Self-Publishing FAQs
Why choose Amazon KDP?
KDP is free to set up, and you only pay when a book sells (after Amazon takes its cut). In return, Amazon stores your book files, prints each copy on-demand when a customer orders it, and ships it out, often with Prime 2-day shipping. They also handle the shopping cart and checkout, and they list your book on the site where most readers already go to buy books, right alongside traditionally published bestsellers. A small share of your profits is a fair trade for that kind of reach and convenience. Amazon isn't your only option, though. Platforms like IngramSpark and Lulu also offer print-on-demand, and IngramSpark in particular can help get your book in front of bookstores and libraries, so many authors use KDP alongside one of them. Set up your free KDP account here.
Do I need to buy my own ISBN or can I use Amazon’s free ISBN?
Your ISBN determines who is listed as the publisher of your book. When you use Amazon KDP's free ISBN, the publisher is listed as Amazon and your book can ONLY be sold on Amazon. For this reason, I strongly recommend buying your own ISBN through Bowker (the official US ISBN agency), so you can use your own name or imprint as the publisher and you have the freedom to sell your book outside of Amazon. You'll keep full control over your book's metadata, and the ISBN stays with you if you ever switch platforms or editions. Owning the ISBN gives you more flexibility and control over how your book is published and distributed. Since each format (paperback, hardcover, ebook) needs its own ISBN, buying a 10-pack is usually more cost-effective than single ISBNs.
Do I need to buy my own barcode or can I use Amazon’s free barcode?
The barcode is different than the ISBN, though they are connected. A barcode is just a visual version of your ISBN, and Amazon can generate one for free when you publish a paperback or hardcover, whether you use Amazon’s free ISBN or your own from Bowker. For this reason, I recommend just using Amazon’s free barcode. It will be automatically placed on your book during the printing process. If you buy your own ISBN, you only need the ISBN itself, not Bowker's separate barcode product. Keep in mind that a barcode is only as flexible as the ISBN behind it: a barcode made from Amazon’s free ISBN is tied to Amazon, while one made from your own ISBN works anywhere you publish. Ebooks don't need a barcode at all.
Trim size, paper type, cover finish – how do I choose?!
The two most common trim sizes among trade paperback books are 5.5×8.5 inches or 6×9 inches. Amazon certainly offers sizes outside of that, but it’s important to remember how your book will sit on a physical book shelf among other titles. When I got to clean out my own book shelf, often the books that are too large or small for my shelf get the boot or get stuck in a box.
Your paper color options are either bright white or cream. This is a personal choice, but in my opinion, cream pages look more like traditionally published books. Bright white paper is often a dead giveaway for a self-published book. Same goes for cover finishes: matte covers look more professional than glossy covers.
Should I order physical proofs of my book before publishing?
You're not required to, but I usually recommend it. After you upload your cover and interior files, Amazon scans them for printing errors (like text that's too small to print legibly, or content that is too close to the edge of the page) and usually approves them within about 24 hours.
If your files are not approved, and you’ve worked with me for design, just send me an email and I’m happy to help troubleshoot. Don’t panic! Rejected files are common on Amazon and they’re often very small, easily fixable settings that just need adjusted before re-uploading.
Once your files are approved, you can order physical proofs, which typically arrive in just a few days. Seeing the book in your hands makes it much easier to spot issues with spacing, font size, and readability. You can also send copies to others to help you proofread. Ordering proofs lets you fix everything before customers start buying, so it's well worth the small cost.
How do royalties work on KDP?
For ebooks, you choose between a 35% and 70% royalty option, and the 70% option has price requirements. For print books, your royalty is a percentage of your list price minus the printing cost, so a longer book or color interior means a smaller royalty per copy. Royalties are paid monthly, after a delay. Amazon has set royalty amounts based on your book’s details, but you get to set your purchase price. With this setup, you decide your own profit amount.
Should I use IngramSpark or Lulu instead of (or in addition to) KDP?
KDP is the easiest way to reach Amazon customers, but it has limited reach beyond Amazon.
IngramSpark is another great choice if you want bookstores and libraries to be able to order your book, and it offers more format options like dust jackets.
Lulu is beginner-friendly and works well for selling directly from your own site or for small custom runs. Many authors use KDP plus IngramSpark to cover both Amazon and wider distribution.
Will my ebook look exactly like my print book?
Nope! Here is how I approach ebook design: An ebook is a stripped-down version of your print interior, and that's on purpose. Ebooks use reflowable text, which means every element adjusts to the screen size and to the reader's own settings. It works like a website on your phone versus on a desktop: the content rearranges itself to fit. Readers can change the font (usually from a handful of device-supported options), text size, hyphenation, page number display, and even the background color, so I don’t use custom fonts, text wrapping, or control where lines break. For the same reason, I remove design extras like callouts and pull quotes, since they don't play nicely with reflowable text.
Ebooks may not look as cool as the print version, but my goal is always making them user-friendly: the result is a clean, flexible file that reads well on any device.
Paperback vs. hardcover: which should I offer?
Paperbacks are the standard choice and the cheapest to print, while hardcovers feel more premium and work well for gifts or special editions. With KDP, the cover design is printed directly onto the hardcover, and there is no dust jacket option. IngramSpark does offer dust jackets for its hardbacks, so choose it if a dust jacket matters to you. Keep in mind that each format will need its own ISBN. If you offer a paperback version and a hardback version, you’ll need a separate ISBN for each.
Click here for more info on paperbacks.
Click here for more info on hardbacks.
Can I publish on KDP and IngramSpark at the same time?
Yes, for print books. You can have the same paperback or hardcover on both platforms, but you'll need your own ISBN, since KDP's free ISBN can't be used elsewhere. You'll also want to turn off KDP's Expanded Distribution so the two don't compete to distribute the same book. Your ebook can only be on both if it isn't enrolled in KDP Select.
FAQs last updated October 2026
Should I enroll in KDP Select (Kindle Unlimited)?
KDP Select is an optional program where your ebook is sold exclusively on Amazon for a set enrollment period. In exchange, your book is available in Kindle Unlimited and you get access to promotional tools like free and discounted promotions. It only affects your ebook, so your paperback and hardcover can still be sold anywhere. It's a good fit if you're focused on Amazon, but skip it if you want your ebook available on other retailers.
What's the difference between a proof copy and author copies?
A proof copy is a test print you order after your files are approved, so you can check the layout, colors, and typos before publishing. Proofs are marked as not for resale and are meant for review only. Author copies are final copies of your published book that you order at printing cost to sell yourself, give as gifts, or keep. Order proofs before publishing, then author copies after publishing.