Step-by-Step Guide to Uploading a Low Content Manuscript to Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

Introduction

Publishing a low content book, such as a journal, planner, or activity book, on Amazon through Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) involves several key steps. This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring your manuscript is properly formatted, uploaded, proofed, and optimized for sales.

Differences Between KDP and Amazon Paperback Upload

Before diving into the step-by-step process, it’s important to understand the differences between KDP and the traditional Amazon paperback upload.

Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

- **Integrated Platform**: KDP is Amazon’s self-publishing platform that handles both eBooks and print books.

- **Ease of Use**: Designed for ease of use with a streamlined process for authors.

- **Direct Control**: Authors maintain direct control over pricing, royalties, and distribution.

- **Print-on-Demand**: KDP uses print-on-demand technology, meaning books are only printed when ordered, reducing upfront costs and inventory management.

Amazon Paperback Upload (Formerly CreateSpace)

- **CreateSpace Integration**: Previously, CreateSpace was the primary platform for Amazon paperback publishing, now fully integrated into KDP.

- **Full Transition**: All CreateSpace features have been migrated to KDP, offering a unified experience.

- **Historical Use**: Some authors still refer to Amazon paperback upload processes from the CreateSpace era, but KDP now encompasses all features.

With these distinctions in mind, let's proceed with the KDP publishing process.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Uploading Your Low Content Manuscript to KDP

Step 1: Prepare Your Manuscript

1.1 Format Your Manuscript

- **Trim Size**: Choose a standard trim size (e.g., 6x9 inches, 8.5x11 inches).

- **Margins**: Set appropriate margins to ensure no content is cut off.

- **Interior Design**: Ensure the interior pages are designed consistently and are error-free.

- **File Type**: Save your manuscript as a PDF with all fonts embedded.

1.2 Create a Cover

- **Dimensions**: Match the cover size to your chosen trim size plus bleed.

- **File Type**: Save your cover as a PDF.

- **Design**: Ensure the cover design is professional and eye-catching.

Step 2: Set Up Your KDP Account

2.1 Create or Log In to Your KDP Account

- **Visit**: Go to [Kindle Direct Publishing](https://kdp.amazon.com/).

- **Sign In**: Use your Amazon account credentials, or create a new account.

Step 3: Start a New Book

3.1 Create a New Title

- **Dashboard**: Click on "Create" under “Create a New Title.”

- **Paperback or eBook**: Select "Paperback" or "eBook" as appropriate.

Step 4: Enter Book Details

4.1 Paperback Details

- **Book Title**: Enter your book title.

- **Subtitle**: Optionally, enter a subtitle.

- **Series**: Add series information if applicable.

- **Edition Number**: Specify the edition number if not the first.

- **Author**: Enter the author's name.

- **Contributors**: Add names of any contributors.

- **Description**: Write a compelling book description.

- **Publishing Rights**: Select "This is not a public domain work and I hold the necessary publishing rights."

4.2 Keywords and Categories

- **Keywords**: Enter up to 7 keywords or phrases.

- **Categories**: Select appropriate categories for your book.

4.3 Age and Grade Range

- **Optional**: Set the age and grade range if relevant.

Step 5: Upload Your Manuscript and Cover

5.1 Manuscript Upload

- **Upload**: Click “Upload paperback manuscript” and select your PDF file.

5.2 Book Cover Upload

- **Cover Creator**: Use KDP’s Cover Creator tool if needed.

- **Upload**: Click “Upload your cover file” and select your PDF cover file.

5.3 Preview Your Book

- **Launch Previewer**: Click “Launch Previewer” to review your book.

- **Approve**: Approve the preview if everything looks correct.

Step 6: Order Proof Copies

6.1 Order Proof

- **Order Proofs**: Before finalizing your book for sale, order proof copies to check the print quality.

- **Review Proofs**: Carefully review the proofs for any errors or quality issues.

- **Make Adjustments**: If necessary, adjust your manuscript or cover and re-upload the files.

Step 7: Rights and Pricing

7.1 Territories

- **Select Territories**: Choose where you have distribution rights, usually "All territories (worldwide rights)."

7.2 Pricing and Royalty

- **Pricing**: Set your primary marketplace and list price.

- **Royalty**: Select your royalty rate (35% or 70%).

Step 8: Publish Your Book

8.1 Review and Publish

- **Review**: Ensure all details are correct.

- **Publish**: Click “Publish Your Paperback Book.”

8.2 Confirmation

- **Email Notification**: KDP will email you once your book is published, typically within 72 hours.

### Step 9: Post-Publication

#### 9.1 Monitor Sales

- **KDP Dashboard**: Track sales and royalties.

#### 9.2 Update as Needed

- **Revisions**: Make updates to your manuscript or cover and republish as needed.

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Summary

Publishing a low-content book on KDP involves:

- **Preparation**: Properly format your manuscript and cover.

- **Account Setup**: Create or log in to your KDP account.

- **Details Entry**: Enter book details including keywords and categories.

- **File Upload**: Upload your manuscript and cover files.

- **Proofing**: Order and review proof copies to ensure quality.

- **Rights and Pricing**: Set distribution rights, pricing, and royalty preferences.

- **Publishing**: Publish your book and monitor sales.

By following these steps, you can successfully publish your low-content book on Amazon, ensuring it is properly formatted and optimized for maximum visibility and sales.

Lesson Summary

Publishing a low-content book on Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) involves several key steps:

• Preparation: Properly format your manuscript and cover.
• Account Setup: Create or log in to your KDP account.
• Details Entry: Enter book details including keywords and categories.
• File Upload: Upload your manuscript and cover files.
• Proofing: Order and review proof copies to ensure quality.
• Rights and Pricing: Set distribution rights, pricing, and royalty preferences.
• Publishing: Publish your book and monitor sales.

By following these steps, you can successfully publish your low-content book on Amazon, ensuring it is properly formatted and optimized for maximum visibility and sales.