Amazon KDP Print-on-Demand
The Beginning of a Self-Publishing Revolution
James had always dreamed of seeing his book in print. After years of writing, editing, and perfecting his manuscript, he realized that traditional publishing might not be the best route for him. That’s when he discovered Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), a print-on-demand service that lets authors publish paperbacks and hardcovers with no upfront costs.
Amazon KDP originated from the merger of Amazon’s Createspace and Kindle Direct Publishing in 2018. Createspace was a separate entity focused on print books, while KDP primarily handled eBooks. The integration streamlined self-publishing into one platform, making it easier for indie authors like James to manage their entire catalog.
What Amazon KDP Offers Self-Publishers
Amazon KDP’s print-on-demand services allow indie authors to publish and distribute physical books without maintaining inventory. Here’s what authors can expect:
1. Services Offered
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Paperback and Hardcover Publishing
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Print quality: Standard trade paperback and hardcover options.
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Trim sizes: Various options available, including 5”x8”, 6”x9”, and more.
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Black and white or color printing.
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Matte or glossy cover finishes.
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Distribution to Amazon’s Global Storefronts
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Expanded Distribution (Optional)
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Available for paperbacks (but not hardcovers).
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Allows books to be sold through libraries and bookstores.
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2. Pricing and Royalties
Amazon KDP follows a straightforward royalty model:
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Paperback and Hardcover Royalties
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Authors receive 60% of the book’s list price, minus printing costs
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Expanded distribution reduces the royalty rate to 40%, as third-party retailers take a share
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Printing Costs
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Costs depend on page count, trim size, and color options.
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Example: A 300-page, black-and-white 6”x9” paperback costs around $4.75 to print
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3. Restrictions
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No spiral binding or custom trim sizes.
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Hardcovers are still in "beta" mode and have limited distribution.
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Expanded distribution does not guarantee bookstore placement.
4. Payment Schedule
Amazon pays royalties approximately 60 days after the end of the month in which the sale occurs. Payments are made via direct deposit, wire transfer, or check (depending on the country)
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5. Accepted File Formats
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Interior: PDF with embedded fonts.
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Cover: PDF, PNG, or JPG (300 DPI, CMYK preferred).
6. Cost to Publish
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There is no upfront cost—authors only pay for printing when an order is placed.
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Amazon deducts the printing cost before calculating royalties.
7. Market Reach
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Available in major Amazon marketplaces, including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.
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Expanded distribution allows books to reach libraries and non-Amazon retailers.
8. Marketing Opportunities
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Amazon Advertising: Authors can promote their books using Amazon Ads.
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A+ Content: Enhanced book descriptions with images and comparison charts.
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Amazon Author Central: A profile page where authors can showcase their books.
9. Ease of Use
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User-friendly interface for uploading and managing books.
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Live preview tools for formatting and cover design.
10. Integration with ScribeCount
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ScribeCount directly integrates directly with Amazon KDP.
Sample Cost Breakdown: An 80,000-Word Book priced at $15.99
We'll publish this 80,000-word book in a 6”x9” paperback format.
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Estimated Page Count: ~300 pages.
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Printing Cost: ~$4.75 per copy.
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Royalty Calculation:
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60% of $15.99 = $9.59.
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Subtract printing cost ($4.75).
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Author Royalty: $4.84 per sale.
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For expanded distribution:
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40% of $15.99 = $6.40.
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Subtract printing cost ($4.75).
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Author Royalty: $1.65 per sale.
Final Thoughts
Amazon KDP remains the most accessible print-on-demand service for self-publishers. With global reach, fair royalties, and a cost-effective publishing model, it’s an excellent choice for authors looking to bring their books to print. However, those seeking bookstore distribution may need to explore additional platforms.
For more details, visit Amazon KDP’s official site.
