Updated on May 8, 2026
So, you've finally done it. You've written your book. Maybe it took months of early mornings and late nights. Maybe it's a thriller you've been plotting in your head for years, a children's story inspired by your kids, or a poetry collection born from the deepest corners of your heart. Whatever it is, it exists now, and that's something worth celebrating.
But here comes the next big question: What do you do with it?
If you've been researching your options, you've probably come across traditional publishing houses, professional book publishing services, and maybe even some poetry publishing companies if you write verse. You may have Googled book publishers near London and felt a little overwhelmed by the gatekeeping, the submission guidelines, and the long waiting periods.
That's where publishing on Amazon through Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) enters the picture, and it might just be the smartest move you make as a first-time author.
This guide breaks it all down for you: what KDP is, how it compares to traditional routes, and exactly how to use it to get your book into the hands of readers worldwide.
What Is Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing?
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, commonly known as KDP, is one of the most powerful self-publishing platforms in the world today. It allows any author, anywhere, to publish and sell eBooks, paperbacks, and hardcovers directly through Amazon, the world's largest online marketplace.
It's free to use. It's fast. And it gives you control that traditional publishing houses simply don't offer.
In a nutshell, KDP lets you:
- Upload your manuscript and book cover
- Set your own price
- Choose your distribution options
- Earn royalties of up to 70% on eBook sales
- Go live globally in as little as 24–72 hours
Compare that to the traditional publishing route, where you send query letters to book publishers near London or elsewhere, wait months for a response, possibly face rejection after rejection, then wait another 12–24 months for your book to finally hit shelves, and you can see why so many first-time authors are choosing self-publishing platforms like KDP instead.
For a broader look at your publishing options in 2026, this guide on how to publish your book in 2026 is a fantastic starting point for understanding the full landscape.
Traditional Publishing vs. Self-Publishing Platforms: What's the Difference?
Before we go deeper into KDP, it's worth understanding the key differences between your two main paths.
Traditional Publishing
Traditional publishing houses like Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, or Simon & Schuster are the gold standard, but they're incredibly hard to break into. Even if you're based in the UK and targeting book publishers near London, you'll likely need a literary agent first. The process is long, competitive, and often discouraging for new writers.
Niche options like poetry publishing companies (think Faber & Faber, Bloodaxe Books, or Carcanet) are similarly selective. They publish work they believe has strong literary merit and commercial potential, which means many brilliant voices never get a look-in.
Some authors also explore professional book publishing services, companies that handle editing, design, and distribution for a fee. These can offer excellent support, but costs vary widely, so it's important to choose reputable providers.
Want to know how professional support can actually elevate your work? Check out this insightful resource on how professional book publishing services help first-time authors succeed, it's eye-opening.
Self-Publishing with KDP
Publishing on Amazon through KDP strips away the barriers. There's no agent required, no submission wait times, and no rejection letters. You create an account, upload your book, and publish. The platform handles the rest, printing on demand, distribution, customer service, and payment.
For first-timers who want to get their work out into the world now, self-publishing platforms like KDP offer unbeatable speed and accessibility.
Step-by-Step: How to Publish Your Book on Amazon KDP
Step 1: Create Your KDP Account
Go to kdp.amazon.com and sign in using your Amazon account. If you don't have one, creating it takes just a few minutes. Once you're in, fill out your author profile, enter your bank details, and complete your tax information. This is all standard and necessary for receiving royalty payments.
Step 2: Format Your Manuscript
This is one of the most important steps. Poorly formatted books are a red flag for readers and can lead to bad reviews. For eBooks, Amazon recommends using Kindle Create, a free tool that formats your document beautifully. For print books, pay close attention to trim sizes, margins, fonts, and chapter headings. Save your print file as a PDF.
Poets, take note: formatting poetry collections requires extra care. If you've been scouting poetry publishing companies and worrying that your work won't translate well digitally, Kindle Create actually handles poetry formatting surprisingly well when done thoughtfully.
Step 3: Design a Professional Cover
Your cover is your book's handshake. Readers absolutely judge books by their covers, and a cheap-looking design can tank your sales no matter how brilliant your writing is. KDP offers a built-in Cover Creator tool, but investing in a professional designer is always worth it if your budget allows.
Think of your cover as part of your author brand. The same consistency and quality that publishing houses put into their releases should be reflected in yours.
Step 4: Add Your Book Details
Once you're in the KDP dashboard and ready to create a new title, you'll need to fill in:
- Book title and subtitle
- Author name (or pen name)
- Book description: This is your blurb, and it needs to be compelling and keyword-rich
- Keywords: You get 7 backend keyword slots, use them wisely
- Categories: Choose 2 relevant categories to help readers find you
- Age and grade range (for children's books)
Spend real time crafting your book description. Think of it the way book publishers near London think about their catalog copy: it needs to hook the reader immediately.
