Self-Publishing

Can You Publish a Book on Amazon for Free?

Publishing a book on Amazon has become a popular route for aspiring and established authors. The good news? Yes, you can publish a book on Amazon for free using Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). This platform allows authors to upload their manuscripts and reach millions of readers worldwide without any upfront costs. Here’s a detailed look at how the process works and what you should consider.

This article is just an overview! If you are in the initial stages of self-publishing and want the most comprehensive checklist ever created (ha!), please go over to our sister site, SelfPublishingChecklist.com


How to Publish Your Book on Amazon for Free

To get started, sign up for a free account with Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP).  You can only have one KDP account per person!  I am so serious about this! Once you’re in, follow these steps:

First, prepare your manuscript. Amazon accepts files in Word (.docx), PDF, and several other formats. Ensure your text is properly formatted for digital reading or print, depending on your publishing goals. If you’re publishing a Kindle eBook, consider using Amazon’s free formatting resources or guides to make your manuscript reader-friendly. For print books, formatting should adhere to paperback or hardcover standards.

Next, you’ll need a book cover. If you’re on a tight budget, Amazon offers a Cover Creator tool, which is free and easy to use. However, many authors opt to hire professional designers to make their books more visually appealing, which can increase sales.

Once your manuscript and cover are ready, log into KDP and start entering your book details. This includes the title, subtitle, author name, and description. Upload your manuscript and cover files, and then preview your book to ensure everything looks perfect. KDP provides tools to preview both eBook and print formats.

Finally, set your pricing. You can choose to publish your book as a Kindle eBook, paperback, or hardcover (or all three). For eBooks, Amazon lets you set your price and offers two royalty options—70% or 35%—depending on your book’s price and distribution. For print books, royalties are calculated based on the sale price minus printing costs.

Once everything is complete, hit the “Publish” button. Your book will typically be live on Amazon within 24 to 72 hours.


Is It Really Free?

Yes!  The actual publishing on Amazon is indeed free, but there are optional costs you might consider to enhance your book’s quality and appeal. For example, professional editing and proofreading can significantly improve your manuscript, while a custom-designed cover often attracts more readers. I know this is an article about publishing for free and yes you absolutely CAN format in Google Docs, Word, or Pages, but I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that formatting tools like Vellum (for Mac users) or paid formatting services can make your book look polished and professional. These optional investments aren’t required, but they can help your book stand out in a crowded marketplace.


Understanding Royalties

Although there are no upfront fees to publish on Amazon, the platform takes a percentage of your book’s sales. For Kindle eBooks, you can earn either 70% or 35% royalties, depending on your book’s price and the geographic regions where it’s sold. For print books, royalties are calculated by subtracting the printing cost from the sale price.

For example, if your paperback is priced at $10 and the printing cost is $4, you’ll earn $6 per sale, minus Amazon’s fee. Understanding this structure helps you price your book competitively while maximizing your earnings.


Benefits of Publishing on Amazon for Free

Publishing on Amazon comes with several advantages beyond its zero-cost entry point. For starters, it provides global distribution, allowing your book to reach readers across multiple countries. You retain full control over your book’s rights and pricing, and you can make updates to your manuscript or cover at any time.

Amazon also offers promotional tools like KDP Select, which allows eBooks to be part of Kindle Unlimited, a subscription service that can boost your book’s visibility. Additionally, you can use Amazon Ads to target potential readers and drive sales.


Final Thoughts

Publishing a book on Amazon is an excellent way to share your story or expertise with the world, and the fact that it’s free makes it accessible to virtually anyone. While optional expenses like professional editing, cover design, and formatting can enhance your book’s appeal, the platform itself allows you to publish without any financial barriers.

Whether you’re a first-time author or a seasoned writer, Amazon’s KDP platform is a powerful tool for turning your manuscript into a published book. With careful preparation and thoughtful marketing, you can reach a wide audience and start earning royalties—all without spending a dime upfront.

Letters from the Real World: Where is the Money?!?!?!

When all else fails, beat your doubts into submission with a meat tenderizer.
When all else fails, beat your doubts into submission with a meat tenderizer.

I’m five months into this whole full-time writer gig. I’m…not panicked. Not exactly. Not yet. I’m not ready for a Valium, but I wouldn’t mind a drink. Or two.

