How Much Does Amazon Charge to Publish a Book?

How much does Amazon charge to publish a book? This blog post will break it down for you, from upfront investments to royalties, so you’ll understand costs and fees at every stage of the publishing process. Plus, we’ll arm you with insider tips to make self-publishing accessible and profitable. By the end, you'll know exactly how Amazon’s pricing works and why their Kindle Direct Publishing is one of the go-to options for self-published creators.

Understanding Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing is among the top self-publishing platforms. KDP allows creators to publish their eBooks and print-on-demand paperbacks or hardcovers and sell them on Amazon's global storefront without intermediaries.

Here’s a quick KDP tutorial for how it works:

1. Create an account on KDP.
2. Upload your manuscript and cover design.
3. Set your pricing and royalty preferences.
4. Publish your book to Amazon’s catalog for millions of readers to discover.

The KDP process is designed to be straightforward and intuitive, especially for self-publishers who may not have technical skills or prior publishing experience. Amazon KDP being very beginner-friendly and simple should reassure you that you can navigate the process with confidence.

Benefits of Using KDP for Self-Publishing

KDP offers a broad reach, no inventory costs, creative control, and high earning potential. These benefits make it a compelling choice for self-publishers.

• Broad Reach: With Amazon, you tap into one of the largest marketplaces globally, giving your book unparalleled visibility.
• No Inventory Costs: KDP operates on a print-on-demand model, so you don’t have to worry about printing or storing copies upfront.
• WithKDP, Control: you have complete creative control. From pricing to marketing strategies, every decision is yours to make. This level of control should empower you as a self-publisher.
• One of the most exciting aspects of self-publishing on KDP is the potential for earnings. With royalty options ranging from 35% to 70%, self-publishers can earn significantly more per sale than through traditional publishing. This potential for higher earnings should motivate and excite you as an aspiring publisher.

Publishing Costs

Before we get into Amazon’s fees, it’s essential to note that while it’s technically free to upload a book on KDP, other costs may crop up in the self-publishing process, depending on how polished and professional you want your final product to be. Let's cover these anticipated Amazon self-publishing expenses:

Professional Editing and Proofreading Costs

Even the most talented writers need a second pair of eyes—or, ideally, professional ones. Hiring an editor or proofreader ensures your book is polished, error-free, and ready to impress.

• Developmental Editing (focusing on structure and content): $0.03–$0.09 per word.
• Copy Editing (focusing on grammar, syntax, and consistency): $0.02–$0.04 per word.
• Proofreading (final polish for typos): $0.01–$0.03 per word.

If you’re hesitant to invest in this area, remember that a professionally edited book builds reader trust in your brand as a publisher.

Book Cover Design and Formatting Costs

Your cover is the first thing readers see, so it needs to make an excellent impression. Proper formatting ensures your book looks professional on Kindle devices and in print.

• Book Cover Design: Pre-made templates from freelance platforms like Fiverr: $50–$200. Custom designs by experienced designers: $200–$1500.

• Book Formatting Tools/Services: Software like Vellum formatting your eBook and print file costs ~$200. Professional formatting services for seamless eBook and paperback files: $100–$300.

ISBNs and Necessary Tools

Amazon automatically assigns print books a free ISBN (International Standard Book Number). However, if you intend to distribute your book beyond Amazon, consider purchasing your ISBN independently through Bowker.

• Individual ISBN cost in the U.S.: $125
• ISBN package (10 ISBNs) for multiple books or editions: $295

Printing Costs for Paperback and Hardcover Books

Amazon operates on a print-on-demand model for paperback and hardcover books, meaning costs are only incurred when someone orders a copy. Printing costs depend on page count, trim size, and ink (black-and-white vs. color).

To calculate your book’s printing cost:

• Standard printing price = (Fixed cost + page count cost)
• For black & white books (per page): ~$0.012/page + fixed cost.
• For color books (per page): ~ $0.07/page + fixed cost.

Example:

If you publish a 300-page black-and-white paperback, calculate:

$0.85 (fixed setup cost) + $0.012 (page cost) × 300 = $4.45 per copy.

eBook Delivery Costs

Amazon charges a “delivery fee” for Kindle eBooks to cover data transmission costs for Kindle eBooks. The fee, which depends on the eBook file size, is subtracted from the royalties.

• Delivery fee per MB = $0.15
• The average eBook delivery fee for 2MB file = ~$0.30.

Pro Tip: Optimize file sizes (compress illustrations without sacrificing quality) to minimize delivery charges.

Royalties and Pricing for Kindle eBooks and Print Books

Amazon offers two primary royalty structures:

1. 35% Royalty Option:

• Open to eBooks priced below $2.99 or above $9.99.
• A lower-royalty alternative for books outside the "sweet spot price range."

2. 70% Royalty Option:

• Available for eBooks priced between $2.99–$9.99.
• Requires participation in KDP Select (exclusive enrollment in and those getting paid via Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited program).

For print-on-demand books, royalties are calculated after subtracting printing costs and Amazon's share. Even with these fees, Amazon KDP is very profitable.

Is it Free to Set Up a KDP Account?

Yes! Creating a KDP account is entirely free, with no recurring monthly fees. You only incur costs when producing physical copies or opt for premium services like professional design or editing.

Pricing and Marketing Your Book

Pricing your book effectively is the key to driving both sales and profitability. Consider these factors:

• Know Your Audience: Will readers be comfortable paying $9.99 for your content?
• Competitor Research: Research the pricing of similar books in your genre.
• Aim for the "Sweet Spot" of $2.99–$9.99 to maximize your royalties at 70%.

Minimum List Price

Amazon uses printing costs to determine the minimum list price for physical books. Your selling price must cover production costs and enable Amazon’s commission.

For example:

• Printing cost per copy = $4.45
• Minimum List Price = $4.45 × 1.6 = $7.12.

Marketing Strategies for Self-Publishers on Amazon

• Leverage Amazon Ads: Target keywords like "science fiction eBooks" to attract your niche audience.
• Optimize Metadata & Keywords for discoverability. For example, include “Kindle eBook” or “paperback printing cost” in your title or description.
• Enroll in KDP Select to get visibility through Kindle Unlimited.

Tips for Successful Self-Publishing

Want to get a jump start in self-publishing? We have a wealth of insider tips and tricks. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Publishing without professional editing.
• Failing to research your target price point.
• Overlooking marketing opportunities post-launch.

 Step-by-Step Guide to Mastering Amazon KDP

1. Write and edit your book.
2. Develop an eye-catching cover.
3. Use Amazon's Kindle Create Tool to format your eBook.
4. Upload your manuscript to KDP.
5. Set competitive pricing.
6. Publish and promote actively using ad campaigns.
7. Keep track of royalties and adjust strategies based on performance.

Maximize Your Self-Publishing Journey

Ready to turn your manuscript into a bestseller without breaking the bank? Discover how to navigate Amazon's publishing costs and maximize your profits with our free webinar!

In this exclusive session, you'll learn:

• How to minimize upfront costs while maintaining professional quality
• Strategies to optimize your royalties and pricing for maximum returns
• Insider tips on leveraging Amazon's algorithms for increased visibility
• Cost-effective marketing techniques to boost your book's success

Don't let publishing costs keep you from sharing your story. Join us and unlock the secrets to profitable self-publishing on Amazon!

Reserve your spot in our free webinar and start your journey to becoming a successful self-publisher today!