, you can begin the upload process in your KDP dashboard. The process is broken down into three main sections: Paperback Details, Paperback Content, and Paperback Rights & Pricing.
1. Entering Book Metadata
This section is where you enter your book title, subtitle, author name, and description. The description is your primary marketing tool on the Amazon sales page, so make it engaging. You will also choose categories and keywords to help readers find your book when they search the Amazon store.
2. Uploading and Previewing
After entering the details, you will upload your manuscript and cover files. Once they are uploaded, use the “Launch Previewer” tool. This is a critical step that allows you to see exactly how the book will look when printed. It will flag any errors, such as text that is too close to the edge or images with low resolution.
3. Setting Your Price and Distribution
Finally, you will choose the territories where you want to sell your book and set your retail price. KDP will show you exactly how much it costs to print each copy and what your royalty will be for every sale. You can also choose “Expanded Distribution,” which makes your book available to libraries and bookstores outside of Amazon.
Ordering Proofs and Author Copies
Before you hit the publish button, it is highly recommended that you order a physical proof copy. This allows you to hold the book in your hands and check for any typos or formatting issues that you might have missed on the screen. Proof copies have a “Not for Resale” watermark on them.
Once the book is live, you can order “Author Copies” at the cost of printing. These are great for selling at local events, giving to friends and family, or sending to reviewers. Ordering your own copies is often much cheaper than buying the book at its retail price on the Amazon website.
Managing Your Existing Catalog
If you previously used other services and need to find your books, they should appear in your KDP Bookshelf. From here, you can edit the details of your books, change the pricing, or view sales reports. The reporting tab provides real-time data on how many copies you have sold and how much you have earned in royalties.
If you find that a book is missing from your dashboard, you can contact KDP support. They have a dedicated team to help authors sync their old accounts and ensure all intellectual property is correctly assigned to the right owner.
Conclusion
Transitioning from older platforms to Amazon KDP is a positive step for any independent author. The combined power of ebook and print-on-demand services makes it easier than ever to manage your writing career from a single location. By following the proper formatting guidelines and taking the time to preview your work, you can produce a professional-quality book that rivals those from traditional publishers.
Now that you understand the process, you can focus on what matters most: writing your next great story. For more tips on digital services and navigating online platforms, explore our other helpful guides to stay informed and productive.