Publishing guide
Kindle Publishing Guide
Everything you need to know about publishing your book on Amazon Kindle
On this page
Quick Start
In Author AI: open your story and from the Settings menu choose Export/Publish > ePUB (KDP).
Add Author Name and optional pages for Dedication, Preface and From the Author.
Save your ePUB to Files (book cover image will be saved to your Photos).
Open KDP on a web browser and upload your manuscript: https://kdp.amazon.com
1) Export from Author AI
- Open your story.
- From the Settings menu choose Export/Publish > ePUB (KDP). This creates a KDP‑ready, reflowable EPUB 3 file.
- Save it to Files so you can upload from your browser.
2) Create Your Kindle eBook on KDP
Details
- Go to your KDP Bookshelf and choose "Create new title or series".
- Choose Kindle eBook, Paperback or Hardcover (Author AI ePUB file is supported for all formats)
- Fill in: language, title and subtitle, author and optionally add series, edition number and contributors.
- Fill in your book description (plain text is safest).
- Choose publishing rights, primary audience and add up to 7 keywords.
- Select 2–3 browse categories and optional age/grade ranges.
Content
- Upload your EPUB file from Author AI for the manuscript.
- Choose Digital Rights Management (DRM) on/off (cannot be changed later).
- Upload your book cover image (JPG/PNG) or use Cover Creator.
- Answer the AI‑content question honestly.
- Open the Online Previewer and resolve any warnings.
- ISBN is not required for Kindle eBooks. For Paperback or Hardcover, choose to get a Free KDP ISBN.
Pricing
- Territories: usually All territories (worldwide).
- Choose 70% (eligible countries/price; delivery cost applies) or 35% royalty.
- Set your list price and review converted prices in other marketplaces.
- Save and publish.
Paperback/Hardcover Path
- For Paperback and Hardcover, the default 6x9 in size with no bleed with black and white interior works best for Author AI exported formats.
- Interior: export a print‑ready PDF sized to your trim (e.g., 6 x 9 in) with mirrored margins and embedded fonts.
- Cover: create a full‑wrap PDF (back + spine + front) with 0.125 in bleed and correct spine width for your page count.
- Use the Print Previewer to verify margins/bleed and spine alignment.
- Print royalties differ from eBook; printing cost is deducted first.
Quality & Accessibility Tips
Use real headings for chapter titles; paragraphs for body text.
Avoid fixed‑layout tricks (absolute positioning, multi‑column layout tables).
Keep images optimized; provide alt text where appropriate.
Validate with Kindle Previewer before uploading to KDP.
Reference Links (KDP Help)
Supported eBook formats (EPUB)https://kdp.amazon.com/help/topic/G200634390Kindle Previewer (desktop)https://kdp.amazon.com/help/topic/G202131170Upload & Preview eBook Contenthttps://kdp.amazon.com/help/topic/G200641240eBook Royalties (35% vs 70%)https://kdp.amazon.com/help/topic/G200644210Digital Book Pricinghttps://kdp.amazon.com/help/topic/G200634500Cover image guidelines (eBook)https://kdp.amazon.com/help/topic/G200645690Trim Size, Bleed, and Margins (print)https://kdp.amazon.com/help/topic/GVBQ3CMEQW3W2VL6Create a Paperback Cover (full‑wrap PDF)https://kdp.amazon.com/help/topic/G201953020Format Your Paperbackhttps://kdp.amazon.com/help/topic/G201834190
Note: KDP policies change periodically. Always confirm the latest guidance in KDP Help.
Ready to Publish Your Book?
Export your book from Author AI and start your publishing journey today.