By BWC Team in 2023
If you want to publish a book on amazon it can be an incredibly rewarding experience. As an author, you get to share your story and perspective with the world. However, before you take the plunge into publishing, it’s important to understand the process - especially if you plan to self-publish your book on Amazon.
Self publishing has grown exponentially over the past decade, fueled by Amazon’s self-publishing services. Their flagship self-publishing platform, Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), has made it easier than ever for authors to publish their own eBooks. In fact, Amazon dominates the self-publishing market, with Kindle books alone accounting for over 80% of all eBook sales in the US.
So if you’re planning to self-publish, Amazon is an essential platform to leverage. But this also means understanding how to optimize your book to succeed on Amazon is important. Their platform involves specific guidelines, tools, and algorithms. Learning the ins and outs of publishing on Amazon can save you time, energy, and frustration down the road.
Here are the 7 things that authors need to know before they can publish a book on amazon:
Before you can publish a book on amazon, you first need to whip your manuscript into shape. Self-published books live or die based on the quality of the content itself.
Every writer needs an editor, and this doesn’t change for self-publishing. Professional editing brings a fresh perspective to your work. A good editor will polish your manuscript by catching lingering grammar and spelling errors, fixing pacing and structural issues, and providing constructive feedback to improve the overall quality of the book.
If hiring a professional editor isn’t feasible, be your own editor to the best of your ability. Print out your manuscript and read it carefully several times over, making notes on errors and areas for improvement. Reading aloud can also help catch awkward phrasing. Use editing tools to check for grammatical issues. Recruit trusted friends and family to be beta readers and provide feedback. The more polished your manuscript, the better received your book will be.
The next step is properly formatting your manuscript. This includes elements like fonts, margins, spacing, indents, headers, page numbers, and more.
For eBooks, you’ll need to format specifically for digital screens and devices. Amazon has Kindle eBook formatting guidelines available to consult. For print books, standard manuscript format applies. Whichever format you choose, pay close attention to Amazon’s specifications to avoid reformatting issues later.
Specialized eBook formatting softwares can streamline the process, but takes some learning. For simpler print formatting, Microsoft Word’s built-in styles work fine. The clearer and more professional your formatting, the better reading experience for your future readers.
They say don’t judge a book by its cover, but let’s be real - readers totally do. Your cover is the very first impression readers will get of your book. An amateur book cover screams badly for a newbie author. A captivating cover conveys quality and entices readers to give your book a chance.
For DIY cover design, Canva provides user-friendly design templates. But hiring a professional eBook cover designer is often worth the investment. Check portfolios to find a designer familiar with eBook cover conventions.
Either way, effective book covers share common elements. Compelling imagery relevant to your book draws the eye. Clear, bold typography spells out the title, author name, and other text. Thoughtful use of color evokes the right mood. And the overall composition is visually appealing.
Your cover visually represents your story, so take the time to get it right. It could make all the difference in converting potential readers.
Pricing your book is an important decision. Set your price too low and you lose potential earnings. Price it too high and you risk deterring buyers.
Take the time to research competitor prices within your genre and consider these factors below before trying to publish a book on Amazon:
The longer the book, the higher you can justify pricing it. Novellas and short stories may warrant a lower price point.
A higher quality book allows you to command a premium price. This means stellar writing/editing plus a professionally designed cover.
Existing fans/followers enable higher pricing. But as a new author, start on the lower end.
Know your readership. A book targeting a specialized niche or eager fans can sustain higher prices.
Amazon offers pricing guides based on word count. Use these as a baseline, but also browse categories and best seller lists to get a feel for competitive pricing. Price within the norms for books of similar type, length, and audience.
Your Amazon book description (book blurb) is a vital element. In just a few paragraphs, you must capture attention and compel browsing readers to give your book a chance.
Open with a powerful hook reflecting your book’s premise or central theme. Focus on key details and highlights without excessive plot summarizing. Share just enough to pique interest without unnecessary spoilers.
Use clear, concise language. Break up lengthy paragraphs for enhanced readability. Close with a call to action for finding out more by purchasing the book.
Formatting also helps engage readers. Boldface key titles, topics or quotes. Use bullet points to highlight selling points. Check out competitor book descriptions within your genre for effective examples to model.
The sense of fulfillment in becoming a published author is unmatched. But a successful book launch doesn’t happen by accident. Understanding the ins and outs when you publish a book on Amazon empowers you to make strategic, informed choices as an author.
Remember that writing the book is only the first step. Commit to continuous learning and growth on your self-publishing journey. Stay adaptable but persistent in sharing your message and stories with the world.
Look no further – Book Writing Cube is here to guide you through every step of your publishing journey! Sign up now!
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