How to Publish a Book: A Step-by-Step Guide ⋆ Reading Trolls

Last updated: November 10, 2026

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is the simplest route for most first-time authors who have a finished manuscript. You can publish an ebook or print-on-demand edition without a traditional publishing contract or an upfront KDP publishing fee. Amazon estimates around three business days for most books to go live after submission, although exceptions apply.

The upload is the easy part. Before readers buy your book, they need to find it, recognize the kind of reading experience it offers, and trust that the writing and presentation meet their expectations. This guide starts with the quickest practical route, then explains other publishing options, costs, royalties, and how to reach your first readers.

Disclosure: This article contains Amazon affiliate links to optional writing resources. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Amazon has not sponsored this article.

The easiest way to publish a book
Amazon KDP: the complete walkthrough
What to prepare before publishing
Publishing without Amazon
Traditional publishing
Self-publishing vs. traditional publishing
Publishing costs and author earnings
How long publishing takes and copyright basics
How to find readers
Common book publishing mistakes
Frequently asked questions
First-book publishing checklist

What Is the Easiest Way to Publish a Book?

For most first-time authors with a finished manuscript, the easiest way to publish a book is Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). You can upload your files, choose a price, and sell Kindle ebooks or print-on-demand books through Amazon. KDP handles the storefront, customer payments, digital delivery, and printing of physical copies ordered by customers.

How to publish a book on Amazon in 8 steps

Prepare your manuscript and cover. Finish editing and format the files for your chosen edition.
Create a KDP account. Complete your identity, tax, and payment details.
Choose a format. Start a Kindle ebook, paperback, or hardcover from your Bookshelf.
Fill in Book Details. Enter your title, author name, description, categories, and keywords.
Complete Book Content. Provide an ISBN if needed, upload your files, and preview the finished book.
Set rights and pricing. Choose the territories where you hold publishing rights, your price, and a royalty option.
Decide on KDP Select. For eligible ebooks, consider Kindle+ (formerly Kindle Unlimited) and the 90-day digital exclusivity requirement.
Submit for publication. After Amazon’s review, check the live listing and sample.

Amazon says a book may take up to another 72 hours to appear in its search results after going live. This is different from the time required to write, edit, and format the book.

Publishing route	How it works	Main trade-off
Amazon KDP	Publish your files directly through Amazon	Easy setup, but your reach depends heavily on Amazon and your promotion
Wide self-publishing	Use other retailers and distribution services	More sales channels, but more accounts, terms, or fees to manage
Traditional publishing	Seek an agent or a publisher and negotiate a contract	Publishing support, but a selective process and typically a longer timeline

How to Publish a Book on Amazon KDP: The Complete Walkthrough

KDP describes title setup in three stages: Details, Content, and Rights & Pricing. For Kindle editions, you’ll see eBook Pricing; print help refers to Paperback Rights & Pricing or the equivalent hardcover page. The eight steps below cover both manuscript preparation and the platform workflow.

Step 1: Prepare your manuscript and cover

At minimum, prepare:

A revised and proofread manuscript.
A cover designed for the correct format and genre.
Correctly formatted files (for example, a compatible EPUB or DOCX for Kindle, or a print-ready PDF for print).
Your title, author name, description, and intended categories.
Permission to use third-party text, photographs, illustrations, and fonts where needed.

Step 2: Create your KDP account

Visit Kindle Direct Publishing and sign in or create an account. Complete the information required for identity verification, taxes, and royalty payments. You can publish under a pen name while keeping the correct legal information in your account.

Step 3: Choose Kindle ebook, paperback, or hardcover

A Kindle ebook is a digital edition. A paperback is printed on demand when ordered, rather than requiring a large print run. KDP also offers case-laminated hardcovers within its supported specifications.

You can offer multiple formats of the same title, but each edition has its own production requirements. A first-time author with a text-only manuscript may find the ebook easier to prepare; authors whose readers prefer print should plan that format from the start.

Step 4: Complete the Book Details page

Enter your book’s language, title, subtitle if relevant, author, contributors, description, publishing rights, categories, and keywords. Some identifying fields are difficult or impossible to edit once a book is published without creating a new edition, so check them carefully.

Write a description that gives readers a reason to click

For fiction, introduce a compelling character, conflict, and stake. Here’s an imaginary fantasy example:

A kingdom without a ruler. A forbidden inheritance. And an archivist who discovers that her country’s history has been rewritten.

