What You Need to Know About Amazon KDP (Before Self-Publishing!)
Uploading your book to and having it on Amazon is what most authors are doing these days. In addition to being a great print on demand option both for you and your readers, it gives you some pretty sweet street cred to tell others your a published author on Amazon. If you're considering publishing your book through Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), it's essential to understand the approval process before you hit that "publish" button.
While KDP offers an accessible platform for independent authors, there are both pros and cons to navigating its system. In this blog post, I'll walk you through what to expect from the KDP approval process and share some tips to help you prepare.
Getting Your Manuscript Ready
Before you even think about uploading your book to KDP, it's crucial that your manuscript is polished, formatted correctly, and ready to go. Whether you're publishing fiction, non-fiction, a children's book, a journal, or a workbook, everything from the interior file to the cover must meet KDP's specifications. This includes ensuring the correct trim size and making sure your cover fits properly based on the number of pages in your manuscript.
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The Approval Timeline
Once your files are uploaded, the approval process begins. KDP states that this process can take a minimum of 72 hours. However, I recommend planning for a longer wait—potentially 7 to 14 days. This time frame can vary depending on several factors, including whether any errors or fixes are required.
Unlike publishing a blog post, where you hit "publish" and your content goes live immediately, KDP involves multiple steps, including both AI and human reviews. These checks ensure that everything in your book—from the title to the interior content—meets their standards.
Potential Roadblocks
In recent months, I've noticed that KDP has become increasingly stringent with its approval process, particularly when it comes to titles, subtitles, and keywords. For example, in some cases, KDP flagged titles as potentially misleading, even when they seemed perfectly clear and accurate. This can happen even with something as straightforward as an "Anxiety Support Journal."
To avoid delays, consider carefully reviewing the language in your title and subtitle, especially if you're publishing a journal or workbook. Also, be meticulous with your keywords and book description. Misleading promises or references to other authors can trigger additional scrutiny and delay your book's approval.
Planning Your Launch
If you're planning a public launch, timing is everything. To ensure a smooth release, I recommend setting your launch date at least 2 to 3 weeks after you hit "publish" on KDP. This gives you a buffer period in case KDP requires any changes or fixes.
For those publishing a full book (non-fiction, fiction, children's book), KDP offers a scheduled release option. However, this option isn't available for low-content books like journals or notebooks. Even with a scheduled release, it's wise to allow 3 to 4 weeks to accommodate any unexpected delays.
What If Your Book Goes Live Early?
If your book becomes available on Amazon before your planned launch date, don't panic! Continue with your marketing strategy and stick to your original launch date. Early availability won't negatively impact your sales or promotional efforts. In fact, it might generate some early interest.
Publishing a book on KDP in 2024 requires patience and preparation. The approval process is more detailed and time-consuming than it has been in the past, so it's crucial to plan accordingly. By understanding the steps involved and preparing for potential roadblocks, you can set yourself up for a successful book launch.
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