People who have published books through prints and reprints may not understand the concept of KDP. This video definitely helps out with that! Thank you so much!
I can't wait for this process, particularly when it comes to the printed copy!!! 😍 But right now I'm only on step #1 with getting my manuscript edited. 😮💨 A deeply crucial step, I know. But once I can hold a physical copy of my book, I'm gonna be on cloud 9, wholeheartedly and emphatically.
You got this! And, guess what??? The excitement NEVER goes away with each new release. I've published over 50 books since 2014 and EVERY single print book I hold is a feeling of joy. The best way to describe it is that child-like enthusiasm I had on Christmas when I would go to open presents. I was always pretty sleuthy and had a general idea of what I was getting. But, it never diminished the feeling of actually holding it, owning it, and enjoying it in my own way. It's that feeling, every time. I'm looking forward to hearing what you think of your first book. I recommend if you have the funds, test out a few different print on demand companies. See what you like best. Reedsy did a fantastic article about it this month: blog.reedsy.com/print-on-demand-books/ In the article, they mentioned a new option to me called BookVault. And, they seemed to get good marks. The only limitation I saw was distribution was to the UK and a "limited expansion plan." I'm still game to check them out because Reedsy said the quality of BookVault as "very good" compared to KDP with a "good" rating. For the record, KDP print is actually pretty good. Well, enjoy! And, feel free to join our Discord community. That'd be a great place to share your experience and ask questions, should they arise.
Very nice Dale 🌎 Thanks. I became a writer at age 61 in Bogotá. Colombia. It has been my way to overcome my reality as immigrant. It has been my way to protest elegantly and reach the World. The Venezuelan immigrant writer 🇻🇪
That's amazing, Antonio! Unfortunately, I don't know the details about what's going on in Venezuela, but I've heard the gist. I hope you can effect change! Words are powerful!
A HUGE thank you. I followed your advice from another one of your videos, to use more than one word in the key word section and BAM it worked like magic. I am a rule follower and without your sage advice, I would have limited myself to one word per slot (actually I had one word in each slot, then I saw your video and went back and updated) THANK YOU!!
Yeah, a lot of newbie publishers think keyword means one word. I made the mistake too. I’m glad we cleared it up and you were able to get your book more discoverable.
Well, I'm about to blow your mind, because I have a more recent video covering how to publish ebook, paperback AND hardcover through KDP: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-oSe3mTdZdSI.html
Oh, they've got a great free course called KDP Jumpstart. The video tutorials are succinct and clear. They cover ebooks and paperbacks. I'm not sure if they've covered hardbacks yet. I recommend giving it a look.
haha THIS is comment of the day! Sadly, my wife wouldn't be too keen on me marrying somebody else. And, yes, I try to get right to the point in my videos. I used to mess around and do all these tactics RU-vid experts told me to do. Then, I threw all their advice out and just made a video that I would want to watch. So glad you enjoyed it! Stay tuned for more like it!
Hi Dale, thank you very much for all your input! I'm just at the final stage of submitting my book, and I'm running into lots of... let's say: shortcomings of the kdp interface. For example, I want a format that's common in the UK, but not a default option on kdp. Sure enough, I was able to set up my desired format, yet then I realize there's no cover template according to my dimension. Now, I realize that for the template, you hack in the page count to determine the thickness. Since I don't have this option, I'm forced to use a template for other dimension. I'm in the graphic design business and have no problem adapting stuff, yet what kdp spits out when I upload my files is pure bonkers. For example, in the proof process, it tells me the desired resolution is something like 9000x6000 - which goes totally awry when followed. Now, I don't want to bore you with the full story or the myriads of other issues unrelated to the cover or even ask you to help out (I fixed it, finally. everything's looking good so far...), but what I would really love to see on your channel is a more in-depth look into all the quirks and stumble stones that one likely encounters when you have one or two wishes that are not a default option, as I find that kdp lets you down in a BIG way. I started to dig deeper into your playlists... but yeah. Anyhoo, I'm still totally stoked and utmost thankful for the insights you provide. Keep it comin ;-)))
Hey, thanks for the detailed share. I know my back log of videos is deep. I have quite a few videos about covers. If you have a specific question, fire it off and I'll do my best to cover it now or in a future video.
I'm going to go try this but my book is a photo book mostly, with black pages/background. The word pages with white background. I hope when I upload the pdf it recognises that. Since I don't see color option
How/where can you print individual copies of books at an affordable cost, that ARE for resale? Like, if you wanted to make custom books and not order in bulk?
