fabioc-aloha Domain Knowledge: Amazon KDP Self-Publishing
Source: Validated from publishing Alex in Wonderland (Amazon KDP, February 21, 2026) Applies to: Any book published via Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing Last verified: February 21, 2026
Live Reference: Alex in Wonderland (Published February 21, 2026)
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Title | Alex in Wonderland: A Detective Mystery Adventure |
| Series | Alex Finch Detective Series, Book 1 |
| Author | (your name) |
| ISBN | 979-8-24895072-0 (KDP free ISBN, 979-8 prefix) |
| Kindle ASIN | B0GPCV6V6R — amazon.com/dp/B0GPCV6V6R |
| Paperback ASIN | B0GPJ4HP27 — amazon.com/dp/B0GPJ4HP27 |
| eBook price | $5.00 (qualifies for 70% royalty tier) |
| Paperback price | $28.00 |
| KDP Select | Enrolled (eBook) |
| Status | Both formats: Live |
| Submitted | February 21, 2026 |
Platform Overview
Amazon KDP offers free print-on-demand publishing of eBooks, paperbacks, and hardcovers at kdp.amazon.com. No upfront costs. Royalties paid 60 days after month-end threshold ($100).
Supported Formats
| Format | Pages | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kindle eBook | — | Reflowable; no ISBN required |
| Paperback (POD) | 24–828 | Matte or glossy cover |
| Hardcover (POD) | 75–550 | Not eligible for Expanded Distribution |
Interior Specifications (6×9 Paperback)
| Element | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Margins | Min 0.375" inside, 0.25" outside |
| Bleed | 0.125" if images extend to edge |
| Image resolution | 300 DPI minimum (critical) |
| Image color mode | CMYK for print; RGB for eBook |
| Max file size | 650 MB |
Ink Options
| Option | Use case | Cost/page (US) |
|---|---|---|
| Black Ink | B&W illustrations only | $0.012 |
| Standard Color | Budget color (72–600 pages) | $0.0255 |
| Premium Color | Best quality | $0.065 |
Recommendation for illustrated books: Standard Color for cost-effective full-color chapter banners.
Cover Specifications
| Element | Requirement |
|---|---|
| File type | Single PDF (front + spine + back wrap) |
| Resolution | 300 DPI minimum |
| Color mode | CMYK |
| Bleed | 0.125" on all outside edges |
| Cover finish | Glossy recommended for children's/illustrated books |
| eBook cover | 2560 × 1600 px ideal; JPEG or TIFF; RGB |
Spine Width Formula (6×9)
Black ink/white paper: page_count × 0.002252"
Premium color/white: page_count × 0.002347"
Example (280 pages, standard color): ~0.63–0.66"
Tool: Use KDP Cover Calculator at kdp.amazon.com/cover-calculator for exact template.
ISBN Strategy
| Option | Cost | Imprint | Portable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free KDP ISBN | $0 | "Independently published" | KDP only |
| Own ISBN (Bowker) | $125 single / $295 for 10 | Your imprint name | Yes |
Rule: Each format (eBook, paperback, hardcover) requires a unique ISBN. Recommendation: Own ISBN if planning wide distribution beyond Amazon; free ISBN if Amazon-exclusive.
Pricing & Royalties
eBook
| Rate | Price range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 35% | $0.99–$200 | Any price |
| 70% | $2.99–$9.99 | Minus $0.15/MB delivery fee |
Recommended eBook price: $4.99–$6.99 (qualifies for 70%)
Paperback (6×9, Standard Color, ~280 pages)
Printing cost = $1.00 + (pages × $0.0255)
280 pages → $1.00 + $7.14 = $8.14 printing cost
At $14.99: (0.60 × $14.99) − $8.14 = $0.85 royalty
At $17.99: (0.60 × $17.99) − $8.14 = $2.65 royalty
Recommended paperback price: $15.99–$17.99
Expanded Distribution (Paperback only)
- 40% royalty (vs. 60% direct)
- Access to Ingram, bookstores, libraries
- Allow 8 weeks to appear in channels
Categories & Keywords
Reading age settings:
- Ages 9–12 → Children's Books categories
- Ages 13–17 → Teen & Young Adult categories
Category selections (up to 3 for middle-grade mystery):
- Children's Books > Mysteries & Detectives
- Children's Books > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Fantasy & Magic
- Children's Books > Growing Up & Facts of Life > Friendship
Keywords (up to 7): Use specific, searchable terms. Update monthly based on search trends.
Publication Timeline
| Action | Timeline |
|---|---|
| eBook review | 24–72 hours |
| Paperback review | Up to 72 hours (US) / 5 days (other) |
| "Look Inside" feature | 7–10 business days |
| Editions linked | 48 hours to 1 week |
| Expanded Distribution | Up to 8 weeks |
Marketing Tools
| Tool | What it does |
|---|---|
| Author Central | Author page, bio, BookScan data, editorial reviews |
| A+ Content | Enhanced detail page with images (8 business days review) |
| KDP Select | Kindle Unlimited enrollment; Free promotions (5 days/90-day period); requires eBook exclusivity |
| Sponsored Products | Search result ads; $0.10–$0.50/click typical |
Common Pitfalls
- Low-res images: 300 DPI must be at final print size — upscaling won't fix quality
- Wrong color mode: Convert to CMYK before embedding in print manuscript
- Bleed mistakes: Set up manuscript with 0.125" bleed if banners extend to page edges
- Spine variance: Allow ±0.125" variance — don't place critical elements near fold lines
- Age/category mismatch: Wrong reading age prevents appearance in children's categories
- ISBN mismatch: ISBN printed in interior must match what's entered in KDP for each format
Pre-Publishing Checklist
- Create KDP account and complete W-9 (Tax Questionnaire)
- Add bank account for direct deposit
- Finalize manuscript as PDF with 300 DPI images
- Calculate spine width and generate cover wrap
- Decide ISBN strategy (free vs. own)
- Order physical proof copy before publishing (~$10–15)
- Upload eBook first (fastest to go live)
- Set reading age (9–12 or 13–17)
- Select 3 categories and 7 keywords
- Set prices (eBook $4.99–6.99; paperback $15.99–17.99)
- Enable Expanded Distribution (paperback)
Post-Publishing Checklist
- Claim Author Central page
- Set up A+ Content
- Link all editions (eBook + paperback + hardcover)
- Run $0.99 launch promotion (KDP Select Free Days or Countdown Deal)
- Set up Amazon Advertising campaign
Cost Estimate (Minimum)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| KDP Publishing | Free |
| Proof copy | ~$10–15 |
| Author copies (10) | ~$100–150 |
| Own ISBN (optional) | $125–295 |
| Advertising (optional) | $100–500/mo |
| Minimum out-of-pocket | ~$10–15 |
Distribution Comparison
| Platform | Market share | Royalty | Exclusivity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon KDP | ~80% | 35–70% | Optional (KDP Select) |
| IngramSpark | Bookstores, libraries | 55% | No |
| Draft2Digital | Multiple retailers | 60% | No |
| Barnes & Noble Press | B&N stores | 65% | No |
Wide strategy: All platforms — maximum reach Exclusive strategy: KDP only — KDP Select perks, Kindle Unlimited per-page royalties