I’m working really hard. I’m trying to find the “best practices” (ugh, shoot me now for using that phrase) for working from home and balancing life. I’m trying my best to sort out – QUICKLY – what social media venues are best and most productive and efficient for me. Unfortunately, trial and error take time because results take time.

Bills, however, don’t need time. They need money. And when you’re a writer, time does not always equal money.

I am doing all the right things. I have a mothership website. I have every social media ID you can have (except for LinkedIn – I just can’t see how being a romance writer matters there). I write every day. I blog every day. I connect with other writers. I’ve had a couple of major tipping points tip in my favor. I’m an above-average writer in terms of skill, and average in terms of volume.

Ultimately, I have faith that I will be able to make a very good living from my writing. I can visualize it, see it, smell it, and sometimes taste it (don’t ask). It’s just that right now, I’m hoping that I can get something decent in terms of a royalties check on July 30. It doesn’t have to be big. But, if it covered two months of expenses for me, I wouldn’t be complaining.

So, in the spirit of helping you all learn from my experience, here’s my advice:

  • Before you decide to go full-time as a writer, either write enough to make sure you have an established backlist base of income, or figure out your monthly budget and save up enough to get you through 7-8 months of frugal living.
  • Have a plan. Exactly how many books are you going to write this first year out? Don’t pull a Cait and overload your plate. Be ambitious but reasonable. Leave room for freelance work and pop-up projects.
  • Get to know a good recruiter. You’re going to need the safety net of a temp job to help you sleep at night.
  • Read about quick money-making types of books. Dig out your old fan fiction. If it’s in public domain, think about polishing it up and putting it out on Kindle Direct Press.
  • Set up a spreadsheet, track income and expenses, keep receipts. This will help your tax bill next year.
  • Keep at it. Don’t slack. Don’t give up. No matter how hard it is, how much you try to procrastinate (and succeed), make your list of priorities for the week and DO THEM.

As for me? I have unshakable faith. I have the persistence of a Bull Tiger (you know, a Taurus born in the year of the Tiger). I know I can succeed, therefore, I will not fail.

Letters from the Real World: A Real World Writers Conference

This summer, I finished a book that has been 4 years, 4 drafts, 33 pages of typewritten notes, and 3 closet doors full of handwritten plotting notes.

Writing “Downcast” (coming Late Fall 2014 – woo hoo!) turned me into an anti-social little monster. I failed at practically everything except writing, from seeing my family and friends to blogging. (Failing at blogging is an entirely different conversation we’re going to be having at some point, as well.)

However, I found it beneficial in the middle of my trials to attend a writers conference.

I shall call it the “Holiday Travel RV Park Writers Conference” that takes place every year on Emerald Isle in North Carolina.

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The accommodations were convenient.

 

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The venue had many after-conference hours activities available for the whole family.

 

The keynote speaker, however, left a little to be desired.
The keynote speaker, however, left a little to be desired.

 

And, I found security to be a bit relaxed.
And, I found security to be a bit relaxed.

As with all conferences, I came with vows of productivity.

As with all conferences, I left having done very little other than play on the beach, erm, attend sessions. With sea turtles.

The lesson? Sometimes, even in the middle of pressure and deadlines, it’s a good thing to take a break and recharge.

All About Your Amazon KDP Sales: An Interview with Irineos Theodorou from KDP Champ

I see this question in alot of self-publishing Facebook Groups, so I thought I would address it here and give you guys the resource that I personally use.

People always wonder, once they self-publish their books on Amazon–

How will I know when I make sales?

The short answer is:   You won’t. Amazon is not going to let you know, so you’ll have to go looking for the “Reports” tab in your Kindle Direct Publishing dashboard.

When you click that tab, you’ll see this strangely vague chart.

You’re welcome to zoom in on this, because it tells you absolutely nothing (except for the fact that I sell some books every day, which is super awesome).

If you have more than one book for sale, you’re going to need to click the “Try the new KDP Reports beta” link, which will give you a more detailed report of what books you sold.  FYI, this feature has been in “beta” for several years and I have honestly never seen them make one change, so this might just be how KDP reporting is for the foreseeable future.

I have a bunch of non-fiction books in the KDP system, plus I have been working on a low-content side hustle for a couple years and have published 2,000+ books for that.