You can do that through KDP. They've got a fairly competitive wholesale cost compared to some other print on demand companies. Bookvault is another one, but there's an upload fee. Use coupon code BVDALE to waive your first three uploads on Bookvault. They're the only other one that has decent wholesale costs but better quality than KDP (in my opinion).
Yes. Go to Layout. Select the dropdown under Size, the More Paper Sizes. You can set it here. Remember for bleed, add 0.25 inches to the height and 0.125 to the width. So, if your book's trim size is 6x9, then you'll want your interior to be 6.125 inches by 9.125 inches. KDP has templates for interiors I recommend using so you don't have to figure all that out: kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G201834230
So, $8.99 (as opposed to $9). Or, $14.99. Or, $99.99. It's based on some case study from years past. Sadly, I've long since lost the source article, so I'll have to be anecdotal for now. haha I hope that helps.
@@DaleLRoberts ohh ok I was talking about the publishing rights section where you select copyright or public domain. I was thinking you need a formal copyright to click the first one but I guess not thank you for clarifying 😊
Oh man, I could have put this in my book for a tutorial. I can slip it into my next update. It can go right into the paperback though. I haven't uploaded that, gotta wait until preorder is over.
@@DaleLRoberts No problem, anything for you. I'll slip it into the eBook before it goes live. You're already in there with your tips, so the audience will know you already. I haven't formatted the paperback yet, so getting it in there is no issue.
Beyond what I shared in this video, what format are specifically wanting? I covered ebook and print. Are you wanting audiobook? Because I have a video in the works for that right now.
I'm going to publish my book! This helped, thank you. Also, can you do all this on phones and tablets. Because that's what my book is saved on. My book is saved on my phone and tablet. Because I found it easier to write on my phone and tablet. It's what I'm comfortable with.
YES! Our current Book Rescue candidate, Robert G. Culp, wrote all of his books on his iPhone 6s!!! Check it out - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-VW_ULmB6uow.html
Hey Dale - GREAT VIDEO - especially for me, a new, ebook author/publisher. Now about the foreign pricing. My books will all be $2.99 - the series compilation will be $6.99. Can u put up a chart converting US dollars to the top foreign markets you showed in this video? It will just make things so much quicker. (I’m just looking for a ‘shortcut’ instead of Googling it!) (-: Keep up the great work!
I didn't use any chart in this video. That is a screen you'll work through during the publishing process in KDP. To see anything closer and for longer, pause the video!
OMG THANKYOU SO MUCH FOR THIS. I was lost lol. When I go to upload my manuscript, how do I take it from Google docs and upload it? I don't have the script as a file on my computer.
@@DaleLRoberts Question, whenever I downloaded it, and went to open it, the file wouldn't open and continues to do so. It mentioned something of needing an app to support epub. Do you know what that is about? When I clicked upload manuscript it said it couldn't convert my html file into Kindle format.
@@ilovewater7595 yeah, you’ll need an app that can read the file. I recommend opening it with Calibre. It’s free software and I’ve used it time and again. If you have Mac, it should open it automatically in the Apple Books app.
@@DaleLRoberts I'm still having trouble lol I'm sorry. I have windows 10 Hp and it says I must switch from S mode but cannot switch back if I want to use calibre. I downloaded an app Freda but the format is slightly weird on it. When I uploaded the epub manuscript once more it still says it couldn't convert to Kindle format.
Hey Dale! My book is complete and copywritten. Should I now do my book cover or hire an editor? Which one first? Thanks! Great vids bro! Learning alot!
I have an Illustated cover which I did myself on the front of my books, how would I know if the cover is adequate? Do you have to have a certain cover for them to print your book? And do I have to have a design for the back of the book? I just read one of your comments and the trouble he had with the cover, which sounded very complicated to say the least. 🙄
You'll based on the other covers in your niche. Place your book among the top 20 books for your category. Does it match? If so, great! If not, fix it. Yes, a book cover. Haha They have specific guidelines you need to follow. Just Google it up. Yes, you need to design the back, front and spine for a print cover.
I don't think so. You'd need to use a print on demand service specifically for flashcards and sell them on Amazon using a regular seller account rather than KDP.
