The simplest, step-by-step outline for uploading a KDP ebook

KDP – Ebook Setup (The 6 Essential Steps)

Fill out this section completely, as the following items are locked once published (you’d need a new edition to change them):

Language: Select the book’s language.
Book Title & Subtitle: Enter the exact title and any subtitle.
Series Information (If applicable): Enter series name and book number (e.g., Book 1).
Author & Contributors: Enter your primary author name (or pen name).
Description (The Blurb): Write your compelling sales pitch. Use simple HTML (like <p>, <b>, <i>) to format it.
Publishing Rights: Select I own the copyright... (or This is a public domain work...).
Keywords: Enter the 7 best search terms/phrases readers would use to find your book.
Categories: Choose up to 2 categories that best fit your book.
Age and Grade Range (Optional): Set this if appropriate (e.g., for Children’s or YA books).

This is where you upload your book and cover.

DRM: Select “Yes” for Digital Rights Management if you want to prevent unauthorized sharing (most authors do).
Manuscript Upload: Click “Upload eBook manuscript” and select your prepared manuscript .EPUB
Cover Upload: Click “Upload a cover you already have” and select your cover image file (.JPG or .PNG).
Book Preview: MANDATORY. Click “Launch Previewer.” This is critical to ensure your book looks correct on various Kindle devices (tablets, e-readers). Fix any formatting errors before proceeding.

Determine where and for how much your book will sell.

Territories: Usually, select “All territories (worldwide rights).”
Royalty & Pricing: Choose your royalty plan:
- 70% Royalty Plan: Requires a price between $2.99 and $9.99. It offers a higher royalty rate but is limited to certain territories and requires you to pay for delivery costs (tiny fees per MB).
- 35% Royalty Plan: No price minimum/maximum.
Set Price: Enter your desired price for your primary marketplace (e.g., Amazon.com). KDP will automatically calculate prices for other marketplaces, which you can adjust if needed.
KDP Select (Optional): This enrolls your eBook exclusively in Amazon for 90 days in exchange for promotional tools (like Kindle Unlimited and Kindle Countdown Deals).

Amazon states it takes up to 72 hours for your book to go live, but often it’s much faster (sometimes within 12-24 hours).

You will receive an email notification when your book’s status changes from “In Review” to “Live” (meaning it is available for sale).