Publishing a book is no longer a privilege reserved for those who can secure a big traditional publishing deal. Today, with Amazon self publishing, anyone can turn their manuscript into a book and reach millions of readers around the globe.
According to WordsRated, Amazon accounts for more than 80% of ebook sales in the U.S. That means when you publish with Amazon, you’re putting your book in front of the largest audience of readers online.
In this post, we’ll go deep into what Amazon self publishing really is, how it works, the pros and cons, tips to succeed, and even common mistakes to avoid. By the end, you’ll not only understand the process but feel confident enough to take the first step toward becoming a published author.
What is Amazon Self Publishing?
Amazon self publishing is Amazon’s platform (via Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)) that allows authors to upload their manuscripts and sell them as ebooks, paperbacks, or even hardcovers—without the need for a traditional publisher.
Through KDP, Amazon handles printing, distribution, and even customer service. Authors earn royalties on every copy sold, typically between 35% and 70% depending on the format and pricing.
This model has transformed the publishing industry. Instead of waiting months or years for a publishing house to accept your book, you can go live in a matter of days.
Why Choose Amazon Self Publishing?
If you’re wondering why so many writers—from first-time authors to seasoned professionals—are choosing Amazon self publishing, the answer lies in what Amazon makes possible. For decades, publishing a book meant navigating endless rejection letters, waiting months (or years) for approval, and giving away most of your profits to a publishing house. Today, the process is faster, simpler, and more rewarding.
Here’s why Amazon self publishing has become the go-to choice for modern authors:
1. Complete Creative Control
When you publish traditionally, editors and publishers often have the final say on your title, cover design, or even the content itself. With Amazon self publishing, you are the decision-maker. Want to write a 200-page how-to guide with a minimalist cover? Go for it. Prefer a 500-page fantasy series with custom illustrations? That’s your call. Every creative choice is in your hands.
2. Speed to Market
Traditional publishing can take 12–24 months before your book is on the shelf. With Amazon, you can write, edit, and publish in as little as a week. The turnaround time is incredible: upload your manuscript and cover, and your book can be live on the world’s largest marketplace in 72 hours.
3. Global Reach Without Extra Effort
Amazon operates in over a dozen countries and ships worldwide. The moment your book is live, readers in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Asia, and beyond can purchase it. You don’t need international distributors or special deals. For authors writing in niche genres or languages, this kind of reach is priceless.
4. Higher Royalties
Traditional publishing typically gives authors 10–15% royalties. With Amazon self publishing, you can earn up to 70% on ebooks priced between $2.99–$9.99. That means on a $4.99 ebook, you could earn $3.49 per sale compared to less than $1 through a traditional deal.
For indie authors, this isn’t just about money—it’s about fairness. You’re the one doing the writing, and you should keep the lion’s share of the profit.
5. Flexibility and Updates Anytime
Published something and noticed a typo? Want to add a bonus chapter later? Need to adjust your pricing or keywords? With Amazon self publishing, you can update your book anytime. Unlike print runs in traditional publishing, there’s no penalty for making changes. This flexibility keeps your book relevant and professional over time.
6. Passive Income Potential
Think of your book as a digital asset. Once uploaded, it keeps working for you 24/7. Many authors treat Amazon self publishing as a side hustle or even a full-time business, generating consistent monthly income long after the writing is done.
Some authors build entire catalogs of books—guides, cookbooks, novels, or journals—and create multiple income streams from one platform.
7. Built-In Credibility
Amazon is a household name. When your book appears on Amazon, it benefits from the credibility of the world’s largest online retailer. Readers trust Amazon. If they see your book there, it feels legitimate, even if you’re a first-time author.
8. Reader Data and Insights
Through the KDP dashboard, Amazon gives you access to real sales numbers, royalties, and geographic data. This means you can track which books, price points, or keywords are working—and adjust accordingly. Traditional publishers rarely share this level of transparency with authors.
👉 In short, Amazon self publishing is not just about getting your book online—it’s about giving you freedom, reach, and control in a way that was impossible just a decade ago. For anyone serious about writing, it’s the smartest first step into the publishing world.
