Last Updated on May 25, 2026 by NEK Editing

Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is Amazon’s platform that allows authors, like you, to self-publish print (paperback and hardcover) and eBooks for free. This platform also gives you the option to expand your book’s availability on a global scale. You can even keep 100% of your rights to your book, which traditional publishing houses typically don’t offer.

You won’t have to pay any upfront costs or keep an inventory of books to fulfill orders. This is because of KDP’s Print-on-Demand feature.

However, your book is not guaranteed to be available in brick-and-mortar bookstores and libraries. KDP also doesn’t provide editing, marketing, and publicity support unless you pay for these services separately through their Amazon Book Publishing Center.

Learn how to self-publish your books with Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), from setting up your KDP account to how print-on-demand works.

How to Create an Amazon KDP Account

If you already have an Amazon account, head to the KDP Login page and click the “Sign In” button to enter your email address and password. Once you’ve successfully logged in, you’ll be taken to your KDP Bookshelf.

Follow these steps if you don’t already have an Amazon account:
1. Go to the KDP Login page and click the “Sign Up” button.
2. Click “Create Your KDP Account.”
3. Enter your name, email address, and a secure password.

Once you’ve created your account, you’ll need to enter your author information:

• Author Name
• Payment Info
• Tax Info

Your KDP account is connected to your Amazon account; they use the same credentials. To learn how to manage your account, visit the “Manage Your KDP Account” page.

How Does Print-on-Demand Work?

Pint-on-demand is an order fulfillment method. You design a product and your print-on-demand partner company, in this case KDP, prints and ships the goods to your customers. KDP subtracts your printing costs from your royalties, so you don’t have to pay any upfront costs or carry any inventory.

You can use KDP’s Printing Cost & Royalty Calculator to estimate your printing costs.

Need Help Setting Up Your KDP Account?

Setting up your KDP account requires gathering author information, including payment and tax details, for account registration. For smooth publishing, consider professional services like manuscript editing and formatting to meet KDP’s guidelines. With these preparations, your KDP account setup will be well-equipped for a successful book launch on Amazon.

To learn more about setting up a KDP account, adding author information, or understanding how print-on-demand global distribution and royalties work, contact NEK Editing.