Guide for writers: How to properly format your book for KDP

 

To properly format your book for KDP, you need to prepare your manuscript, set margins and typography, use headings, format images and graphics, use the MOBI, EPUB, or PDF formats, and meet Kindle's dimensions.

At Jordi Ordóñez, we've prepared this guide for writers who wish to publish their book on Amazon KDP. We'll explain how to format your book for Kindle and answer some frequently asked questions about this platform.

What is Amazon KDP and why is it important for writers?

Amazon KDP is a self-publishing platform that allows authors to publish their eBooks and printed books without the need for a traditional publisher. The best part is that Amazon handles the global distribution, giving you the opportunity to reach millions of readers.

Publishing on KDP is free, and you can set your own prices, choose your royalty percentages (the amount you earn per sale), and decide on distribution options. However, for your book to be accepted on KDP and look professional, it is crucial that it is well-formatted.

You may also be interested in our eBook Guide to Selling on Amazon.

What format does KDP accept for eBooks?

Amazon KDP supports various formats for eBooks, but the most recommended ones are:

• MOBI: This is the native format for Kindle devices. While KDP accepts other formats, it is recommended to convert your file to MOBI to get an optimized reading experience.
• EPUB: Although KDP doesn’t accept EPUB files directly for Kindle, if you upload a file in this format, Amazon will automatically convert it to a Kindle-compatible file.
• PDF: Although you can upload a PDF to KDP, it’s not recommended for eBooks. The PDF format is more suitable for print books and may lose quality during conversion.

The general recommendation is to work in EPUB or MOBI format and ensure that the content looks good on all Kindle devices, from the Kindle Paperwhite to the Kindle app on phones and tablets.

How to format your book for Kindle

The formatting process for Kindle is essential. If not done correctly, elements like margins, fonts, or chapter organization may look disorganized on Kindle devices. Here's how to do it effectively:

Step 1: Prepare your manuscript

Before starting the formatting, make sure your manuscript is complete and ready. Use a word processor like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or any editor that allows you to export a clean file.

Step 2: Set margins and typography

In a Word file, margins should be set to the standard: 2.54 cm on all sides. The font should be simple and easy to read, like Times New Roman or Arial, with a font size between 11 and 12 points.

Step 3: Use styles for headings

KDP leverages heading styles (e.g., H1 for the chapter title and H2 for subheadings) to automatically generate the table of contents. Ensure that chapter titles are correctly marked using the heading styles offered by Word or Google Docs. This not only makes reading easier but also improves navigation on Kindle devices.

Step 4: Format images and graphics

If your book includes images, make sure they are in an appropriate format (e.g., JPEG or PNG). Additionally, the images should have a reasonable file size to avoid long loading times. It's also important to make sure the images are properly aligned with the text.

What format should books be for Kindle?

Most eBooks published on KDP are in MOBI or EPUB format, but the most important thing is to meet Kindle’s dimensions. This means your file proportions should be suitable for Kindle device screens, which are smaller than a computer screen. Generally, it’s recommended that your file have a width of 1563 pixels and a height of 2500 pixels. While KDP handles file conversions, it’s better to adjust these proportions beforehand.

How much does Amazon KDP charge to publish?

One of the greatest advantages of KDP is that publishing is free. There are no fees for uploading your book or for keeping it on the platform. However, Amazon takes a commission on each sale, which varies depending on the royalty option you choose:

• 70% royalty: If your book price is between $2.99 and $9.99 USD, Amazon pays you 70% of the sale price.
• 35% royalty: If the price is outside this range (e.g., $0.99 or $15.99), you’ll receive 35% of the royalties.

It’s important to set a price that allows you to make a profit while also being competitive in the market.

How long does KDP take to pay authors?

Amazon KDP pays every 60 days after the sale date. Payments are made via bank transfer or direct deposit, depending on the option you choose during the setup process. You can also track your earnings through your KDP account.

How to use Kindle Create to format your book correctly

One incredibly useful tool that Amazon offers is Kindle Create, a free software designed specifically to help you format your book. Kindle Create allows you to:

• Convert your Word file into a Kindle-compatible format.
• Preview how your book will look on different Kindle devices.
• Easily add images, tables of contents, and other elements.

With Kindle Create, you don’t need to be an expert in formatting to create a professional-looking book.

How to publish a book on Amazon

Once your book is correctly formatted, you can proceed to publish it. The process is straightforward:

1. Create a KDP Account: If you don’t already have an account, sign up on KDP with your Amazon account.
2. Upload Your File: Upload your book file in MOBI or EPUB format.
3. Define Your Book Details: Write the title, description, keywords, and choose the appropriate categories.
4. Set the Price: Define the price for your book and royalties.
5. Publish Your Book: Click “Publish” and your book will be available on Amazon in a few days.

Download Amazon templates

If you don’t feel comfortable formatting your book from scratch, Amazon offers downloadable templates to make the process easier. These templates provide a basic format for your book and can be used with Microsoft Word or Google Docs.

How to sell your book on Amazon KDP

Once your book is published, your job isn’t over. To sell your book on Amazon, you’ll need to promote it. Some strategies include:

• Optimize your book description: Use keywords related to your topic to improve visibility.
• Request reviews: Ask readers to leave a review after purchasing the book.
• Run promotions: Use KDP tools to run discounts or time-limited promotions. For example, you can check out the Lectómetro Escolar for kids aged 5 to 7, which is a great example of a book targeting a specific age group.

If you have any questions about the formatting process or self-publishing on Amazon KDP, feel free to contact us. At Jordi Ordóñez, we can help you optimize your book and ensure that it is ready for launch on Amazon. We’re here to support you every step of the way in your journey to success as an independent author!

Also, check out Quenarras for more resources on book publishing and writing.

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