So let’s break down the process in simple terms. Welcome to Amazon Publishing 101—where you’ll learn how to master the platform and finally give your book the spotlight it deserves.
Step 1: Choose Your Publishing Path Wisely
Amazon gives you two main publishing options: Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and KDP Select. KDP is the standard route—it lets you publish ebooks, paperbacks, and even hardcovers directly. KDP Select, however, is an exclusive program where your ebook can only be sold on Amazon in exchange for extra promotional perks.
So which one should you choose?
If you’re just starting out and want access to tools like Kindle Unlimited readers, free promotion days, and countdown deals, KDP Select might be worth it. But if you’re trying to sell wide (like on Apple Books or Kobo), stick to regular KDP.
Pro tip: You can always start with KDP Select and opt out later. It’s a 90-day commitment, not a life sentence.
Step 2: Nail Your Metadata—Because It Matters
Your title, subtitle, book description, and keywords aren't just fillers—they're the foundation of your visibility. Amazon’s algorithm scans this metadata to decide what your book is about and where it should show up.
- Title & Subtitle: These should include clear genre cues or search-friendly terms. Instead of “Broken,” try “Broken: A Gritty Crime Thriller.”
- Book Description: Treat this like ad copy. Hook the reader in the first few lines, then add compelling bullet points or blurbs.
- Keywords: Think like a reader. What would someone type into Amazon to find your book? Use keyword tools or even Amazon’s autocomplete to generate ideas.
This is where many authors stumble—but getting your metadata right can be the difference between page 1 and page 20 of search results.
Step 3: Pick the Perfect Categories
When uploading your book, Amazon lets you choose two BISAC categories—but here’s the secret: you’re not limited to just two. You can request up to 10 categories through Amazon support after publishing.
Here’s why this matters:
The right categories can place your book in a less competitive space, giving you a much higher chance of hitting the #1 Best Seller tag.
Let’s say you’re publishing a mystery novel. “Mystery > Women Sleuths” might have 20,000 titles, but “Mystery > Cozy > Crafts & Hobbies” might have only 500. Ranking there is way easier, and the bestseller badge is a powerful trust signal.
Step 4: Design Like a Pro (Even If You Aren’t One)
Covers matter. A lot. Readers do judge books by their covers—especially on Amazon, where they’re scrolling fast and making snap judgments. A professional-looking cover instantly communicates genre, quality, and tone.
- For thrillers, dark colors and bold fonts work well.
- For romance, soft colors and character-focused imagery.
- For non-fiction, clean lines and authoritative typography win.
Your interior formatting matters too. If it’s sloppy, readers notice—and they leave bad reviews. You can use tools like Vellum (Mac) or Atticus (Windows/Mac) to format your ebook and print version professionally without a designer.
Step 5: Collect Reviews Early (and Ethically)
Amazon reviews are gold. They not only provide social proof to buyers, but they also impact how your book performs in Amazon’s ranking algorithm. But here’s the tricky part: you can’t pay for them or ask your cousin to write one (Amazon’s bots are watching).
Instead, try this:
- Set up an ARC (Advance Review Copy) team before launch.
- Offer free copies in exchange for honest reviews on launch day.
- Use your email list or social media following to encourage early reviews.
The first 10 reviews are critical—they can skyrocket your visibility and build that all-important momentum.
Step 6: Pricing Strategy 101
Pricing isn’t just a number—it’s a strategy. When you launch your book, consider starting at a lower price (like $0.99 or $2.99) to attract early buyers. Then gradually raise the price once reviews and traction build up.
If you’re enrolled in KDP Select, you can run Kindle Countdown Deals or offer your book for free for a limited time. These promotions can lead to massive spikes in downloads, visibility, and even rankings.
And if you have multiple books? Use one as a “loss leader” (cheaper or free) to funnel readers into your other titles.
Step 7: Promote Like a Boss
Amazon’s algorithm rewards activity. If your book is getting clicks, purchases, and reviews, it ranks higher. But that means you have to drive the initial buzz.
Ways to do it:
- Set up a book launch team to spread the word.
- Submit your free or discounted book to promotion sites like Freebooksy or BookBub.
- Invest in Amazon ads. These appear right next to other books in your genre and can drive highly targeted traffic.
Don’t be shy about your book—visibility takes consistent effort, especially in those first 30 days.
Step 8: Monitor, Tweak, Repeat
Once your book is live, keep an eye on your KDP dashboard. Monitor sales, page reads (if in Kindle Unlimited), and ad performance. Experiment with pricing. Swap out keywords or tweak your book description.
Amazon rewards persistence. Keep testing what works, and don’t be afraid to pivot.
Bringing It All Together
Domination on Amazon isn’t about luck—it’s about knowing how to play the game. From category hacks to cover design, pricing strategy to ad targeting, every little move matters. It’s not just about writing a great book (though that’s essential). It’s about making sure the right people actually see it.
If all this feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. Many authors—especially those publishing for the first time—find Amazon’s ecosystem complex and ever-changing. That’s where experience comes in handy.
At Book Publishing LLC, the team knows how to navigate these waters. Their behind-the-scenes know-how helps writers turn hidden gems into chart-topping bestsellers. Whether it's positioning your book in the right niche or crafting that irresistible book description, their guidance is like having a compass in a dense Amazon jungle.
Amazon is the biggest bookstore in the world, but standing out there takes more than hitting “publish.” With the right tools, a little grit, and the right guidance, you can absolutely rise through the ranks—and stay there.
Your book deserves more than just shelf space. It deserves to be found.