When the royal records begin disappearing, she must decide whether the truth is worth the war it could unleash.

For nonfiction, tell readers who the book is for, which problem it addresses, and what they will learn. Keep the description aligned with the actual book rather than making promises your manuscript does not fulfill.

Choose categories and keywords

KDP allows up to three categories and seven keywords or short phrases. Categories should reflect your book’s genre or subject; keywords should describe relevant themes, settings, subgenres, or reader interests. Study comparable books, but don’t copy misleading claims or use unrelated categories to chase rankings.

Step 5: Complete Book Content and preview your files

For print editions, choose printing specifications and an ISBN. Then upload the interior and cover files and run KDP’s preview tools. Check chapter breaks, margins, page numbers, tables of contents, images, cover alignment, and any warnings.

Do you need an ISBN?

KDP doesn’t require an ISBN for Kindle ebooks. For eligible paperbacks and hardcovers, you can generally use a free KDP ISBN or one you obtain from your national ISBN agency.

Choice	What to know
Free KDP ISBN	No purchase needed, but it can only be used through KDP for that print edition
Your own ISBN	Offers more flexibility if you intend to publish the same edition through several compatible distribution services

Paperback and hardcover editions normally need different ISBNs. In the United States, Bowker is the official ISBN agency. An ISBN is an edition identifier, not copyright registration.

For print, order a proof copy when practical. It’s easier to spot an awkward gutter, poor contrast, or a cover misalignment in a physical book than on a screen.

Step 6: Set publishing rights, royalties, and pricing

Choose the territories for which you own the publishing rights and set a list price within KDP’s permitted range. The pricing page also shows estimates for royalties and printing costs.

Kindle ebook royalties: 35% or 70%?

On Amazon.com, a qualifying ebook can use the 70% royalty option at list prices from $2.99 to $12.99. Amazon raised the upper limit from $9.99 on July 7, 2026. Eligibility also depends on territorial and other requirements, including pricing the ebook at least 20% below any physical edition sold on Amazon.

Under the 70% option, Amazon.com generally deducts a $0.15 per MB delivery cost before applying the royalty percentage. The 35% option pays 35% of the tax-exclusive list price without that delivery deduction, subject to the platform’s other rules.

Example: qualifying $4.99 ebook with a 1 MB delivery file (Amazon.com, no applicable VAT or price matching)

Calculation	Amount
List price	$4.99
Delivery deduction	$0.15
Royalty base	$4.84
Author royalty: 70% × $4.84	$3.39

Paperback royalties: the $9.99 threshold

For eligible paperback sales on Amazon.com, the standard royalty rate is 50% at $9.98 or below and 60% at $9.99 or above, before subtracting printing costs.

Using an illustrative printing cost of $4.60:

List price	Rate	Royalty after printing
$9.98	50%	$0.39
$9.99	60%	$1.39
$15.00	60%	$4.40

Different page counts, print settings, and marketplaces change the actual printing cost. Use KDP’s calculator for your own book.

Step 7: Decide on KDP Select and Kindle+ (formerly Kindle Unlimited)

You’ll find the KDP Select enrollment option on the eBook Pricing page. Enrollment can also be managed from your KDP Bookshelf. KDP Select is optional and runs in 90-day periods.

In October 2026, Amazon renamed Kindle Unlimited to Kindle+. The name appears in Amazon’s updated U.S. materials, but display and rollout may differ across international marketplaces. Eligible ebooks enrolled in KDP Select are included in Kindle+, where authors earn from qualifying reading through the KDP Select Global Fund.

Amazon uses Kindle Edition Normalized Pages (KENP) to measure eligible pages read. The payout per normalized page changes monthly; it isn’t a fixed amount per download.

KDP Select requires ebook exclusivity for the enrollment period. Except for the program’s permitted exceptions, you cannot sell or distribute the same digital book through Kobo, Apple Books, Google Play Books, or your own website while it is enrolled. Print editions can continue to be available elsewhere. Review the automatic renewal setting before enrolling.

Step 8: Submit and verify your listing

Submit the book after checking the preview, description, rights, and price. KDP reviews the files against its requirements. For most standard titles, Amazon estimates about three business days, with different or longer timelines for certain formats and first-time accounts.

Once the book is live, open the product page and inspect its cover, title, description, pricing, available formats, and sample when available. Fix any eligible errors through your Bookshelf.