No, that’s not a typo.  I’ve been working on this book for several years, and as part of my “practice what you preach” philosophy, I now have over 2,000 low-content books in my library.  Pre-order that book if you want to find out more about that and learn how to publish low-content books yourself.

Here’s a problem, though:  once you have that many books for sale, you really need a reporting system that comes to you, rather than one you have to log in and look for a million times a day. For some reason, Amazon has not enabled this type of automated reporting for its KDP system (whereas if you sell on FBA, they totally have it!).

With this in mind, I went looking for a third-party software that sends notifications when sales are made, and I found that (and much more!) in KDPChamp.  In fact, I was so impressed with this software, I made friends with the developer, (Irineous Theodorou), and he agreed to answer some questions for us today!

Q:  Why should authors use KDP Champ?

A:  It is fast, it is reliable, we are constantly new features added, it is available on the phone, all data is encrypted to ensure the security of our users. In addition to that, it has integration with Amazon’s advertising platforms that enables the user to track their spending and sales with the click of a button. Customer support is our #1 priority and we are there for you at anytime to provide you with the best service!

What got you interested in helping authors track their book sales?

Summer of 2020, me and my brother in law were going on our regular walk at the beach when I couldn’t help but notice that he was obsessed with checking his phone every 2 minutes. I asked what is all the worry about and he told me that he just released a new book and he was constantly checking if he made any sales. And he said to me “Only if there was a tool that would notify me when I have a new sale!”, and this is how the idea was born. I knew that authors would love to check their book sales on their phone and at a glance without the need to constantly keep refreshing the KDP Reports page.

What do you say to authors who say they are not “techie,” meaning they think they  are going to have a problem installing and using KDP Champ?

I am always trying to improve the onboarding process as much as possible and minimize any friction on the user’s side. Of course, if someone is feeling that they will have problems setting up KDP Champ, they could always email me and I will reply almost instantly during UK working hours and weekends. I have a reputation of being very responsive and provide support to all my users at any time and I will keep it that way. I have also created videos on how a user can submit their cookies which can be found on Youtube at my channel called “KDP Champ”. I am always open to suggestions on how to improve the setup process and I am more than happy to adjust it at any point in favor of my users.

What is your biggest author success story since starting KDP Champ?

I have a best selling author on my platform that we became really good friends through KDP Champ. He was using Amazon’s advertising platforms for he book advertising and he was wondering why he is spending so much money and getting no sales. With the help of KDP Champ he managed to narrow down which book ads are not having good ROI and was able to closely monitor his ads through KDP Champ which in return helped him increase his ROI from 10% to over 200%. In addition to that this author along with many others, managed to save hours of work when calculating his AD Spend vs Royalties from all the different Amazon advertising marketplaces.)

 

How much does it cost to publish a book on Amazon?

Editor’s note: we now have an entire website dedicated to the self-publishing process!  Go on over to SelfPublishingChecklist.com, where we walk you step by step through the entire self-publishing process.

YES, the whole process can be done for free– we’ve tested it!

For many writers considering self-publishing, cost is the first question and concern. The range authors spend to self-publish varies dramatically. You can choose to self-publish completely free, doing everything yourself, or you can spend thousands upon thousands of dollars paying for printing, marketing, and other services. The trick is finding the happy medium of buying what you need and doing what you can on your own. Read on to see three distinct budgets for authors who want to put their books out themselves, which is a great option!

A writer can easily spend a few thousand dollars getting books printed, only to have them become a permanent fixture in their garage because she has no idea how to get them into bookstores. Or, a writer can create an ebook completely on their own, and his mom and his friends will buy it, but then sales will stop completely because he is not a book marketer.

So where does the money go? Let’s assume you have a novel you’d like to publish. What will you spend? Let’s break down some possible scenarios, starting with the most-requested “free option.” Totally do this yourself!  Do every single part the best you can, bootstrap your way up to a sustainable income, then re-invest that money into the next book. It has been done! It can be done!

