Complete KDP Publishing Checklist: 15 Steps to Launch Successfully
Your step-by-step guide to publishing on Amazon KDP. Avoid common mistakes and launch your book with confidence.
Publishing on Amazon KDP can be overwhelming. There are dozens of decisions to make, rules to follow, and optimizations to consider. Miss one step, and you could face account suspension, poor sales, or wasted marketing budget.
This comprehensive checklist covers everything from manuscript preparation to post-launch marketing. Follow these steps to publish like a professional and avoid the costly mistakes that derail most first-time authors. We'll also show you how to optimize your keywords for maximum visibility and select the best categories for your book.
Pro Tip: A systematic approach to publishing is what separates hobbyists from professionals. Published.: The Proven Path From Blank Page To 10,000 Copies Sold by Chandler Bolt covers this in detail.
Phase 1: Pre-Launch
Finalize Your Manuscript
Proofread, edit, format. No typos, consistent formatting, proper chapter breaks.
Create a Professional Cover
Hire a designer or use quality templates. Must meet KDP specs (1600×2560px minimum).
Format Your eBook
Use Vellum, Atticus, or Calibre. Test on multiple devices. Include clickable TOC.
Format Your Paperback (Optional)
Interior PDF with correct trim size, margins, and bleed. Test print recommended.
Phase 2: Metadata & Compliance
Check for Banned Keywords
Use our Compliance Checker to scan title, subtitle, description, and keywords for violations.
Use Tool →Research Keywords
Find 7 high-value keywords using our AI Keyword Research Tool. Focus on 3-5 word phrases.
Use Tool →Craft Your Title & Subtitle
Include primary keyword in title. Use subtitle for 2-3 additional keywords (200 char max).
Write Compelling Description
Hook in first 2 lines. Use bullet points. Include keywords naturally. 4000 char max.
Choose Categories Wisely
Select 2 main categories. Research BSR in each. Aim for categories where you can rank top 100.
Phase 3: Pricing & Costs
Calculate Print Costs
Use our Print Cost Calculator for exact printing costs across all trim sizes and marketplaces.
Use Tool →Set Your eBook Price
$2.99-$9.99 for 70% royalty. Test different price points every 90 days.
Set Your Paperback Price
Ensure at least $2-3 royalty per sale. Check competitor pricing in your category.
Decide on KDP Select
Use KENP Calculator to compare KU vs regular sales for your book length.
Use Tool →Phase 4: Launch & Marketing
Publish & Verify
Hit publish. Wait 24-72 hours for live status. Check all marketplaces for correct display.
Gather Reviews
Send ARCs to beta readers. Use Amazon's Early Reviewer Program. Never buy fake reviews.
10 Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Publishing Without Compliance Check
Using banned keywords can get your book suppressed or account suspended. Always check before publishing.
Solution: Use our Compliance Checker to scan title, subtitle, description, and keywords.
2. Skipping Keyword Research
70% of sales come from Amazon search. Without proper keywords, readers won't find your book.
Solution: Spend 2-3 hours researching keywords. Use our AI Keyword Tool for suggestions.
3. Pricing Too Low (or Too High)
Earning $0.50 per sale isn't worth it. But pricing at $19.99 when competitors are $12.99 kills sales.
Solution: Research top 10 books in your category. Price within their range, aim for $2-3+ royalty.
4. Ignoring BSR Tracking
You can't improve what you don't measure. Track BSR daily to understand your sales velocity and marketing effectiveness.
Solution: Use our BSR Calculator to estimate daily sales from your rank. Track trends weekly.
5. Not Testing Price Points
Your initial price is a guess. Test different prices every 90 days to maximize total revenue.
Solution: Track (Price × Sales Volume) = Total Revenue. Keep the price that generates most revenue.
6. Using a Poor Quality Cover
Your cover is your #1 sales tool. A bad cover can kill a great book. Readers judge books by covers.
