From Manuscript to Bestseller
How to Get Your Book on Amazon
The fastest, most professional way to publish and sell on Amazon in 2025. This is the exact path 95% of successful indie authors use today.
Timeline: 7-14 days from manuscript to live on Amazon. Total cost: $600-$2,000 for a 100% professional launch (cover $200 + editing $500-$1,200 + formatting $0-$250).
Step-by-Step Publishing Guide
Do these in order - 7 to 14 days total
1
Finalize & Format Your Manuscript
2-5 days
$0-$1,500
Final Edit & Proofread
- ProWritingAid or Grammarly Premium (DIY)
- Hire editor on Reedsy.com ($300-$1,500)
- Upwork professional editors
Format Interior
eBook: Vellum (Mac, $249) or Free Reedsy Book Editor
Paperback: Vellum or Atticus ($147) or Kindle Create (free)
Trim Sizes:
- • 6×9″ (most fiction)
- • 5.5×8.5″ (literary/romance)
- • 6.14×9.21″ (hardcover)
2
Create a Professional Cover
2-5 days
$50-$800
Do NOT design it yourself unless you are a graphic designer. Your cover sells the book.
100Covers.com
48 hours (fastest)
$150-$350
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
GetCovers.com
3-5 days
$100-$250
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Damonza.com
1-2 weeks (premium)
$400-$800
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
TheBookCoverDesigner.com
Instant (premade)
$50-$200
⭐⭐⭐⭐
💡 Pro Tip: Give designers 5-10 bestselling books in your exact sub-genre - they will nail the look.
3
Set Up Amazon KDP Account
15 minutes
Free
- 1Go to https://kdp.amazon.com
- 2Sign in with Amazon account or create new
- 3Fill out tax info (5 minutes)
- 4Non-US authors: Click no SSN and get 30% withholding waived via treaty
4
Upload to Kindle Direct Publishing
1-2 hours
Free
eBook (Kindle)
- Add title & keyword-rich subtitle
- Pick 7 keywords (use Publisher Rocket or Helium10)
- Choose 2 BISAC categories (pick smaller ones you can dominate)
- Upload manuscript (.docx or .epub)
- Upload cover (1600px min height, 2560px ideal, RGB, JPG)
- Set price: $2.99-$9.99 for 70% royalty (sweet spot: $4.99)
- Enroll in KDP Select (recommended for first 90 days)
Paperback & Hardcover
- Click + Create paperback or + Create hardcover
- ISBN: Use Amazon free ISBN or buy from Bowker ($125 for 10)
- Choose cream/white paper, matte/glossy cover
- Set price: $14.99-$19.99 (aim for $3-6 profit after printing)
5
Launch Strategy
Launch week
$50-$500
Launch Week Plan:
- Pre-orders: Set eBook 30-90 days out (build buzz)
- Day 1 price: $0.99 or free 5-day promo (KDP Select)
- Run Amazon AMS ads ($50-$200 targeting comp authors)
- Post in 20-30 niche Facebook groups, Reddit, TikTok/BookTok
- Get 10+ reviews on launch day (triggers Amazon algorithm)
📚 Done-For-You Publishing Service
Skip the learning curve. We will handle everything from formatting to Amazon upload, so you can focus on writing your next book.
Professional manuscript formatting (eBook + paperback)
KDP account setup and optimization
Keyword research and category selection
Complete upload to Amazon (eBook + paperback)
Launch strategy consultation
$299
Complete publishing package (does not include cover design or editing)
Premium Add-Ons
- +Cover Design PackageProfessional cover from our partners (+$150-$350)
- +Launch Marketing SetupAmazon AMS ads + BookBub profile (+$200)
- +Wide DistributionApple, Kobo, B&N via Draft2Digital (+$100)
Optional Upgrades
Powerful add-ons to maximize your book sales
Wide Distribution
Publish on Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes & Noble
Service: Draft2Digital or PublishDrive (10% commission)
Reach readers beyond Amazon
Audiobook
Record via Findaway Voices or ACX (Amazon)
Cost: $1,000-$4,000 or royalty share
Tap into $4B audiobook market
Book Marketing
BookBub ads, Amazon AMS, Facebook ads
Cost: $100-$1,000/month
Drive consistent sales after launch
Essential Resources
Direct links to services mentioned in this guide
Ready to Become a Published Author?
You have written the book. Now let us help you get it into readers hands. Our done-for-you service handles all the technical work so you can focus on marketing and your next book.
Or follow this guide and do it yourself. Either way, your book deserves to be on Amazon!