Budget publishing – Free

  • Developmental/ copy edit  – Writers’ groups, classes, beta readers
  • Cover Design – Barter or do it yourself on Canva
  • Book formatting and layout – Do the print version in Word, set up the ebook using Kindle Create or use Reedsy‘s free editor
  • Printing – free (KDP is free to upload and pays you royalties)
  • ISBN – Use Amazon’s free ISBN for the print version(s) of the book, your Kindle ebook doesn’t need one
  • Author photo – free (Your Facebook profile picture is fine)
  • Marketing – free (Set up free email list account using this guide, rely on social media to get the word out about your book), do the five free KDP Select days to try to push your book’s BSR down and grow your list for your next launch.
  • Website– skip it for now or use a free blog like WordPress.com

Considering that half of self-published authors earn less that $500, any amount more than this may seem disheartening. However, consider that a book a is a product. Quality products are supported by a whole team of services and experts. According to a survey reported by The Guardian, the average earnings for self-published authors is $10,000 a year. What separates those earning $500 from those earning $10,000? Visibility and quality of product. If you invest nothing in your book, don’t expect readers to be very impressed, or compelled to buy. While it’s easier than ever to get a book to market, readers are savvy and spot sub-par products easily. Even if you create a beautiful product, wonderfully written with professional presentation, if no one hears about it, your book will sit untouched online, gathering virtual dust.

Here is a breakdown I find reasonable for many authors:

Smart spender – About  $2,000 – 4,000

  • Developmental edit $1,000
  • Copy editing $800
  • Cover Design $500
  • Book formatting and layout $300 (One-time cost for Vellum, all subsequent books will be free)
  • Printing – free (Print on demand only)
  • ISBN – $200 (buy a block from Bowker)
  • Author photo – $100
  • Total marketing spend – $1000 (Review service, Promo buys, Amazon ads)
  • Website – $100 (For custom WordPress theme)

This scenario may be tweaked. For example, you can find brilliant marketing help for just a couple hundred dollars. Maybe you spend a reasonable $2,000 on a developmental edit, but then find a student to do your final proofing for just $500.

This is still a formidable amount of money for many authors. Few have $5,000 extra laying around. Luckily, there is much you can do to make this investment achievable. For example, you don’t need to be paying for editing at the same time you’re buying marketing. These expenses may be spread out over many months. Plus, many editors and marketers will work out payment plans with you as well.

Big spender – Upwards of  $20,000

  • Developmental edit $3,000
  • Copy editing $1,500
  • Cover Design $800
  • Book formatting and layout $1500
  • Printing– still free using KDP, $149 to put the book in with Ingram
  • ISBN – $100
  • Author photo – $400
  • Kirkus Review – $425
  • Google Adwords – $500
  • Facebook Ads – $500
  • Print advertising – $1,200
  • Marketing collateral – $1,000
  • Marketing consultant / PR  – $2,000
  • Events / launch party – $1,000
  • Website – $2,000

Just as there are few writers with extra cash lying around, there are few writers that are only writers. Most of us have a few other marketable skills as well. Perhaps you are a fantastic editor, or an illustrator. Maybe you’re a social media whiz, or can build webpages. Consider taking on freelance work, or even trading services with other authors, in order to get the help you need for your project.

Bottom line, publishing is a business, and businesses cost money. If you want readers to buy your book, you will need to make an investment in order to produce a quality product, above and beyond your amazing writing. The good news is that with so many paths to self-publishing, there is a way to get the help you need without going broke.

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Letters from the Real World: Make an Author Marketing Plan

Carol and Me. AKA Truth and Trouble.
Carol and Me. AKA Truth and Trouble.

Um, yeah. I feel really dumb right now, and I’m cringing just a little at the thought of the “I-trained-you-better-than-this” amused look Carol – my lifelong public relations and marketing mentor, friend, honorary Mom – will give me when she reads this.

Carol was the toughest, smartest marketing professional I’ve ever known. When I worked for her, she drilled strategic thinking into me like a marine corps sergeant, and she showed me not the just how of publicity, but the why which is the key to everything.  I have tried to follow the TRUTHS OF CAROL for my marketing and publicity.

Except I made a totally stupid newbie mistake. I panicked, and I rushed. I tried to launch a InstaTweetFacePinTumbTubeGoogleReads all at once.

First of all, let’s get this out there: I was baptized by fire in the inferno of the Dot Com years. I rode the boom up at the tender age of 22 and the bust down at the withered, cynical age of 30. There was a time in the summer of 1999 where you couldn’t go to lunch because you were afraid of missing a “paradigm shift.”