Solution: Hire a professional designer ($150-500) or use premium templates. Test thumbnail at 100px.
7. Weak Book Description
Your description must hook readers in the first 2 lines. Most readers don't scroll down.
Solution: Start with a compelling question or statement. Use bullet points. Include social proof.
8. Choosing Wrong Categories
Picking ultra-competitive categories makes it impossible to rank. Choose categories where you can reach top 100.
Solution: Research BSR #100 in each category. Pick ones where that rank = achievable sales volume.
9. Publishing Before It's Ready
Typos, formatting errors, and plot holes kill reviews. You can't unpublish and start over with a clean slate.
Solution: Hire a professional editor. Get 5+ beta readers. Test on multiple devices before publishing.
10. No Launch Plan
Publishing without a launch strategy means zero sales momentum. Amazon's algorithm rewards early velocity.
Solution: Build email list, line up ARC readers, prepare ads, schedule social posts. Launch = 30-day sprint.
📖 Recommended: How to Publish a Book on Amazon in 2025: Real Advice from Someone Who's Doing it Well
by Sam Kerns
Build professional publishing systems with current best practices for 2025.
Post-Launch: First 30 Days Strategy
The first 30 days determine your book's long-term success. Amazon's algorithm watches for early signals.
📅 Days 1-7
- Goal: Generate 20-50 sales
- • Email your list
- • Post on social media
- • Send to ARC readers
- • Run launch ads (high budget)
- • Monitor BSR hourly
📅 Days 8-21
- Goal: Build momentum
- • Optimize ads based on data
- • Request reviews (no incentives)
- • Test different keywords
- • Join reader groups
- • Track BSR daily
📅 Days 22-30
- Goal: Sustain & optimize
- • Analyze what's working
- • Scale successful ads
- • Cut underperforming ads
- • Plan next book/promo
- • Track BSR weekly
Critical Metric: If your BSR isn't under 100,000 by day 30, you need to adjust your strategy. Under 50,000 = good launch. Under 20,000 = excellent launch.
Free Tools to Help You Publish
Use our free tools to ensure compliance, optimize metadata, calculate costs, and track performance:
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Final Thoughts
Publishing on KDP doesn't have to be complicated. Follow this checklist, use the right tools, and you'll avoid 90% of the mistakes that trip up new authors. Remember: successful publishing is about preparation, not luck.
Ready to Publish Your Book?
Start with our free tools to ensure a successful launch:
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to publish a book on Amazon KDP?
eBooks typically go live within 24-72 hours after submission. Paperbacks take 72 hours to 5 days for review. Plan for up to a week total from submission to live status. Use this time to prepare your launch marketing and notify your email list.
Can I publish my book before the cover is final?
No, you need a complete cover to publish. However, you can update your cover anytime after publishing through your KDP dashboard. Many authors test different covers to see which converts better. Changes take 24-72 hours to reflect on Amazon.
What happens if my book gets rejected during review?
Amazon will email you with the specific reason for rejection. Common issues include cover quality, formatting errors, content policy violations, or metadata problems. Fix the issue, resubmit, and it will be reviewed again. Most rejections are easily fixable.
Do I need an ISBN for Amazon KDP?
No, ISBNs are optional for KDP. Amazon provides free ASINs for eBooks and free ISBNs for paperbacks. However, if you want to distribute beyond Amazon or maintain full publishing rights, purchase your own ISBN from Bowker (US) or your country's ISBN agency.
Should I publish my eBook and paperback at the same time?
Yes, publishing both formats simultaneously maximizes your reach and revenue. Some readers prefer physical books, others prefer digital. Amazon will automatically link the formats if you use the same title and author name. This creates a single product page with format options.
📚 Master the Complete Publishing Process
These books will help you publish professionally and build a sustainable author business:
by Chandler Bolt
Master the complete publishing process with proven systems and checklists.
by David Gaughran
From manuscript to launch - everything you need to publish professionally on KDP.
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