Step 5: Set Your Price and Royalty Structure
KDP offers two royalty options for eBooks:
- 35% for books priced below $2.99 or above $9.99
- 70% for books priced between $2.99 and $9.99 (in eligible regions)
For print books, royalties are calculated based on list price minus printing costs. Use KDP's royalty calculator to work out the best price point for your genre and audience.
You can also enroll in KDP Select, which gives your eBook exclusivity to Amazon in exchange for access to Kindle Unlimited and promotional tools like free book days and countdown deals. It's a great strategy for authors just starting out with publishing on Amazon.
Step 6: Upload and Preview
Upload your formatted manuscript and book cover, then use KDP's built-in previewer to check that everything looks right across different devices, phone, tablet, and e-reader. Don't skip this step. Small formatting errors can ruin the reading experience.
Step 7: Hit Publish!
Once you're happy with everything, click "Publish Your Kindle eBook" or "Publish Your Paperback." Amazon will review your submission (usually within 24–72 hours), and then your book will go live. Just like that, you're a published author.
For more personalized guidance through the publishing process, the team at Best Book Publisher offers a wealth of resources and support for first-time authors.
Making Your Book Stand Out After Publishing
Publishing on Amazon is step one; marketing is the ongoing journey. Without visibility, even the best books get lost in a sea of millions. Here's how to give yours a fighting chance:
- Run Amazon Ads: KDP offers a built-in advertising platform. Start small, test different keywords, and scale what works.
- Get Reviews: Reach out to readers, book bloggers, and ARC (Advance Review Copy) readers before launch. Reviews are social proof that sells books.
- Build an Author Platform: Create a website, grow a social media following, and build an email list. These are your long-term assets.
- Leverage Book Promotion Sites: Sites like BookBub, Freebooksy, and Bargain Booksy can give your launch a serious boost.
- Consider Professional Support: Even after using self-publishing platforms, many authors work with professional book publishing services for editing, marketing, or cover design to maintain quality standards comparable to traditional publishing houses.
If you want expert support with your publishing journey, don't hesitate to contact us for tailored advice.
Is KDP Right for Every Author?
Honestly? Not necessarily. If your goal is to be stocked in major bookshops, win literary prizes, or be represented by a prestigious agent, pursuing traditional publishing houses or boutique poetry publishing companies alongside book publishers near London may still be the right path.
But if you want to get your book out into the world quickly, retain creative control, and earn higher royalties per sale, publishing on Amazon through KDP is one of the smartest moves available to you right now.
Many successful authors use KDP as a launchpad, building their audience and proving market demand, before attracting the attention of traditional book publishing services or even major publishing houses down the line. It's not either/or. It's strategy.
Final Thoughts
Publishing on Amazon through KDP has leveled the playing field for first-time authors in a way that simply didn't exist a generation ago. You don't need to spend months querying book publishers near London, waiting on publishing houses, or submitting to poetry publishing companies , hoping for a miracle. The tools are in your hands.
Yes, success takes effort. Yes, quality still matters in your writing, your editing, your cover design, and your marketing. But the door is open. All you have to do is walk through it.
Your book deserves to be read. Start today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it free to publish on Amazon through KDP?
Yes! Publishing on Amazon through KDP is completely free. There are no upfront costs to publish your eBook or print book. Amazon recoups its costs through a percentage of your royalties. This makes it one of the most accessible self-publishing platforms available to first-time authors.
How is KDP different from traditional publishing houses?
Traditional publishing houses involve literary agents, lengthy submission processes, and long wait times before your book reaches readers. KDP, on the other hand, is a self-publishing platform that lets you publish your book within days, retain creative control, and earn higher royalties, without needing a publishing deal.
Can poetry collections be published on KDP?
Absolutely! While many poets pursue traditional poetry publishing companies for literary credibility, KDP is an excellent alternative for poets who want to reach readers quickly and build an audience. Formatting matters more for poetry, so take extra care during the design process.
Should I use professional book publishing services even if I'm self-publishing on KDP?
Yes, in many cases. Professional book publishing services can help with editing, proofreading, cover design, and formatting, all of which significantly impact your book's quality and sales potential. Using these services alongside KDP gives you the best of both worlds: professional quality with self-publishing freedom.
Can I still approach book publishers near London after publishing on KDP?
Definitely. Many authors use KDP to self-publish first, prove market demand, and then approach traditional book publishers near London or other publishing houses with real sales data to support their pitch. Having an established readership can actually make you more attractive to traditional publishers.