What You Need Before Publishing Your Book

The previous section explained the upload. These preparations make the finished book more likely to satisfy its intended readers.

Edit the manuscript, not just the spelling

Review structure, pacing, consistency, and clarity. For nonfiction, verify claims, examples, and organization; for fiction, test whether scenes, character motivations, and the ending work together. Beta readers who enjoy your genre can identify confusing sections before publication.

Editing can include developmental editing, line editing, copyediting, and proofreading. For practical advice on dialogue, point of view, and exposition, Renni Browne and Dave King’s Self-Editing for Fiction Writers is a useful resource. Stephen King’s On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft offers a broader perspective on writing and revision. Both books are optional reading, not requirements for publishing.

Know who the book is for

Find three to five recent comparable books. Look at their positioning, descriptions, covers, and reader reviews. An epic fantasy featuring political factions creates different expectations from a gentle, character-focused fantasy. Comparable titles help identify reader expectations, not provide a template to copy.

Choose a cover that fits the genre

Your cover should be legible at thumbnail size and communicate the right tone. For print, check the spine and back-cover layout as carefully as the front. Use artwork and typography only with appropriate permissions.

You don’t need to buy every professional service, but spending where it changes the reading experience—especially editing and the cover—often makes more sense than rushing toward a launch date.

How to Publish a Book Without Amazon

Publishing wide means using additional retailers or distribution services instead of relying exclusively on Amazon. These services have different fees, territories, and responsibilities.

IngramSpark: print distribution

IngramSpark provides print-on-demand and wholesale distribution channels that can make books orderable through retailers and libraries. Availability in a distribution catalog doesn’t guarantee a physical bookstore will stock the title.

The standard upload and file revisions are free. On February 1, 2026, IngramSpark increased its market access fee from 1.5% to 1.875%. Print costs, wholesale discounts, and other applicable terms also affect earnings. Calculate compensation for your specific book before committing.

KDP Expanded Distribution vs. IngramSpark

Eligible KDP paperbacks can join Expanded Distribution. KDP calculates its Expanded Distribution royalty at 40% of the applicable list price, minus printing costs, compared with the normal 50% or 60% Amazon paperback rate.

For a $15 paperback with a $5 print cost:

Channel	Calculation	Royalty
Amazon.com standard distribution	60% × $15 − $5	$4.00
KDP Expanded Distribution	40% × $15 − $5	$1.00

IngramSpark uses its own calculation. If you distribute a print edition through both KDP and IngramSpark using the same ISBN, avoid overlapping expanded-distribution arrangements.

Draft2Digital: multi-store distribution

Draft2Digital helps authors distribute ebooks through participating stores and library services. Its 2026 fee structure includes a $20 one-time activation fee for new publishing accounts, a $12 annual maintenance fee for accounts earning under $100 in net book-sale proceeds after D2D’s commission in the preceding 12 months, and a sales commission typically equivalent to about 10% of the ebook’s retail price. Accounts with no active distributed titles are exempt from the maintenance fee.

Barnes & Noble Press, Google Play Books, Apple Books, and Kobo

Barnes & Noble Press offers direct ebook and print-on-demand publishing, primarily useful for reaching U.S. Barnes & Noble customers; online availability doesn’t guarantee shelf placement.

Google Play Books Partner Center supports direct ebook publishing in eligible territories. Its 70% revenue split applies in 60-plus eligible countries to partners who accepted the updated terms. Otherwise, a 52% default or other country-specific arrangement may apply; check the effective split in Partner Center, including exceptions in Asian markets.

Apple Books for Authors and Kobo Writing Life offer further direct options. Check an aggregator’s existing distribution destinations before supplying the same book to a store twice.

You can also sell directly from your own website, but then you need to handle payments, tax compliance, file delivery or shipping, and customer support.

How to Get a Book Published Traditionally

Traditional publishers select manuscripts or proposals and acquire specified publishing rights under a contract. They usually take responsibility for core editorial and production work, while marketing responsibilities depend on the deal.

Step 1: Prepare the right submission package

Most debut novelists are expected to have a complete, revised manuscript. Some nonfiction authors instead approach agents with a proposal, sample chapters, market analysis, and an outline.