The Steps to Amazon Self Publishing
Let’s walk through the process step by step.
1. Write and Edit Your Manuscript
Your book is the product. If the writing isn’t polished, nothing else matters. Invest time in editing—self-editing first, then (if budget allows) hiring a professional editor.
Reedsy is a fantastic resource for finding professional editors and learning about the craft of writing.
2. Format Your Book
Amazon requires specific formatting for ebooks and print. Tools like Kindle Create, Scrivener, or Vellum make this easier. A well-formatted book improves readability and reviews.
3. Design a Cover
People really do judge a book by its cover. A professional cover design will dramatically increase your chances of selling. Even if your budget is tight, consider using Fiverr, 99designs, or Canva.
(Image suggestion: A side-by-side comparison of a plain text-only cover vs. a professionally designed one, highlighting the impact of visuals.)
4. Upload to KDP
Head to the KDP website, create an account, and upload your manuscript and cover. Fill in the book details—title, subtitle, description, and keywords (more on this later).
5. Price Your Book
Pricing is tricky. Ebooks priced between $2.99 and $9.99 usually qualify for 70% royalties. Anything lower or higher gives you 35%. Experiment, but don’t undervalue your work.
Later, we’ll publish a dedicated guide on how to price your self published book.
6. Hit Publish
Once you review everything, click publish. Your book will usually go live within 72 hours. Congratulations—you’re officially a published author.
The Role of Keywords in Amazon Self Publishing
One of the most overlooked parts of Amazon self publishing is choosing the right keywords. Writing a great book is step one, but if no one can find it, sales will be slow. Keywords are the backbone of Amazon’s search system. They decide when and where your book shows up in the Kindle Store, paperback search, or even Google search results.
Think of keywords as the bridge between your book and your reader. If someone types “budgeting for beginners” or “romantic fantasy novel” into the search bar, the words you select in your KDP setup determine if your book appears on that list.
Why Keywords Matter on Amazon
Unlike traditional bookstores where a book’s placement is decided by shelf space, Amazon relies almost entirely on its search engine and recommendation algorithm. According to Kindlepreneur, Amazon gives every book up to seven keyword slots (plus metadata from the title and subtitle). Each slot can contain phrases, not just single words, making it critical to choose wisely.
For example, if your book is about low-carb diets, a keyword like “keto recipes for beginners” is far more effective than just “keto.” Longer, more specific keyword phrases are called long-tail keywords, and they help you target readers who are ready to buy.
How to Choose the Right Keywords
- Research Reader Search Terms
Don’t just guess—see what real readers are typing into Amazon. Tools like Publisher Rocket (paid) and Helium 10 (used widely in Amazon SEO) let you explore keyword traffic, competition, and profitability. - Look at Amazon Autofill
Start typing your topic into Amazon’s search bar and watch what autofills. These are real search terms people are actively using. For instance, typing “self publishing” brings up variations like “self publishing guide,” “self publishing success,” and “self publishing on Amazon.” - Balance Competition and Demand
Some keywords are too competitive. If you choose “weight loss,” you’ll be buried under thousands of books. But “weight loss for busy moms over 40” is more specific and gives you a better chance of visibility. - Use Keywords in Multiple Places
Keywords don’t only go in the backend metadata. They should also appear naturally in your title, subtitle, and description. According to Reedsy’s keyword guide, this signals to Amazon’s algorithm that your book is relevant, improving ranking.
Common Mistakes with Keywords
- Stuffing Keywords: Jamming unrelated keywords into your metadata won’t help—it can even hurt visibility.
- Being Too Broad: Short keywords like “romance” or “finance” are too competitive. Always aim for long-tail.
- Ignoring Reader Intent: Keywords should match what your audience is truly looking for. A mismatch leads to fewer clicks and poor conversions.
Amazon rewards books that convert searches into sales. That means the right keywords not only help readers find you, but also improve your ranking when those readers actually buy your book. As Dave Chesson from Kindlepreneur explains, Amazon’s A9 algorithm works by tracking click-through rate, conversions, and reviews—all of which start with being visible for the right keywords.
