ChatterBank2 mins ago
Self Publishing On Amazon
Anyone here self published a book through Amazon / KDP, and if so any tips or warnings?
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For more on marking an answer as the "Best Answer", please visit our FAQ.If I ever finish the book I'm writing, I'll publish it on Amazon under a pseudonym. If you're thinking of doing the same, this might help:
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I have just a toe in the water, Theblip. My son-in-law (good at computers) undertook publishing a few of my short stories on Amazon for downloading to Kindles. He struggled and found it v. difficult, succeeded in the end, but if you want to keep them 'live' you have to keep them so.
I belong to a writing group and we have just published our 3rd anthology (great Xmas presents everyone, easy to post!!) through a terrestrial firm.
I shall sell some for charity as well as using some for gifts. The chap who actually does it, self-publishes his own books through this firm. Initial outlay involved as copies become cheaper the more you buy, so you need to buy quite a few. He then attends fairs, fetes etc., and sells them.
I only know one chap who manages OK on line - an ex-headmaster who spends 15 hrs a day on his writing and publishing.
I do know that people have had problems with Amazon.
Self-publishing through Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) can be a rewarding experience, but it requires careful planning and effort. First, ensure your book is professionally edited to eliminate errors and create a polished manuscript. A high-quality, eye-catching cover design is crucial, as it plays a significant role in attracting potential readers. Optimize your book’s discoverability by selecting relevant keywords and categories on KDP, and write a compelling book description that highlights what makes your book unique. Consider pricing your book competitively by researching similar titles in your genre and, if it aligns with your strategy, enrolling in KDP Select, which provides benefits like inclusion in Kindle Unlimited and promotional tools. Marketing your book is essential—leverage social media, email lists, and ads on platforms like Amazon or Facebook to reach your audience. Encourage early reviews from friends or existing readers to boost credibility, but always adhere to Amazon's guidelines to avoid penalties. Be aware of KDP's exclusivity rules if you opt for KDP Select, as you won’t be able to sell your eBook on other platforms. Finally, keep an eye on your sales data to refine your strategy over time. While self-publishing gives you control and flexibility, success often requires consistent effort in promotion and quality assurance.