KDP FAQ: Common Amazon Self-Publishing Questions
The broader questions that come up before a specific calculator or trim size even matters, review times, file formats, royalties, and how KDP Select actually works.
Review, publishing, and editing
How long does KDP take to review and publish a book?
Typically 24 to 72 hours for most books, though it can take longer during high-volume periods. Updates to an already-published book usually review faster than a brand-new title.
What file formats does KDP accept?
Paperback and hardcover interiors want a print-ready PDF. Kindle eBooks accept a formatted Word document, EPUB, or Kindle Create (KPF) file. Covers are a single wraparound PDF for print, or a standard image file for Kindle.
Can I edit my book after it's published?
Yes, anytime. You can update files, cover, price, or metadata whenever you want. Amazon re-reviews the book briefly after any new file upload.
Why would KDP reject a book, and what happens if it does?
Formatting issues, content policy violations, and metadata problems are the most common reasons. KDP tells you specifically what needs fixing, you correct it and resubmit, no penalty for a rejection itself.
Royalties and payment
When and how do KDP royalties get paid?
Monthly, roughly 60 days after the month the sales happened in, by direct deposit or check once you're above your country's minimum payment threshold.
What's the difference between the 35% and 70% royalty rate?
The 70% rate applies to Kindle eBooks priced between $2.99 and $9.99 in eligible marketplaces, minus a small delivery fee based on file size. Outside that price range, or in marketplaces that don't qualify, the rate drops to 35%.
Do I need a business license or LLC to publish on KDP?
No. You can publish as an individual with just your name and tax information. An LLC or business license is entirely optional, it only matters for how you structure your own finances.
Formats and KDP Select
Can I publish the same book as an eBook, paperback, and hardcover?
Yes. Each format is set up separately in KDP but linked under one book listing, so a reader can pick their preferred format from the same product page.
What is KDP Select and Kindle Unlimited?
KDP Select enrolls your eBook exclusively on Amazon for 90-day terms, in exchange for eligibility in Kindle Unlimited (paid per page read) and access to promotional tools like free book days.
Can authors outside the US publish on KDP?
Yes, KDP is open worldwide. You'll complete a tax interview during account setup, and the available payment methods vary by country.
Where to go for the official word
This page covers the questions that come up most, in plain language. For the complete, always-current policy details, especially anything involving taxes, content guidelines, or account-specific issues, Amazon's own KDP Help Center is the source of record. Worth checking there directly whenever something touches your specific account or a recent policy change.
Why this matters
Most of these questions only need answering once, but they're exactly the kind of thing that stalls a first-time publisher for a whole afternoon of searching. Knowing them upfront means the actual production work, covered by KDP Workspace's calculators and guides, is the only thing left to figure out.
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