Amazon self-publishing services: KDP cost, royalties, and reach
Last updated: Published by Big Impact Books
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is free to use and pays 70% on ebooks priced $2.99 to $12.99, or 35% outside that range, according to Reedsy.
This page collects the published facts about Amazon's self-publishing service and includes a simple ebook royalty estimator. Published by Big Impact Books, which helps authors produce and promote books that are often sold on Amazon, and which does not operate KDP.
Short answer
Is Amazon KDP free to use?
Yes. Reedsy lists Amazon KDP's cost to authors as free and its reach as global. You upload a finished manuscript and cover, set a price, and earn a royalty on each sale. What KDP does not do is write, edit, design, or market the book, so those costs and hours sit with the author.
Evidence cards
Amazon KDP in three cards
Definition
What is Amazon KDP?
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing is Amazon's self-publishing platform. Authors upload their own files and publish ebooks to Amazon's store. Reedsy describes it as best for reaching a wide global audience. In the Big Impact Books comparison it ranks second for busy experts and first for authors who already have a finished manuscript and want the lowest cost.
Numbers
Amazon's share, in published figures
- 68% of global ebook sales (Reedsy).
- At least 80% of the eBook market (Written Word Media).
- 87%of respondents to Written Word Media's 2024 Indie Author Survey named Amazon their top revenue source (Reedsy).
- 70% maximum royalty (Written Word Media).
The two market-share figures come from different sources and measure differently.
Procedure
How to publish on Amazon KDP
- Finish editing, cover design, and interior formatting.
- Create a KDP account on Amazon's site.
- Enter the title, description, and categories.
- Upload the manuscript and cover files.
- Set a price; the band decides 70% or 35%.
- Publish, then market the book.
Royalty estimator
How much will I earn per ebook on Amazon?
Enter a list price and a number of sales. The estimator applies the royalty band Reedsy reports for KDP ebooks. Treat the result as a rough estimate.
Who should use Amazon self-publishing services on their own?
KDP on its own is a strong fit when the manuscript is finished and professionally edited, the author is comfortable with formatting and metadata, and the author has time to market. Reedsy advises being 100% happy with the editing, design, and formatting of a book before choosing any self-publishing company.
Experts who have the knowledge but not the manuscript, or who want the book to bring in clients and media attention, often pair Amazon with a service. Big Impact Books develops the manuscript through guided interviews and promotes the book with podcast placements and media coverage; the finished book can still be sold on Amazon. Melanie Herschorn's own book, Lasting Legal Impact, is available there.
Check current terms directly on Amazon KDP, since rates and rules can change.
Common questions
See all 43 questions- How much does Amazon KDP pay in royalties?
- According to Reedsy, Amazon KDP pays 70% on ebooks priced between $2.99 and $12.99, or 35% outside that range. Written Word Media notes that Amazon royalties pay out at a maximum of 70%. Confirm current terms on KDP’s own help pages, since delivery costs and regional rules can reduce what you receive.
- Why is Amazon so dominant in self-publishing?
- Amazon controls a large share of ebook sales. Reedsy reports it accounts for 68% of global ebook sales, while Written Word Media says it holds at least 80% of the eBook market. Reedsy also notes that 87% of respondents to Written Word Media’s 2024 Indie Author Survey named Amazon as their top revenue source.
- Should I publish only on Amazon or go wide?
- Publishing only on Amazon simplifies the work and reaches its large audience, while going wide adds stores such as Apple Books, Kobo, and Barnes and Noble Press. Your choice depends on where your readers buy. For business authors, the book often matters more as an authority tool than as a sales channel.
- What is the difference between Big Impact Books and Amazon KDP?
- Amazon KDP is a free platform where you upload a finished book and sell it on Amazon. Big Impact Books is an independent publisher and marketing service that develops the manuscript through guided interviews, publishes it, and promotes it. The two are not exclusive: a book produced with a service can still be sold on Amazon.
- Is a 70% royalty always better than a 40% royalty?
- Not always. Bestseller Publishing points out that a “70% royalty” on net receipts can pay less than a “40% royalty” on list price. Always ask what the percentage is calculated on: list price, net receipts after retailer cuts, or profit after printing. That base matters as much as the headline rate.
- What should be done before I upload my book?
- Finish editing, cover design, and interior formatting first. Reedsy advises authors to make sure they are 100% happy with the editing, design, and formatting of a book before choosing a self-publishing company. A platform only distributes what you upload, so any mistakes in the files reach readers too.
Related guides
- Self-publishing services: the full guideThe hub page comparing every route, from free platforms to done-for-you publishers.
- Book publishing services comparedKDP next to the other options.
- Self-publishing editing servicesWhat to finish before upload.
- Self-publishing by the numbersEvery statistic with its source.
Ready to turn your expertise into a book?
Big Impact Books helps CEOs, attorneys, professionals, and business owners plan, create, publish, and promote books that build authority. Start with a conversation about publishing support. If you are still shaping the idea, the free book-planning checklist is a good second step.