Hi Dale, trying to find you on Fiverr and it won’t work through my apps. Also went to connect on your site but the form is showing on my phone in html and won’t let me…would love to connect for some publishing help :)
I don't have any gigs on Fiverr. I'm strictly a buyer. i'm not sure what you mean about the form. As you might imagine, I'm insanely busy. I'm not currently offering 1 on 1 coaching or consulting. You can reach out to my assistant, Ava, on her website. She can probably help you out. heyyoava.com/contact-ava/
By creating the work, you establish the copyright at the same time. You can choose to register the copyright at copyright.gov, but it's not a requirement. Either way, you already have a copyright just by writing it. Here's more info on that - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-GVnrnc_ASNI.html
serve24 1) Since they’re different product iterations, it’s a good idea to differentiate. Also, keyword relevance changes from print to ebook. 2) Bleed - when elements spill off the page. No bleed - when content is limited within a set of margins. Think of photo books as being bleed. Think of most fiction books as no bleed.
Sure, tap into any number of my previous videos. I have over 800 videos on this channel and another 600 on my podcast channel (www.youtube.com/@selfpubwithdale ). Feel free to join me on Discord, the link is in the video description. There are more folks who'd be happy to help you out and I'm in there pretty much every day.
"Pleez" answer my questions. 1) what do you mean by adjusting price "below the dollar"? 2)How do I deal with the back cover on a paperback? I did not see anything in the video about the back cover.
This was the easy bit. But I see now that I need to think of my keywords more prominently as I have only used single words. Honestly speaking, not sure how I can write many words for a dark fantasy book. Maybe I just think too much about it.
Don’t overthink it. I believe I gave you the link to it already, but I’ll do it again here. Visit kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G201298500. They give many recommendations that’ll grease your creative wheels. You know your book better than I do, so I can’t even begin to guess your keywords.
@@DaleLRoberts If you mean by email, no, you have not. But thanks for the link now. I think I have a better understanding of it now. I have fixed nearly everything that was wrong. I have a much better description now and only a few minor things to do but the major ones are addressed. Thanks again.
Hey Dale, does kdp not provide copy righting? Where would I go to get that? And what is the benefit from having an isbn number from some else and where would you suggest I get that?
Copyright video - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-GVnrnc_ASNI.html ISBN Video - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-86XgiczMce0.html
Hi is it best to create a new Amazon account that is tied to my business checking account & my llc since the book will go under my llc? Or is it best to do so with my regular shopping Amazon account that I use? I want to do this for my 1st children’s book
You don't have to ask a question twice. I answer all comments, especially one of this nature. So, what I said in the other comment: That's 100% up to you. But, it probably is a good idea to have your KDP account associated with your business. Just don't open two accounts. If you have your KDP account currently listed under your personal info, you can probably ask them to switch it to your business. Reach out to support through the Contact Us link in the bottom of your KDP dashboard.
thanks so much for this helpful walkthrough of the process ! i have a question : i’m currently a high schooler , and wanted to publish my children’s book . do i necessarily NEED to have publishing rights for that section ? or could i just use the public domain work option , and what would that entail ? thank you so much !
If you create the work, you own the publishing rights. The only time you need publishing rights is when someone else produces the work for you or someone else created the work (i.e., public domain) a long time ago. If you choose the public domain option, keep in mind, they reserve the right to deny your book. AND, you get half as much money per sale than normal books.
@@DaleLRoberts oh i see, thank you for your response. so basically i could click the publishing rights option upon the completion of my book ? also , does this mean i wouldn't necessarily need to go through all the legal stuff to register it with a copyright or something ?
Thank you so much for this step by step guide, being a creative writer with dyslexia.these videos are very helpful.. One question if the book has copyrights once we upload it into the KDP why would we need digital rights management to protect the Ebook? And when you say he careful when you click into that, you sounded like it was something to beware of? Can you explain.further why we must be careful when clicking that service? 😊
I'm glad you find my videos helpful. DRM is just an added layer of protection against piracy. It simply makes it more difficult for your book files from Amazon to be shared and sold in nefarious ways. It's just as I said in the video. Once you select DRM to be added to your title, you can't remove it later. There is a growing audience of readers who feel like they are being prevented from truly owning the book if it has DRM enabled. It's just a note of caution. Don't overthink it.
Hey Dale, Thanks for the information. It is really helpful. One question though, for my ebook, I have an ISBN purchased but for the "publisher" section, do I put my personal LLC there if I want my LLC to publish the book?
You can put whatever you like there. Sometimes it's easier to create a publisher brand to promote your books rather than creating branding of each individual book. If it fits to use your LLC, then you can use that as well. It's really up to you.
