A picture to show it's a guide for Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing

How UK Authors Can Publish Their Books on Amazon Kindle

In the world of literary publications, the arrival of the Amazon Kindle has changed everything. There were times when publishing a book was a long and painful process. A literary agent was needed with a publisher and a bag full of best wishes. But, with time, things transformed.

If you are a UK resident and dream about getting your book published, there is a golden opportunity waiting for you in the form of Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). You can reach readers worldwide, earn royalties, and build your brand. Let’s read through this blog and explore the process of stepping out of the traditional publishing mess and gaining complete control over publishing.

Reasons UK Authors Are Choosing Kindle Publishing

When it comes to literary talent, the UK is always at the top of the list. Whether it is Shakespeare or J.K. Rowling, the country has produced some of the best authors for readers. However, today, writers are seeking more than just publishing deals. They want to treat their material like a baby, growing it according to their style.

Kindle offers them this freedom. Whether it is a fiction, non-fiction, poetry, or a children’s book writer, all the voices are entertained. It is fast, easy, and doesn’t require a high investment. Simply write the book, upload it, and monitor its progress as it evolves.

Steps to Publishing Your Book on the Amazon Kindle Account

Create a KDP account

To get started, the first step is to visit the KDP website and sign in with your Amazon account. If you don’t have one, you can create it as it is simple, easy, and free. After logging in to the account, set the country to the United Kingdom to ensure all your tax and payment details are handled correctly.

During the process of creating an account, you will be asked to fill in your details, tax information, and financial details for the payment. Although this sounds like a lengthy process, each step is straightforward. Still, you can ask individuals like KDP Direct Publishers for help. Filling in all these details will activate your account, and you can publish your first book.

Add your book description

The homepage of the website comprises three sections: Details, Content, and Pricing. Add information to all these blocks.

  • The language of the book
  • The book’s title/subtitle
  • Whether a part of a series
  • The name of the author
  • The details of other contributors

With all this information, you can increase the reach of your book and boost your sales.

Choose relevant keywords and Amazon categories

Keywords and categories play a vital role in boosting your book’s chances of being successful. They act as a bridge to connect with your avid readers. The account allows you to choose a broader category and a niche.

Amazon has a restriction that allows writers to select up to two categories and up to seven keywords for their account. When making a selection, add those that accurately describe your book. Ensure that they are distinct from the title and description. If you believe that some changes can enhance the reach, you can make them later. Experimenting and taking risks are essential. Select an appropriate age bracket and a grade range for the readers before deciding the price.

Add EPUB and other book cover files

A new tab will open. Here, you will need to upload your file to your KDP account. Simply click the friendly yellow ‘Update e-book manuscript’ button. Select your edited and finalized EPUB file.

Although Amazon allows authors to upload any file version, it’s best to use the professional one. This will help you get a bird’s-eye view of the looks on Kindle. Once you’ve added your file, sit back and let Amazon do its part.

Make formatting up to standard

Amazon is a professional platform. With the help of book formatting services, you can format your work to add a professional touch and increase its reach. After the manuscript selection, a message will pop up stating that the book is being processed. Amazon usually takes some time for verification and uploading the book.

Once you have formatted your book according to the guidelines, a confirmation message will appear, indicating that the book has been successfully uploaded. There’s no need to celebrate, as some work is still left to be done.

Upload the book cover

An engaging book cover attracts its readers. Various services are working and can provide you with different formats and sizes. Select one and click the ‘Upload Cover File’ button. After your cover is successfully uploaded, a green message will appear. Preview the book and check if everything is in the correct order.

Time to celebrate

The wait is over! Your motivation has helped make your dreams a reality. Before you celebrate, take a moment to review all the details entered. Make sure that everything is correct.

Although you have the chance to make corrections after it’s been published, this can set a negative impression. If you think a short break from the book can help you perform better, save the draft and return with a fresh mind. Tap your back, and congratulations! You have nailed the process!

Red Flags to Avoid

Getting overly excited about the publishing journey, many authors jump into the process without adequately preparing themselves. One of the errors they commit is skipping the editing process. Another is the poor choice of the book cover. Some authors even forget to research their audience and hope for the book’s success.

Kindle publishing is undoubtedly easy to start, but a proper strategy will help you succeed. Treat your book like a selling product. It needs to be marketed and packaged, with customer feedback that can help drive growth.

Allow Readers to Read Your Voice Globally

If you have a story to narrate, with the help of Kindle Direct Publishing, you can. Whether you are a first-time author or someone who has been writing for years, there’s no need to spend a massive amount or get in touch with big publishing houses.

With patience and a willingness to learn, you can master the process from a good book. Many authors in the UK have reported success after using Kindle. Take your first step and fulfil the gust of your readers.