👉 Bottom line: In Amazon self publishing, keywords aren’t just metadata—they’re your visibility strategy. Choose wisely, and you’ll connect with readers actively searching for your kind of book. Neglect them, and even the best-written book risks getting lost in Amazon’s endless catalog.
The Pros and Cons of Amazon Self Publishing
Like any business model, Amazon self publishing comes with benefits and drawbacks. Understanding both sides will help you decide if it’s the right path for your book.
✅ Pros of Amazon Self Publishing
1. Accessibility for All
One of the biggest advantages is that anyone can publish. You don’t need an agent, publisher, or even prior writing credentials. According to Self-Publishing School, more than 1.4 million self-published books are released annually, proving how accessible the platform has become.
For many writers, this levels the playing field. If you have a story to tell or knowledge to share, Amazon gives you the same stage as bestselling authors.
2. Global Reach
Once your book is live, it’s available on Amazon marketplaces worldwide—from the U.S. to India, Europe, and beyond. That means readers from over a dozen countries can instantly purchase your ebook or paperback.
Traditional publishing often requires complex distribution deals for international sales. With Amazon self publishing, global reach is built in.
3. Faster Time to Market
Publishing traditionally can take 12–24 months. With Amazon, you can write, edit, and publish in a matter of weeks. Books are usually live within 72 hours of submission.
This speed means you can respond to trends, publish timely guides, or release books in a series without long delays.
4. Higher Royalties
Amazon pays up to 70% royalties for ebooks priced between $2.99–$9.99, compared to the 10–15% royalty rate most traditional publishers offer. On a $4.99 ebook, that’s about $3.49 per sale vs. less than $1 through a publishing house.
For authors building a career or side income, this difference is significant.
5. Full Creative Control
From the title and cover to the content and pricing, every decision is yours. If you want to publish a 50-page quick-start guide or a 700-page epic fantasy, Amazon allows it. This freedom lets authors experiment with niches, genres, and formats without restrictions.
6. Long-Term Passive Income
Once published, your book continues to generate royalties without ongoing effort. Some authors build entire catalogs of books—journals, guides, or novels—that together create steady monthly income.
For example, some indie authors report earning a “royalty paycheck” years after their initial release, thanks to Amazon’s evergreen platform.
❌ Cons of Amazon Self Publishing
1. Intense Competition
The same accessibility that makes Amazon appealing also makes it crowded. Millions of books are already available, and thousands are added every day. Standing out requires strong keywords, marketing, and a professional presentation.
2. Marketing is Your Job
Amazon provides the platform but not the promotion. Unlike traditional publishers that sometimes invest in marketing campaigns, with Amazon self publishing the responsibility is yours. You’ll need to promote through social media, email lists, ads, or platforms like Goodreads.
3. Variable Quality Across the Platform
Because anyone can publish, the Kindle Store contains both gems and poorly edited works. Readers know this, and it can make them skeptical. To rise above, you’ll need professional editing, formatting, and design.
4. Royalties Still Have Limits
While Amazon pays more than traditional publishing, it still takes a cut. For ebooks outside the $2.99–$9.99 range, royalties drop to 35%. And for paperbacks, after printing costs, you may earn just $2–$3 per copy sold.
As Kindlepreneur notes, this can be discouraging for authors who expect higher margins.
5. Lack of Prestige (For Some Audiences)
Though the stigma is fading, some circles—especially in academia and literary fiction—still value traditionally published books more highly. Self-published authors may need to work harder to gain credibility.
6. Technical Learning Curve
KDP isn’t overly complex, but it does require learning formatting standards, metadata optimization, and royalty structures. New authors often make mistakes during their first upload. Fortunately, resources like Amazon’s KDP Help Center and blogs like Reedsy can smooth the process.
The Balanced View
Amazon self publishing is not a magic button. It gives you tools, reach, and control—but success still requires work. If you’re ready to wear both the author and entrepreneur hats, the pros far outweigh the cons. But if you’re hoping to hand everything off and just write, the traditional route might be a better fit.