Step 2: Find suitable literary agents

Research agents who represent your genre and are open to submissions. Study their clients, submission instructions, and professional background. Major U.S. commercial publishers commonly work with agented submissions, although some independent publishers accept direct approaches.

Step 3: Write a query letter

For a novel, include the title, genre, approximate word count, a sharp premise, and a short relevant biography. A strong opening matters, particularly when agents read many submissions. If you’d like a practical craft reference, The First Five Pages by Noah Lukeman examines common weaknesses in opening pages. Read each agent’s requirements before submitting.

Step 4: Submit and respond to requests

Send materials exactly as requested. An interested agent may ask for more pages or the full manuscript; an offer of representation is not a guaranteed publishing deal. Review the agency agreement and understand the commission and communication process.

Step 5: Review the publishing contract

A publisher’s offer may include an advance against future royalties and a license for particular formats, territories, and rights. Make sure you understand those terms before signing. Watch for supposed agents or publishers who demand money simply to secure a traditional deal; Writer Beware documents common scams.

Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing

Question	Self-publishing	Traditional publishing
Who decides when to release?	Primarily the author, subject to platform rules	Publisher’s agreed schedule
Who pays for production?	Usually the author	Usually the publisher
Who controls editing and cover?	Primarily the author	Shared or publisher-led under the contract
Are advances typical?	No platform advance	Sometimes, depending on the deal
Who manages distribution?	Author through chosen services	Publisher and its partners
Who markets the book?	Primarily the author	Publisher and author, with varying support
How are rights handled?	Usually retained, subject to platform agreements	Specific rights are licensed or transferred by contract

Choose based on your appetite for control, available budget, and publishing ambitions—not the assumption that one route guarantees an audience.

How Much Does It Cost to Publish a Book?

Uploading an eligible title to KDP costs $0, but editing, design, formatting, proof copies, and promotion can require money. Reedsy’s August 2026 analysis, based on more than 230,000 freelancer quotes, estimates $2,940–$5,660 for the professional-service scenarios it examined. That is a market reference, not a mandatory budget.

Expense	Illustrative figures	What affects it
Editing	$2,160–$5,040 for different editing services on an 80,000-word manuscript	Length and depth of work
Cover design	$630–$1,200 for many professional cover projects	Complexity and designer experience
Production and distribution services	Varies, potentially $0 to significant fees	File preparation and chosen platforms
Marketing	From free outreach to paid campaigns	Channels, audience, and goals
KDP upload	$0	Eligible titles have no upfront publishing fee
Print-on-demand	Per-copy cost	Format, pages, ink, and market

The figures come from different project types and should not be added together as a standard estimate. A carefully prepared DIY book can cost less; an illustrated or heavily edited book may cost more.

How much money can an author make?

Using the earlier qualifying $4.99 ebook example, with a $3.39 royalty per sale:

Copies sold	Approximate royalties
10	$33.90
100	$339.00
500	$1,695.00
1,000	$3,390.00

These amounts are before editing, design, advertising, taxes, refunds, or other costs. A lower-priced book that sells 500 copies can earn more than a higher-priced book that sells 100. Neither number tells you what it cost to reach those readers. Kindle+ reading royalties are calculated differently, through the relevant fund and eligible pages read.

How Long Does Publishing Take? And Do You Need Copyright Registration?

Stage	Practical timeframe
Writing and revision	Weeks to years, depending on the project
Editing and file production	Often weeks or months
Standard KDP publication	About three business days after submission, subject to exceptions
Appearance in Amazon search	Up to 72 hours after the listing goes live
Querying agents	Months or longer, with no guaranteed result
Traditional publishing after a deal	Often many months or more

In the United States, copyright generally exists automatically when your original writing is fixed in a tangible form. Registration with the U.S. Copyright Office provides additional benefits and is generally needed, or must be refused, before filing a federal infringement lawsuit concerning a U.S. work. Requirements differ by jurisdiction.

What if you used AI tools?

KDP requires authors to disclose AI-generated text, images, or translations when submitting or updating a book. It distinguishes that from AI-assisted work, such as using a tool to brainstorm or edit material you created yourself. AI-assisted content does not require disclosure to KDP. You are responsible for the rights and quality of all material you publish.

How to Get Readers for Your Published Book

A publishing platform provides distribution. Finding readers depends on the experience your book promises and where its audience is looking.