Do I need to register the publishing company brand separately from my LLC? Ex if my business is ABC fashions and I begin ABC fashions publishing, do I need a whole new business registration for the publishing arm of the LLC? Thanks. I just came across your channel and it is awesome 👍
Yes. You just can't opt that ebook into KDP Select if you do both. I covered it in this video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Q9F8cRQHUxE.html
Aloha again Dale, do you have videos on Amazon's printing costs for standard color printing? I ask because my Diet book has 2 versions for final edit - One with 100 Photos - The other with 200 Photos - Does it matter how many photos are on with Basic color printing? Do you recommend I use the one with 100 Photos and NOT the one with 200 photos and that will save me, or that does not matter? Please advise and recommend which videos to watch on this. Thanks again, ALOHA!!!
You can use Word or even Google Docs for eBooks. It's super simple. You can create PDFs in Canva, but you don't want to upload a PDF as an eBook because the text needs to be reflowable. A Word doc is better. However, for print, PDF is what you want. Here's a video covering some of the platforms you can use to format your books - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_QYGlRMxpP4.html
Excellent! Do you add hyperlinks to your ebook? And, do you recommend my illustrator place my isbn with barcode on the back of my book? Or, is there an upload area on Kdp to place the bowker barcode image? I am concerned that Kdp will cover up certain art work. And finally, when you upload the cover do you also include the back cover jacket as well as one file? Thank you so much
Yes, I use hyperlinks in my ebooks. Yes, you can have your illustrator do it, but you don't have to. There is a space where you input your ISBN during the publishing process. If there is not already a barcode on your cover, KDP will add one for you. I would advise you not put any important artwork in the lower right corner of your back cover. Yes, the whole cover should be in one PDF, front, back, and spine. You can generate a template to use here - kdp.amazon.com/en_US/cover-templates This will also be helpful if you do decide to have your illustrator place your barcode.
@@DaleLRoberts Thank you Dale. I looked at the template link you sent, and was wondering if I place the barcode in a different spot is that acceptable? Is the template just for those that will have Kdp generate the bar code?
I like these step by step format of publishing on KDP! but I am in need of help on the part of "upload manuscript" and cover, its frustrating me there because my book is so amazing and that's my only stuck point! kdp wants so much ways! HELP!!!! please!
Greeting Dear..... i have a question that i have flashcards in pdf and when i upload to ebook, and preview them, they lost their original shape, plz any solution
You need to add the flashcard images to a Word document and upload that. Content for eBooks must be reflowable due to the many different devices it will be viewed on.
if you dont mind plz i have another question that i am working on another book of flashcard in Canva and planning to make upto 200-250 pages but you may know that canva support only 100 pages at a time. so plz guide how i will combine two r three files (200-250 Pages). bcoz when i enter the png file into word, its size changes (To save as pdf later). can kdp ebook creator be helpful means i want to make 200-250 png pages firstly then make a pdf file of them. plz guide
If you wish to register a copyright for your book and you're in the U.S., visit copyright.gov. If you're outside of the U.S., you'll need to Google how to do this in your country.
My state issues business licenses based on the type of business. I can't seem to find any info online as to whether a KDP business is considered a wholesale business or a service. Does your state have the same requirements? How did you define your business when you got started?
Bleed is when you have images that go all the way to edge of a print page as you might see in children's picture books. If you're just publishing a "regular" book with text, etc. then you should select No Bleed. Google docs works GREAT for eBooks, but not so great for print.
@@DaleLRoberts when uploading a cover, can you use a picture that you made on Picsart? Also, is there another way to make the paperback book instead of using PDF? PDF only allows subscription and I currently don’t have that. Is there another thing I could use that is free?
@@Kasanemangaidv you don’t need a subscription to create a PDF. There are many ways to convert to PDF for free. Check out www.ilovepdf.com. That converts many docs into PDF and back if you want. Look into OpenOffice or Kingsoft Office. They both have the same features you’d get in Microsoft Word.
Hiya, can you create a KDP account without having a completed book manuscript to upload? Can you create the account and then upload your book later (say, 2 months later)?
@@DaleLRoberts Thanks, much appreciated! So, your KDP account can be treated like a work in progress, rather than having to upload everything as soon as the account is created.
For eBooks, you want the content to be reflowable...meaning not fixed on the page as it would be in a PDF file. A Word doc would be better. Because of the many different devices of different sizes, if the content is not reflowable, it will be difficult to read on some devices which could result in bad reviews. I'm telling you like a friend!
@@DaleLRoberts Oh, thank God! 😫 Will I also be able to create my own book cover, or should I just hire someone one fiver? I wanted to draw the front cover, and just do an "About the Author" on the back, but if I let Amazon give me an IBN, then I'm no longer the author, right?