How to Succeed in Amazon Self Publishing
Here are some practical tips to increase your chances of success:
1. Write for a Niche
Broad topics struggle. Specific niches thrive. “Fitness” is too broad, but “Fitness for Busy Moms Over 40” is focused and marketable.
2. Optimize Your Description
Your Amazon book description is your sales pitch. Write it in a way that excites readers. Use short paragraphs, bullet points, and strong calls to action.
(Image suggestion: Screenshot mockup of a book listing page highlighting title, cover, and description.)
3. Collect Reviews
Reviews are the lifeblood of success. Encourage readers to leave honest feedback. Early reviews create trust and boost rankings.
You can use services like Book Reviewers Club (internal reference) to connect with real readers who leave genuine reviews.
4. Promote Outside Amazon
Don’t rely solely on Amazon’s algorithm. Promote your book through Goodreads, social media, email lists, and even ads.
5. Keep Writing
One book is rarely enough to build momentum. Successful authors often have a series or multiple titles.
Common Mistakes in Amazon Self Publishing
Even though Amazon self publishing is accessible, many authors make avoidable errors that hurt their book’s success. These mistakes can mean the difference between a book that sells steadily and one that gets buried in Amazon’s endless catalog.
Here are the most common pitfalls—and how you can avoid them.
1. Skipping Professional Editing
Many new authors rush to publish without proper editing. While tools like Grammarly help with basic errors, they don’t replace a human editor. A book full of typos or awkward phrasing destroys credibility and leads to negative reviews.
As Reedsy points out, “poor editing is one of the most common mistakes in self publishing” and is often the reason readers abandon a book. Even a short book deserves a professional proofread.
Fix: Budget for editing. If you can’t afford a developmental editor, at least hire a proofreader. Alternatively, join a critique group to get feedback before release.
2. Bad Cover Design
Readers really do judge a book by its cover. A homemade design using stock fonts screams “self-published” and can kill sales. According to Kindlepreneur, cover design is the #1 factor influencing click-through rates on Amazon.
A professional cover signals quality before readers even read the blurb. It tells them you invested in your book.
Fix: Hire a designer on Fiverr, 99designs, or use tools like Canva Pro. Study covers in your genre and aim to match their professional look.
3. Poor Formatting
Formatting errors—like broken paragraphs, inconsistent fonts, or weird spacing—make reading difficult and can lead to bad reviews. Amazon even flags poorly formatted books during KDP review.
As SelfPublishing.com notes, many beginners upload Word documents without adjusting margins, headings, or ebook flow, resulting in sloppy presentation.
Fix: Use tools like Kindle Create, Scrivener, or Vellum. Always preview your ebook in Amazon’s Kindle Previewer before publishing.
4. Weak Book Descriptions
Your description is your sales pitch. Too many authors simply paste their back-cover copy into Amazon without optimizing it. A bland or poorly written description won’t convince readers to click “Buy Now.”
Reedsy explains that a strong description should use short paragraphs, bullet points, and emotional triggers to hook readers.
Fix: Think like a marketer. Highlight the benefits of your book, not just the contents. Break up text for easy scanning, and end with a strong call to action.
5. Ignoring Keywords and Categories
One of the biggest mistakes is not using Amazon’s keyword and category system effectively. Without the right keywords, your book won’t show up in searches. Without smart category choices, it will get lost in broad competition.
According to Kindlepreneur, authors who strategically use long-tail keywords and smaller subcategories often see much higher visibility.
Fix: Research keywords using Amazon’s autofill feature or tools like Publisher Rocket. Pick categories with manageable competition where your book has a real chance to rank.
6. Wrong Pricing Strategy
Many first-time authors either overprice or underprice their books. Pricing too high drives away new readers, while pricing too low devalues your work and reduces royalties.
Written Word Media notes that most successful indie ebooks fall into the $2.99–$4.99 range, which balances affordability with decent earnings.
Fix: Start in the $2.99–$4.99 window for ebooks, then adjust based on sales performance. For paperbacks, compare similar books in your genre.
