How to Publish a Book on Amazon and Make Money

This post may contain affiliate links and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Full disclosure policy here.

Learn how to publish on Amazon and make money. It will surprise you how easy it is to use Amazon KDP to start making money with your book.

Woman sitting on floor with laptop, tablet, glasses, coffee, phone, notebook, and shoes.

Traditional publishing is great and has its place but it’s not right for all people and all books. Self-publishing can work really well for a lot of authors and books.

Amazon is one of the easiest places to publish your book and get it to your audience quickly and start making money right away.

Why You Should Self-Publish on Amazon

In addition to making money from the book directly, the book can be a gateway into your marketing funnel, thereby increasing your earnings after you’ve sold the book.
Self-publishing is a lucrative business for authors (On Amazon KDP, some authors earn up to $40K every month!). Being self-published does not mean receiving prestigious recognition from a big publishing house. It’s about delivering the information to your audience and making money.
No matter the writing piece type (fiction or non-fiction), you’re still likely to make great money. Amazon Kindle sales are more lucrative than working with an agent and publisher unless you are already wealthy or famous.
While there are many stories about self-publishing’s terrible side, there are also plenty of stories about publishing’s cutthroat side. What’s more, are you aware that publishers sometimes buy books with no plans to market them? You won’t make any money with most publishing houses unless you are already famous and your book is particularly juicy.

Now, you know that writing for Amazon Kindle is a great choice to earn a living while keeping your writing passion alive. But first, you need some vital things to start your journey.

woman on floor in high heels working on laptop

How to Publish on Amazon and Make Money

First and foremost, a well-written manuscript: Do not try publishing a book with errors or other problems and expect not to be called on them because it is self-published.

Formatted-properly manuscripts: Your book needs to be compatible with Amazon’s directions listed widely on their website. In the end, the way they do it is the only way to go.

A compelling cover for your book: Hire a graphic designer if you’re unfamiliar with this process. As a thumbnail, your book’s cover should capture your attention and look great in full size.

Technical matters: It’s essential to understand how search engine optimization helps sell books and use it to your benefit when you set up your book. The KDP community has a lot of information on this you can learn.

Now, let’s dive into how to self-publish with a step-by-step guide:

Step #1. Sign Up for An Amazon KDP Account

There is no charge for signing up for Amazon KDP. You must use your real name and information. Once this account is set up, you can use Pen Names. For the initial process, you must provide your Tax ID number (or social security number) and other details.

Step #2: Follow the System’s Directions

After setting up your account, you will be able to upload your book, add the title, subtitle (which will give you good SEO), author information, and so on. In addition to the book description, you will want to enter keywords as well. You will be guided through each area by the system. These sections are crucial, so make sure you fill them out correctly.

Once the book is uploaded, its cover and all other information will be available for viewing. There will be a 48-72 hour waiting period for approval. You’ll be all set if you follow all the prompts and the terms of service.

The final step is to market your book once it has been published. In fact, starting to market it before publication results in more sales right from the beginning. Since Amazon is the primary book market today, some people do nothing but write and upload books and make a living from them.