Match your presentation to the right readers

A cover, description, sample, and categories should all tell a consistent story about the book. Readers of politically complex epic fantasy may be looking for different things than readers of a lighthearted romantic fantasy. Bringing in the wrong audience can result in disappointment even when the advertising gets clicks.

At Reading Trolls, our reviews discuss the reading experience, including characters, pacing, and the strengths and weaknesses of individual books. Explore our book reviews for that reader-first perspective.

Set up Amazon Author Central and Goodreads

Use Amazon Author Central to maintain an eligible author profile, biography, and connected books. Goodreads Author Program lets eligible authors claim their profile after their book is in the Goodreads database. Both can make it easier for interested readers to find your other titles, but neither guarantees traffic or sales.

Contact reviewers and offer ARCs appropriately

Research reviewers who actually cover your genre. A useful pitch includes the title, genre, premise, publication date, review format, and why the book matches their audience. Follow submission guidelines and accept that a reviewer may decline or publish an unfavorable opinion.

Advance reader copies (ARCs) can help reviewers read a book before release. Amazon allows reviews of free advance copies under its rules, but you cannot require a review, demand a positive opinion, or offer improper incentives. Keep review requests transparent and independent.

Build an author website and launch plan

A simple website and newsletter give readers a way to find your books and follow future releases. A practical launch plan starts with finalized copy and cover, outreach to appropriate reviewers, working retail links, and useful posts about the book’s themes and reading experience.

Track what you can actually see: sales, ad spending, newsletter sign-ups, and recurring reader feedback.

Common Book Publishing Mistakes to Avoid

Uploading a manuscript before it has been properly edited or proofread.
Choosing categories or a cover that misrepresent the genre.
Pricing without calculating royalties and production expenses.
Enrolling in KDP Select without understanding digital exclusivity.
Using overlapping print distribution arrangements for the same ISBN.
Assuming that availability on Amazon means readers will automatically discover the book.
Paying businesses that promise guaranteed bestseller rankings, positive reviews, or publishing contracts.

Frequently Asked Questions About Publishing a Book

Can anyone publish a book on Amazon?

Yes, eligible authors and publishers can submit books to KDP if they meet account, content, rights, and formatting requirements. Publication is subject to Amazon’s review.

Can you publish a book without a traditional publisher?

Yes. Self-publishing lets you arrange production and distribution yourself, with or without paid professional help.

Is publishing on KDP free?

KDP doesn’t charge an upfront publishing fee for eligible titles. Editing, design, proof copies, printing costs, or marketing may still cost money.

Do I need an ISBN?

Not for a Kindle ebook on KDP. Standard paperback and hardcover editions need an ISBN, which KDP can supply for eligible books. Requirements differ on other platforms and for certain low-content editions.

How much can an author earn per book?

It depends on the price, format, market, royalty option, file size, and production cost. An eligible $4.99 ebook with a 1 MB file could earn approximately $3.39 per qualifying U.S. sale at the 70% rate, before other possible adjustments.

Do you need a literary agent?

No for self-publishing. An agent is common for submissions to major traditional publishers in the United States, though some small publishers accept direct submissions.

Can I sell my ebook on Amazon and elsewhere?

Yes, unless a contract or program restricts distribution. Kindle ebooks enrolled in KDP Select must observe its digital exclusivity rules during the enrollment period.

Is self-publishing better than traditional publishing?

Neither is universally better. Self-publishing offers control and flexibility; traditional publishing may provide an established production team and distribution arrangements. Consider your goals and the rights you are willing to license.

Your First-Book Publishing Checklist

Finish and revise the manuscript.
Obtain useful outside feedback and complete proofreading.
Identify the genre, target readers, and comparable titles.
Prepare a suitable cover and properly formatted files.
Verify all publishing and artwork rights.
Choose the format, distribution channel, and ISBN approach.
Check title, author name, description, keywords, and categories.
Preview the files and inspect a print proof when practical.
Calculate prices, royalties, fees, and production costs.
Understand any exclusivity or distribution restrictions.
Set up your author presence and a realistic reader-outreach plan.
Verify the live listing after publication.

Final Thoughts

For a first-time author with a completed manuscript, Amazon KDP offers a simple route from a prepared file to a book readers can buy. Traditional publishing and wide distribution offer different benefits, costs, and trade-offs.

Make the technical steps easy, but take the writing, editing, cover, and reader expectations seriously. Those decisions shape what happens after someone clicks on your book.

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