7. Not Building a Marketing Plan
“Write it and they will come” is a myth. One of the most damaging mistakes is uploading a book without any plan for promotion. Amazon’s algorithm rewards books that get early sales and reviews. If your book sits idle, it sinks in rankings.
As BookBub Partners stresses, self-publishing is 50% writing, 50% marketing.
Fix: Before publishing, prepare at least a small campaign:
- Announce to your email list or social media.
- Run a low-cost Amazon Ads or Facebook Ads test.
- Connect with platforms like Goodreads.
- Use services like Book Reviewers Club to gather early, honest reviews.
8. Giving Up Too Soon
Many authors expect instant success. When the first month brings only a handful of sales, they quit. But Amazon self publishing is a long game. Most successful indie authors have multiple books and build momentum over time.
According to ALLi (Alliance of Independent Authors), persistence and multiple titles are key drivers of long-term self-publishing success.
Fix: Don’t stop after one book. Treat it as the foundation for your author career. Keep writing, keep learning, and keep marketing.
The beauty of Amazon self publishing is that mistakes aren’t permanent. Unlike traditional publishing, you can update your book, fix errors, and re-launch with a stronger strategy. The key is to learn from these pitfalls and treat your book like both a creative project and a business.
Real-Life Stories of Amazon Self Publishing
One of the most inspiring parts of Amazon self publishing is seeing how everyday writers have turned it into real success.
Take Amanda Hocking, who started out writing paranormal romance ebooks. Frustrated by rejection from traditional publishers, she uploaded her work to Kindle. Within a year, she sold over a million copies and eventually signed a multi-million-dollar deal.
Then there’s Mark Dawson, a thriller writer who built his career entirely on Amazon. After struggling with early releases, he studied ads, keywords, and reader psychology. Today, he sells millions of books and teaches marketing strategies to other indie authors.
Even niche writers have found success. Rachel Abbott, a former software entrepreneur, self-published her first crime novel on Amazon. It climbed to the top of the Kindle charts in the UK and launched her into a full-time writing career.
These stories prove that Amazon self publishing isn’t just about getting a book online—it can be the start of a life-changing career if paired with persistence, smart marketing, and reader-focused writing.
Amazon Self Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing
Choosing between Amazon self publishing and traditional publishing often comes down to what matters most to you as an author: control, speed, or prestige.
With traditional publishing, you typically need an agent, go through months of pitching, and wait a year or more for release. In exchange, you get professional editing, cover design, and distribution in bookstores. However, royalties are low—usually 10–15% of sales —and creative control is limited. Publishers may change your title, adjust your content, or even reject sequels if the first book underperforms.
By contrast, Amazon self publishing through KDP gives you direct access to readers worldwide. You keep 35–70% royalties, decide your pricing, and can update your book anytime. The trade-off is that all marketing, editing, and design fall on your shoulders. Success depends not only on writing but also on treating your book as a business.
For example, a traditionally published author might see their book on bookstore shelves but wait months for royalty checks. A self-published author could upload a book this week, price it at $3.99, and start earning within days.
Neither path is “better”—it depends on your goals. If you want speed, control, and higher earnings per book, Amazon self publishing is the smarter choice. If you value credibility, prestige, and support, traditional publishing still has advantages.
Tools to Help with Amazon Self Publishing
- Grammarly / ProWritingAid – For polishing your manuscript.
- Scrivener / Vellum / Kindle Create – For formatting.
- Canva / 99designs – For covers.
- Publisher Rocket – For keyword research.
- Mailchimp / ConvertKit – For building your email list.
The Future of Amazon Self Publishing
The industry continues to grow. Audiobooks (via Audible’s ACX) and new print options are expanding opportunities.
More importantly, readers now embrace indie authors as much as traditionally published ones. That means the stigma around self publishing is fading fast.
As technology evolves, the gap between indie and traditional will continue to close.
Final Thoughts
Amazon self publishing has democratized the world of books. If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing your name on a cover, now is the time. Yes, it requires hard work—writing, editing, marketing—but the payoff is worth it.
Your story deserves to be told. And with Amazon, it’s never been easier.
Ready to promote your book? Join us at Book Reviewers Club to get your first honest reviews.