Hire out. Fiverr, GetCovers, and Miblart are just a few to check out. And the ISBN doesn’t change any of your rights. Amazon owns the imprint (on the ISBN) but not the book.
Yes. But, that ISBN will only work for one version of your book across all those platforms. Meaning, when you assign the ISBN to your paperback, it can ONLY be used for the paperback. However, if you use the free-assigned ISBN from Amazon, you can only use it on Amazon, nowhere else.
I have a dumb question. I have what's called an illustrated novel, however, it's not a traditional illustrated novel. It's written like a regular book, but at the end of each chapter is one colored page in cells like a comic book page depicting the chapter you just read. Is my book still considered an illustrated novel even though there's only 12 colored illustrated pages within the book? Also, thanks a lot for this video. You've just helped my so much. I Liked and Subscribed and will be checking out your other videos as well. Glad I just recently paid for a year long subscription for Microsoft word, knew I was gonna be needing it for my writing had no clue how much I was gonna be needing it for proper formatting.
I’m not sure what it’d be categorized. Reach out for KDP support, maybe they can advise. But it sounds like you’re doing something similar to the original Stephen King’s “The Dark Tower” series. See how his is labeled.
Any app you’re most comfortable using for writing. Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Vellum, Atticus…it doesn’t matter so long as you’re happy writing in it. Write the book first, worry about formatting AFTER you’re done writing and fully editing.
I’ll see what I can do. I think what you’re asking is using print on demand versus an offset printer while self fulfilling orders through Amazon Seller Central.
@@DaleLRoberts not sure of all the terminology but that sounds right! I keep wondering why people don't sell their book on Amazon that way. I get that there is a potential large initial cost but I feel like you'd get a much larger cut.
@@DaleLRoberts I just looked into the terminology and yes I am wondering about offset printing vs. Print on demand. I have the capital and the confidence my book will move quickly. If that is the case would you suggest obtaining my own ISBN and Copyright and then have them offset print a bunch and listing them through Amazon fulfillment?
Hi Dale, I have a question. Once it's published with KDP, can you still sell it elsewhere in an ebook format? If so what would you say are the best platforms for selling an ebook format that is more detailed in terms of graphics and pictures within the book? Thanks, Subscribed!
So long as you don't enroll that ebook in KDP Select, you can go everywhere. I did a video recently of the best self-publishing platforms that could help you: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-H6kVCEKO41Y.html
Sure! Would I advise it? No, but that's just my personal opinion. I'd rather make as many options available for potential readers so I don't lose out on their business. It's up to you though. No one will think less of you for going with just ebooks.
@@DaleLRoberts Alright, thanks. I have a little issue. I published my e-book but customers are not able to place orders. It shows, "Sorry, we couldn't complete your purchase." Really don't know what went wrong.
Thank you for the video. Pls I need your help. I have a free ebook I downloaded from a PLR website. I want know exactly what I will need to do with the ebook manuscript before uploading it to the kindle account. Will I need to work on the ebook again or Will I upload the ebook copy I downloaded to the kindle account without on the ebook again . Please help me, looking forward hearing from you. Thank you.
Here you go: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE--drZmqNn_G4.html That video has all the answers you need about publishing public domain books.
Hello Dale! This is my first time self publishing, I wrote a children's book and I need so much help with the formatting, the book is 5.5 by 8.5 I saw the option for print and ebook and put it into that format and it still did not work and the edges went over, can you are someone give me a suggestion on what to do?
Jasmine, I'm going to tell you like a friend....hire a formatter. Otherwise, you're going to spend the next several months pulling out your hair. If you hire a formatter, you send them the book, they send you back a file that is ready to upload to KDP. There are some affordable options on Fiverr. Check my curated list of vetted providers - dalelinks.com/list
@@DaleLRoberts thank you! I’m looking now and it’s people who create covers who do I got to go just help formatting! I have everything made I just need to format it!
It depends. Amazon does provide a free ISBN, but it's only good for use on their platform. If you plan to upload your book to multiple booksellers, then buying one may be your best option. Here's a video with further insights - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-86XgiczMce0.html
Hey, I'm glad I could help. Dave recently published that video, so admittedly, he's saving me time in producing one about copyright. 🤣 He's a very knowledgeable guy, so make sure to subscribe to his channel.
Sadly, no. And, just follow the steps in the video to get distribution to Amazon, print on demand just doesn't reach India yet. Have more questions? Contact KDP Support. They can help.