Carol and I worked on public relations teams that would take our clients from public launch to filing initial IPO papers in 8 weeks. Multiply by 4-6 clients at a time. Repeat.

The point is, all of this was par for the course in good marketing strategy, no matter what your industry. However, the difference of technology and Dot Com fever meant that time was of the essence.

This is not to say that a sense of urgency isn’t a good thing. More than ever, we devour content at the speed of light. Urgency, consistency, and constancy are winning principles in any marketing endeavor.

Where I and a lot of other new authors (yes, I am dragging others down with me) make a key mistake is trying to apply urgency to everything all at once. 

There is a hierarchy to what you need to do and which social media you need to use as you get up and running. I have discovered this the hard way because there are only so many hours in the day, and this probably slowed some of the progress I had hoped to make in these first two quarters.

You have time.

I didn’t realize that. It doesn’t all have to be done at once. Here are the basic TRUTHS OF CAROL that I am ashamed to admit I had forgotten.

Good marketing plans are constructed with layers that build over time.

Good marketing plans are also realistic as to playing to personal strengths, scope, and impact over time.

Good marketing plans are based on good market research.

Don’t get me wrong. You don’t have all the time in the world, and you do need to set deadlines and goals in order to motivate, achieve, and move forward. However, you may not need to unleash your InstaTweetFacePinTumbTubeGoogleReads all at one go.

I tried, and I couldn’t even get up enough momentum to fail spectacularly. I failed mediocrely. My trial and mostly error did form a kind of double-blind study of the research I had done to learn how to promote my books. Here are some of my lessons learned.

1. Focus on getting your website set up and looking nice. Get the technical stuff worked out. 

2. Do your homework and try some things before committing to your first three social media. Play around with Pinterest. Too overwhelming? Try Tumblr. Too juvenile? Try Instagram. No good at photography? Try Twitter….

3. Pick one social media platform to focus on primarily for your first year.

4. Decide on 2 more social media for the following year.

Example: Next year, I will be using YouTube and Tumblr for more marketing. (Bonus: by giving myself time to relax and not stress about getting up and running with these outlets, I actually have come up with some really creative projects to do that don’t involve the usual cut/paste/spam content).

5. Decide what you are not good at or not interested in. Be honest.

Example: I am not an inspired photographer. Instagram will just never be my thing. I accept that. Also, I’m too distractible and impatient to do well in a GoodReads or Shelfari discussion group. It is highly unlikely I will be successful trying to use those sites because I will be naturally inclined to avoid them or procrastinate.

You don’t have to follow this. But, if you felt overwhelmed like I did when I started down this road, this could be a good way to both get yourself going and to keep your sanity.

Also, by narrowing your focus in the beginning, you can concentrate on writing more books while putting out quality promotional material. Balancing writing and promo was one other major stumbling block for me as I got started, and I’m only just getting right side up now.

So, here’s to a more organized, prolific Q3 with a stronger, more strategic marketing strategy!

Writers Conferences for Self-Published Authors

Attending a writers’ conference can be a game-changer for self-published authors, offering invaluable opportunities to learn, connect, and grow. These events provide a unique space where writers at all stages of their careers can come together, gain insights, and develop new skills. For self-published authors, in particular, conferences can help fill gaps in knowledge about publishing, marketing, and building a readership.

One of the biggest draws of a writers’ conference is the chance to learn from experts. Whether you’re looking for guidance on self-publishing platforms, launching your book, or managing Amazon ads, conferences often feature workshops tailored to these topics. At the same time, sessions on writing craft and editing can help you elevate the quality of your work, ensuring it stands out in the crowded marketplace.

Networking is another major reason to attend. Conferences connect you with editors, designers, marketers, and other professionals who can help you produce a polished, marketable book. But it’s not just about professional connections—you’ll also meet other authors who share your journey. These relationships can lead to collaborations, resource sharing, and ongoing support.

Staying updated on industry trends is critical in the ever-changing self-publishing world. Conferences are a great place to learn about new tools, technologies, and strategies. You might discover innovative ways to engage with readers, improve your book’s discoverability, or boost sales. Plus, hearing from successful indie authors can be incredibly motivating. Their stories often blend inspiration with practical advice, showing that your self-publishing dreams are within reach.

