How to prepare your book for KDP release

Publishing on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is one of the most accessible ways to get your book into readers’ hands. But “accessible” doesn’t mean you can upload a raw manuscript and hit publish. A little preparation goes a long way toward a professional release and better discoverability.

Here’s a practical checklist to prepare your book for KDP.

Get your manuscript publication-ready

Your manuscript should be fully edited and proofread. KDP accepts DOCX and PDF for interior files. Use a single, consistent font and formatting. If you’re doing print (KDP Paperback), ensure your trim size, margins, and gutter match KDP’s specs so nothing gets cut off. Export a print-ready PDF from your layout tool or use KDP’s templates.

Create a professional cover

Your cover is the first thing shoppers see. It should look sharp at thumbnail size (most people browse on phones). Use high-resolution artwork (at least 2560 px on the longest side for KDP). Keep title and author name readable at small sizes. If you’re not a designer, consider a premade cover, a designer on Reedsy or Fiverr, or a tool like Canva with a book-cover template.

Write your book description (blurb)

The product description is your main sales copy on Amazon. The first few lines show before “Read more,” so hook readers there. Focus on story and stakes (fiction) or problem and solution (nonfiction). Avoid spoilers and vague praise. Include genre and comparable authors so Amazon’s algorithm and readers know where your book fits. You can use a short version (before “Read more”) and a longer version below.

Choose categories and keywords

KDP lets you pick two categories (e.g. Kindle Store > Romance > Fantasy). Choose the ones where your book best fits and where competition isn’t overwhelming. Then fill all seven keyword slots with phrases readers actually search for: tropes, themes, comp titles, and genre terms. Don’t repeat words from your title or subtitle; use the keyword field to add search terms you couldn’t fit elsewhere.

Set your pricing

Ebooks priced between $2.99 and $9.99 can earn 70% royalty on Amazon in most territories. Below or above that range, royalty drops to 35%. Paperback pricing depends on page count and trim size; KDP shows a minimum list price. Research similar books in your genre to see typical price points, then choose a price that feels fair and fits your goals (visibility vs. profit per copy).

Prepare author and product details

Have your author bio, author central page, and series information (if applicable) ready. Double-check book title, subtitle, and author name for typos. Add the correct publication date and language. If you have an ISBN for print, enter it; otherwise KDP can assign a free one.

Plan your launch day

Decide whether you want a “soft” launch (publish and then promote) or a coordinated launch (newsletter, social, maybe ads on or right after the go-live date). Have your blurb, keywords, and categories finalized before you hit publish so you’re not changing them repeatedly. Once you’re happy with the listing and the files, publish—then focus on marketing and gathering reviews.

Taking time to prepare your book for KDP pays off: a clean interior, strong cover, and clear metadata help your book look professional and get found by the right readers.