You’ve written a book—or maybe you’re finally ready to start—and now you’re wondering: How do I get this book published without waiting forever or spending thousands?
Good news: self-publishing on Amazon is one of the fastest, cheapest, and most powerful ways to turn your book into a real product and start earning money from your words. I’ll be sharing my process that I use at Estorytellers to help you better. Whether you’re in India, the U.S., or anywhere else in the world, Amazon makes it surprisingly accessible to publish your work globally.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- How to self publish on Amazon step-by-step
- How to make real money from your self-published book
- What Indian authors need to know about publishing on Amazon India
Let’s start by understanding why Amazon is the first choice for most new authors.
Why Amazon Is the Best Platform for First-Time Self-Publishers
Amazon isn’t just the world’s largest bookstore—it’s the most accessible platform for self-publishing.
Through Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), Amazon lets anyone publish an eBook or paperback for free, distribute it globally, and start making money within days. You don’t need a literary agent, a warehouse of printed books, or a traditional publisher’s approval.
Key reasons Amazon is ideal for new authors:
- Massive reach: Amazon controls over 80% of the eBook market in the U.S. and holds a huge share globally.
- Free and fast: Upload your book today, and it can be live within 72 hours.
- Royalties: Earn up to 70% royalties on eBooks and 60% on paperbacks (minus printing costs).
- Print on demand: No need to invest in inventory. Amazon only prints your paperback when someone orders it.
If you’re looking for control, visibility, and income potential, Amazon is your best starting point.
Step-by-Step Guide to Self-Publishing a Book on Amazon
Let’s walk through how to publish your book on Amazon using KDP, from start to finish.
Step 1: Create your KDP account
Go to kdp.amazon.com and sign in with your Amazon account or create a new one. Fill in your tax and banking details so you can get paid.
Step 2: Format your manuscript
You can write your book in Word, Google Docs, or Scrivener, but you’ll need it properly formatted before publishing. Use:
- Kindle Create (free Amazon tool) for eBook formatting
- PDF or Word files for paperbacks
- Vellum or Reedsy Book Editor for more advanced formatting
Step 3: Design your book cover
Your cover sells your book. You can:
- Use Canva or BookBrush for DIY designs
- Hire a freelance designer on Fiverr or Upwork
- Use Amazon’s Cover Creator (built into KDP)
Step 4: Upload your book and enter details
Once you’re ready:
- Add your title, author name, description, and keywords
- Choose the right categories (very important for discoverability)
- Upload your manuscript and cover
- Use Amazon’s Previewer to check how it looks on devices
Step 5: Set pricing and royalties
Choose either:
- 70% royalty for books priced between $2.99–$9.99
- 35% royalty for books outside that range or in certain countries
Set your price, confirm distribution territories, and hit Publish!
Your book will usually be live within 72 hours.
How to Make Money from Your Self-Published Book
Publishing is one thing. Earning money from your book? That takes a bit of strategy.
Understand the royalty system
- eBook royalties: 70% (for $2.99–$9.99) or 35% (outside this range or in India)
- Paperback royalties: 60% of list price minus printing costs
Example: A 150-page paperback priced at $9.99 might earn you around $3–$4 per copy.
Optimize your pricing
Start with a competitive price. $2.99–$4.99 is a sweet spot for first-time eBook authors. Paperbacks often fall between $9.99 and $14.99.
Enroll in KDP Select
This exclusive program offers:
- Free promotions and Kindle Countdown Deals
- Access to Kindle Unlimited readers (you get paid per page read)
In exchange, you must keep your eBook exclusive to Amazon for 90 days.
Promote your book
- Run Amazon Ads (start small—$5–$10/day)
- Share your launch on social media and with your network
- Pitch book bloggers and reviewers
- Build an email list of readers and fans
Publishing is just the beginning—marketing is where the income comes from.
Tips for Indian Authors: Self-Publishing on Amazon India
Amazon makes it easy for Indian authors to self-publish, but there are a few regional details to be aware of.
Get paid in INR
When setting up your KDP account, provide:
- Your bank account details (preferably a savings account)
- Your PAN number and other tax info
Amazon pays via direct deposit to Indian bank accounts in INR, converted from USD.
Local pricing options
Set a price in INR specifically for the Amazon.in store. This helps you compete locally and appear in Indian search results.
Language and content
You can publish in English, Hindi, Tamil, Marathi, and other Indian languages. Use clear regional keywords and culturally relevant titles.
Learn from local success stories
Check out Indian indie authors like:
- Savi Sharma (fiction)
- Radhakrishnan Pillai (nonfiction)
- Preeti Shenoy (romance and contemporary fiction)
Common Mistakes First-Time Authors Should Avoid
Self-publishing is easy to start, but easy to mess up too. Here are pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping editing: Always proofread and consider hiring a freelance editor. Readers notice mistakes.
- Bad cover design: Readers do judge a book by its cover. Invest in this.
- Wrong keywords/categories: Use tools like Publisher Rocket to target the right audience.
- Not marketing: Just publishing won’t bring sales. You must actively promote your book.
- Giving up too soon: Sales can be slow at first. Keep learning, tweaking, and growing.
Avoiding these mistakes puts you ahead of most first-time authors.
Essential Tools and Resources for Amazon Self-Publishers
Here are the most helpful tools and communities to boost your self-publishing journey:
Formatting
- Kindle Create (free, great for beginners)
- Reedsy Book Editor (web-based, free)
- Vellum (Mac only, paid)
Cover Design
- Canva (templates, drag-and-drop)
- BookBrush (book-specific design tools)
- Fiverr (hire professionals)
Keywords & Categories
- Publisher Rocket (paid, great for research)
- KDP Category Finder (free)
Learning & Support
- KDP Community Forum
- Reddit r/selfpublish
- Facebook Groups like “20BooksTo50K” or “Self Publishing Support Group”
Surrounding yourself with the right tools and people makes a big difference.
Conclusion
If you’ve ever dreamed of publishing a book, Amazon has made it easier than ever to turn that dream into a reality.
Let’s recap what you’ve learned:
- You can self-publish on Amazon easily with tools like KDP and Kindle Create
- You can earn real income with smart pricing, marketing, and Amazon’s royalty system
- Indian authors have unique opportunities to publish in local languages and get paid directly in INR
Now that you know how to self-publish on Amazon, your next step is learning how to launch your book with maximum impact. From building buzz to getting reviews and using ads effectively, a strong launch can make or break your success.