Preparation is key to making the most of a writers’ conference. Before you go, it’s a good idea to set clear goals. Are you looking to refine your marketing skills, network with industry professionals, or learn about the latest publishing trends? Knowing what you want will help you focus your time and energy. Researching the conference agenda is also important. Look for sessions and workshops that align with your goals, and identify key speakers or events you don’t want to miss.

Don’t forget to bring materials that introduce you and your work. Business cards, author one-sheets, and a short, compelling pitch about your book can make you memorable when networking. Be ready to take notes, ask questions, and engage actively during sessions. After the conference, following up with new contacts is essential for building lasting relationships.

Attending a writers’ conference isn’t just about gaining knowledge—it’s about investing in yourself and your future as an author. The right conference can energize you, expand your professional network, and give you the tools you need to take your self-publishing journey to the next level. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow your existing platform, there’s a conference out there to help you achieve your goals. Ready to dive in? Let’s find the perfect event for you!

Here is an ongoing list of Writers’ Conferences you might want to check out!

  • 20Books Vegas (Las Vegas, NV)
    A conference specifically designed for indie authors, focusing on self-publishing strategies, marketing, and author business development.
    Learn more
  • Indie Author Conference (Online)
    A fully virtual conference offering workshops on marketing, book design, and leveraging social media to build an audience.
    Learn more
  • Writer’s Digest Annual Conference (New York, NY)
    Covers a range of topics, including self-publishing, traditional publishing, and the craft of writing.
    Learn more
  • Smarter Artist Summit
    Aimed at indie authors, this event emphasizes creating sustainable careers through effective writing, publishing, and marketing.
    Learn more
  • Self-Publishing Advice Conference (Online)
    Hosted by the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi), this free online conference offers expert advice on everything from book production to rights management.
    Learn more
  • PubWest Conference
    While focused on the publishing industry as a whole, this conference includes sessions valuable for self-published authors, such as design, marketing, and digital trends.
    Learn more
  • BookBaby Independent Authors Conference (Online)
    A practical event for self-published authors looking to learn about self-publishing platforms, marketing, and distribution.
    Learn more
  • Writer’s Workshop at the San Miguel Writers’ Conference (Mexico)
    A mix of workshops and networking opportunities, including sessions tailored to indie authors.
    Learn more
  • IBPA Publishing University (Online & In-Person)
    A conference focused on small publishers and indie authors, covering topics like production, marketing, and distribution.
    Learn more
  • Unbound Writers Conference (Online)
    An event aimed at empowering writers to embrace their unique voices and succeed in self-publishing.
    Learn more
  • Author Advantage Live
    Hosted by Self Publishing School, this annual event focuses on publishing, marketing, and business growth for authors. It appeals to both fiction and nonfiction writers, providing strategies to succeed in self-publishing.
    Learn more
  • Inkers Con
    A three-day conference offering workshops on writing craft and business, suitable for both indie and traditionally published authors. It provides both in-person and online access, making it accessible to a wide audience.
    Learn more
  • Atlanta Self-Publishing Conference (ASPC)
    Dedicated to serving self-published authors and the independent publishing market, ASPC offers sessions to help launch and grow your author career.
    Learn more
  • San Francisco Writers Conference
    A celebration of craft, commerce, and community, this conference connects writers with industry experts, including those in self-publishing. It offers a range of workshops and networking opportunities.
    Learn more
  • Pikes Peak Writers Conference
    This conference brings the New York publishing world to Colorado Springs, offering workshops, pitch sessions, and networking opportunities for writers of all levels.
    Learn more

 

How to Sell Books on Amazon

This query is a little confusing to me, because like, are you asking how to sell other people’s books on Amazon as a reseller, or are you asking how to self-publish your own books on Amazon? Are you asking about the selling books to Amazon for cash through the (now defunct) textbook buyback program? Amazon actually does not buy back books anymore, but there are workarounds of course!

Whatever you’re looking to do with books, we have covered all the options here. Hopefully one of these concepts will point you in the right direction!

In fact, I now have an entire website dedicated to the self-publishing process!  Go on over to SelfPublishingChecklist.com, where we walk you step by step through the entire self-publishing process.

