NEW Amazon (KDP) Guide to Success and Self Publishing

Formatting and editing your book with Microsoft Word, creating Microsoft PowerPoint book covers and KDP Self-publishing

Created by: Brian Jackson, Writing, Self-publishing and Marketing an Amazon Kindle eBook and Book with Word, PowerPoint, ChatGPT and KDP
Author, Publisher and Educator

What Will I Learn?

• Format and edit your manuscript in Microsoft Word for professional quality Kindle eBook and Print-on-Demand (POD) paperback self-publishing.
• Create a free professional-quality do it yourself (DIY) book cover using Microsoft PowerPoint and free images found on Pixabay.
• Self-publish your manuscript in Amazon Kindle eBook and Print-on-Demand (POD) paperback formats using the Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) web-based interface.
• Set up Microsoft Word with the best editing and formatting settings for writers.
• Apply proper paragraph styles, spacing, and indentation for a clean layout.
• Use section breaks and page numbers to structure your book correctly.
• Insert and format images, tables, and special elements without errors.
• Create a professional title page, copyright page, and table of contents.
• Copy-edit your manuscript manually to eliminate typos and inconsistencies.
• Use Grammarly to enhance grammar, spelling, and readability in your book.
• Design an eye-catching book cover using Microsoft PowerPoint—no design skills needed.
• Resize and optimize images to meet Amazon’s KDP cover requirements.
• Configure your manuscript to the correct file format for Kindle and paperback publishing.
• Navigate the KDP dashboard and fill in every required field for publishing success.
• Upload your formatted manuscript and preview it before publishing.
• Choose the best book categories and keywords to increase discoverability.
• Set the right pricing strategy for both Kindle eBooks and print editions.
• Write a compelling book description that attracts and convinces readers to buy.
• Understand Amazon KDP’s royalty options and maximize your earnings.
• Leverage free marketing tools inside KDP to promote your book effectively.
• Learn why writing in a series boosts long-term success and repeat sales.
• Publish with confidence and become a self-published author on Amazon today!

Requirements

• You'll need copies of Microsoft Word and PowerPoint, or Microsoft Office, to follow along.
• You'll need a web browser (Chrome is demonstrated) to access KDP.

Target audience

• First-time authors who want to publish their first Kindle eBook or paperback but don’t know where to start.
• Writers on a budget who want to self-publish without hiring expensive editors, designers, or formatting services.
• Fiction and nonfiction authors looking to turn their manuscripts into professional-quality books.
• Entrepreneurs, coaches, and business professionals who want to publish books as part of their brand or marketing strategy.
• Bloggers and content creators who want to repurpose their content into a book format for wider reach and monetization.
• Educators and course creators who want to publish supplementary books to support their online courses.
• Anyone struggling with the technical aspects of Amazon KDP and needs a simple, step-by-step guide to get published.