Glossary
KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing)
KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing): KDP, Kindle Direct Publishing, is Amazon’s free self-publishing platform. Authors upload a manuscript and a cover, set a price, and the book appears on Amazon as a Kindle ebook, a paperback or a hardcover within about 72 hours. Amazon pays a royalty of 35% or 70% on each ebook sale.
What KDP handles for you
- The store listing on every Amazon marketplace you choose.
- Delivery of the ebook to Kindle devices and apps, and printing of paperbacks on demand.
- Payment collection, monthly royalty payouts and tax withholding.
- An ASIN for every edition; an ISBN is optional for ebooks.
What KDP does not do
It does not edit, design or market your book. Cover, blurb, categories, keywords and the first reviews are yours to get right, and they decide whether the book is found. It also does not accept every file well: upload an EPUB rather than a PDF for a reflowable ebook.
KDP and AI-written books
Since 2023 KDP asks at upload whether AI tools generated text, images or translations. AI-generated content must be disclosed; AI-assisted content (you wrote, AI edited) does not. The answer is not shown to buyers. Amazon also limits new titles to three per day per account.
Frequently asked questions
How much does KDP cost?
Nothing upfront. Amazon keeps 30% or 65% of ebook revenue depending on the royalty option, and printing costs for paperbacks.
Do I need an ISBN on KDP?
Not for ebooks; Amazon assigns an ASIN. Paperbacks get a free KDP ISBN or you can use your own.
How long until a KDP book is live?
Usually 24 to 72 hours after you click Publish.