If you’re talking about selling other people’s books (like from a bookstore, yard sale, or thrift store), that is called reselling (or retail arbitrage) and that’s a whole different thing. I think the vast majority of people who are Googling “sell books on Amazon” are talking about their own books (i.e. self-publishing), but I did just want to provide comprehensive information to point you in the right direction, so here’s how you would go about that:

  1. Create an Amazon seller account: To start selling on Amazon, you need to create a seller account. You can either sign up for an individual account or a professional account. An individual account is free, but Amazon charges a fee for each item sold. A professional account costs $39.99 per month but has no per-item fee.  Selling books is a great way to get started with reselling (also called “retail arbitrage”).
  2. Find books to sell.  For this step, you’ll need to start with your own bookshelves, then hit thrift stores, garage/yard sales, and the clearance section of bookstores. Because of fees, you’re not going to be able to just buy full-price books from bookstores and sell the books on Amazon, so you’ll need to get creative with how and where to get the books that you’re selling.
  3. List books for sale: Once you have created your Amazon seller account, you can start listing your books for sale. You can list your books one at a time or in bulk by using Amazon’s seller tools.
  4. Set the price: When you list your book, you need to set a price. You can either set a fixed price or use Amazon’s pricing tools to set a competitive price based on the condition and demand for the book. Be sure to look at all of the fees involved and take into consideration the cost of postage or of shipping the books to Amazon when you set your price. Setting the price too low is the # 1 cause of losing money
  5. Fulfillment: You can either fulfill the orders yourself (this is called “merchant fulfillment) or use Amazon’s fulfillment service called Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA). If you choose FBA, you send the books in to the Amazon fulfillment center, then Amazon handles the shipping, customer service, and returns for your orders.
  6. Receive payment: Once you have sold a book, Amazon will deposit the payment into your seller account. Amazon pays every two weeks for sales made during that period.
  7. Get customer feedback: Encourage customers to leave feedback on your seller account. Positive feedback can help increase sales and improve your seller reputation.

It’s also important to keep your inventory up-to-date and be responsive to customer inquiries and concerns. By following these steps and providing excellent customer service, you can successfully sell books on Amazon.

Oh, and just in case you’re curious, no– Amazon does not have a “buy back your books” program anymore. If you want to sell your textbooks on Amazon at this point, you would need to just do that on the seller marketplace, which I’ve outlined above.

Barnes & Noble DOES have a textbook buyback program, which you can find right here!

Why Authors Must Use Amazon Author Central

Amazon
Photo credit: Bigstock photo. Contributor: graphicphoto

By now I hope most writers know that Amazon provides a valuable “home page” for authors of books they sell.  And you also know that Amazon probably now has in excess of 50 million customers (not all of whom are shopping for books of course) and by now sells something more than 25% of all books sold in America.  And a significant percentage of Amazon’s customers want to know about the writers whose books they shop for.

Amazon’s Author Central provides authors with a great opportunity to let writers to connect with readers through the resources Amazon enables you to post there.  Just like any other marketing opportunity for books and authors, it will take some of your time and effort to set up and maintain your Author Central presence, but the effort is well worthwhile.  The hardest part really is that you must visualize what Amazon shoppers are looking for, and then make sure you give them the kinds of information they will find compelling, engaging and useful – and which will draw them to buy your books.

For example, if you are a nonfiction writer, assume that many Amazon customers are looking for books and authors for business, hobbies and personal development.  So make sure your profile demonstrates how much you know about your subject.  Make sure it’s clear that you are an expert in your field.  A great Author Central page might even gain you more than book sales – we’ve heard of writers getting offers for speaking engagements and writing assignments through Author Central – which makes sense – what better source to find an expert for an event or conference than Amazon, with thousands of author experts available just by clicking!

Fiction writers have a chance to provide background about your work and the kinds of personal details that readers love to learn about their favorite writers.  You can post all kinds of information that will engage and involve readers who already know your work and attract readers who have not yet read one of your books.

It’s a no brainer to assume that book shoppers on Amazon are looking for a reason to buy a book, so why not make it easier to choose yours?  Author Central gives you a chance to show why they should pick your book, right now.  And for authors with multiple books, it’s the perfect showcase for a reader who has read one of your books to find out why she should want to buy and read more of them.

