Self-Publish a Non-Fiction Book on Amazon KDP

A Step-by-Step Guide for Entrepreneurs & Industry Pros to leverage their Thought Leadership

When I published Pieces of a Woman on Amazon KDP, I thought I had everything figured out—until I received my first proof copy. What is a proof copy?

A proof is a printed version of your book that allows you to check for errors before it goes live. It’s your chance to ensure the cover, formatting, and text look exactly as intended.

The cover design looked stunning on my screen, but in print? The colors were off, the spine text was slightly misaligned, and I realized firsthand why ordering a proof is non-negotiable. That experience, along with helping other clients navigate KDP, taught me valuable lessons—lessons I wish I had known sooner.

If you're an entrepreneur, speaker, coach, or industry professional looking to publish your thought leadership book, Amazon KDP is a powerful tool. It offers global distribution, print-on-demand services, and easy setup—perfect for someone with your busy schedule. But don’t let the convenience fool you—Amazon KDP won’t fix the details for you.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you avoid common pitfalls and successfully self-publish on Amazon KDP.

Step 1: Create an Amazon KDP Account for Self-Publishing

Head over to Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and create an account. Yes, KDP has a separate portal just for book publishing. No, you can’t use your Amazon Prime account for this.

Once your account is created, store your credentials carefully—KDP’s system is case-sensitive, and login errors can cause unnecessary frustration. During setup, you’ll also enter your tax information and banking details to ensure you receive royalty payments.

Step 2: Amazon KDP Formatting Tips for Manuscripts and Covers

Before uploading, format your manuscript properly. Heavy on the properly! KDP requires specific margin and page size settings, and your book must meet a minimum page count for print. This is where a professional editor and book formatter can make a huge difference.

Book Cover Formatting for Amazon KDP

Your book cover must meet Amazon’s exact specifications. If it's even slightly off, it may print incorrectly—or worse, get rejected by the system altogether. I learned this the hard way—so double-check the dimensions and follow Amazon’s template to the tee.For more details, refer to Amazon’s official KDP formatting guidelines.

Step 3: Optimize Your Book for Discoverability on Amazon

Once your manuscript and cover are ready, upload them to KDP. You’ll need to enter:

✅ Your book title and subtitle—make them keyword-rich for better search visibility. 

✅ A compelling book description—this is your sales pitch, so make it count! 

✅ Categories and keywords—choose wisely, as these determine how easily readers find your book.

Step 4: Pricing Your Book on Amazon KDP

Amazon KDP gives you full control over pricing, but be strategic. Nonfiction paperback books typically range from $19.97 to $24.95. Consider your audience, industry standards, and competitor pricing before setting your price.

You’ll also decide whether to enroll in Kindle Unlimited (KU), Amazon’s subscription program that allows readers to access your book for free while you earn royalties based on pages read. If your priority is building readership, KU can be a great option.

Step 5: How to Capture Leads from Your Book

One major downside of KDP- you don’t get access to buyer emails. That means you need a strategy to capture leads inside your book. So this is what you do:

✔️ Include a lead magnet—such as a free worksheet, guide, or exclusive content. 

✔️ Link it to your website or email list—so readers stay connected with you beyond the book.

Hows's that for increasing your following, owning your community, and developing your ecosystem.

This small step ensures that your book doesn’t just sell—it builds your brand and fuels future business opportunities.

Ready to Publish?

Publishing on Amazon KDP is a smart move for thought leaders who want to expand their reach and authority. But the real key to success isn’t just getting your book online—it’s making sure it works for you.

Want a complete roadmap to self-publishing? Get Publish Your Expertise—your step-by-step guide to nonfiction book publishing and brand-building