There are some really powerful practical benefits for authors to use Author Central as well as personal marketing.  For example, your Amazon book search results are enhanced by content that appears on your author page.  More content, more key words, all create more opportunity for readers to find you.  And when you have an Author Central account, if there are problems with your book listings, you can reach out to Amazon directly. That can be very valuable when a customer reviewer gives you a low ranking for an unfair reason.  Or when your print book and ebook versions are not linked as they should be.

The best benefit that authors get from Author Central might well be access to sales data.  Publishers pay Nielsen Bookscan a tidy sum every year for reporting of retailer sales data for their books.  Authors and agents are always desperate to know how well their books are selling.  When you know your current sales data, you can have a much better understanding of how effective your marketing is (or isn’t), and you can also see where in the country your books are selling.  Author Central also gives authors access to their Amazon sales data, including ebooks, which is very useful indeed.

Having access to this information ought to be reason enough to sign up for Author Central right now.

So in short, if you are not already using Amazon Author Central, go here now and sign up.  Since Author Central is really more part of the “setup” process of self-publishing rather than the promotional process, we have moved the actual “What to put on an author central page” material over to the Self Publishing Checklist. Go on over there and check it out!

Go have some fun building connections with readers!

How I Did It by Brittany Geragotelis

rsz_brittoption1How I Did It, by Brittany Geragotelis

Rejection. That was what my writing life was full of for a solid 8 years. So when my big break finally happened, it seemed like it all happened very suddenly. But the reality was that success only came  for me after 17 years of hard work, dedication, perseverance and ego deflation.

When I moved to NYC in 2001 after graduating from college, I decided to start seriously pursuing my goal of becoming a published author. At the time there was really only one way of doing this: You got an agent, who found you an editor who convinced their publishers to take on your book. Only then were you found worthy of being a published author.

Luckily, I got an agent after only a few months of looking and he began to shop around my books. But after three failed attempts (and a few close-calls), he decided to drop me as a client. At this point, I’d been at it for over seven years and started wondering if it was what I was meant to do. It takes so much time and work to write a novel and if no one was ever going to read it….well, what was the point? So I took a hiatus from writing.

For six months.

But then I got the itch to write again and so I sat down to reevaluate my goals. I asked myself why I was writing. If I was being honest with myself, I write because I love it and I feel compelled to do it—and to hopefully get my books into the hands of readers who will be able to enjoy them.

If this was my ultimate goal, then sitting around and waiting for a publisher to deem my stories worthy of reading wasn’t working. It was around this time that I discovered Wattpad. Wattpad’s an online community writing site, sort of like a YouTube for writers. Anyone can join the site and users can either post or read original content for free.

So, I decided to give it a try, by writing an original story for the website, called Life’s a Witch. On January 1, 2011 I posted my first chapter of the book and followed each week with a new chapter. After six months, I’d finished writing the book, and had garnered 6 million reads of my book. At nearly a year of having it up, I had 19 million reads of LAW and kids were acting out scenes from the book in public and asking where they could buy the book.

At this point, because there appeared to be a demand for it, I decided to self-publish. Around this time, a lovely reporter at Publisher’s Weekly decided to write a story about me and my success on Wattpad, and because of this, the traditional publishing world came calling. Just a few weeks later, we went into an auction between four publishing houses for the rights to the series. In the end, I ended up going with Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers in a 3-book, 6-figure deal.

My first book in the series, a prequel/spin-off called What the Spell? came out Jan 29, 2013. A new and improved version of Life’s a Witch will debut July 9, 2013, followed by the sequel, The Witch is Back in Jan 2014.

 

Author Bio: Brittany Geragotelis, a former Olympic-bound gymnast and magazine editor, is a self-professed pop culture junkie turned author. Her paranormal action book, Life’s a Witch, received 19 million reads on the writing site Wattpad, before she sold the series to Simon & Schuster. What the Spell? is her first published book in the series. Brittany currently lives in New York City with her fiancé and two cats, Murray and Cohen. Visit her at www.brittanygeragotelis.com.

 

FIND HER ON:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BrittanyGeragotelis

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/TheBookSlayer

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/TheBookSlayer

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/TheBookSlayer

Wattpad: http://www.wattpad.com/BrittTheBookSlayer