Steps to Creating Your Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) Account
One of the benefits of Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is the possibility to earn money passively. One of the reasons I admire this company concept is because of this. However, you might want to know what Amazon is and how Nigerians can make money by publishing books on Amazon.
So, what exactly is Amazon? Amazon is the world’s largest online retail store. Amazon is also the ideal venue for self-published authors to sell their works and generate money. You can decide how much money you wish to make from your book’s royalties. You have the option of earning 70% or 30% of your book royalty. However, I put my royalty earnings at 70%. As a result, I’d like you to do the same for your works. We don’t need to tell too many Amazon stories because they’re already the internet arbitrator for indie authors. So, let’s discuss about Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing guidelines. Let’s take a look at the dos and don’ts of Amazon Kindle direct publishing before we get into how to register a free account with Amazon.
The Golden Rules of Amazon KDP
1. Make sure your account is verified by amazon before publishing your first book.
2. Submit the necessary documents for your account verification. Such as Government Issued Identity Card – Permanent Voter’s card, National Identity card, International Passport or any other means of identity that clearly shows your name and address.
3. You will need to verify your home address by submitting a copy of bank statement or Electricity/Utility bill, that shows your Real Name and home address as well.
4. When registering for account with amazon kdp, make sure the name you use tallies with the name on your identity card.
5. You have the option of publishing your books using your own name or under a pen name. (nickname). My works were published by E.D. Jonas, and I also utilize Sandra Mayor in other books (while my real name is: Eigbedion Destiny Jonah). As a result, it is dependent on the market and your goals. If you’re serious about this business, I recommend using your own name or abbreviating it to fit your brand if you want to establish a brand around it.
The rationale for this is simple: our target markets are the United States and the United Kingdom. As a result, it’s only logical that we use names that are similar to the individuals we’ll be serving. However, if you already have a significant following or are a well-known character, you can use your entire name. Don’t get me wrong: I’m not suggesting you won’t succeed online if you use your real name, but people need to trust you and learn a little about you before they buy from you. For example, suppose you’re teaching people how to cook Paleo diets, vegan food, how to smoke meat in an electric smoker, how to dance, sing, plant flowers, start an online business, and how to improve memory and brain functions. People are more likely to open your book if they believe you live in their area and that what you teach is relevant to them.
Setting up an account at Amazon KDP is quick and free.
1. Go to kdp.amazon.com.
2. If you have an existing Amazon account, click the Sign In button and then sign in; if you don’t have an Amazon account, click the Sign Up button and then follow the steps to create one.
3. Read and accept the KDP terms of service (TOS) that open onscreen.
You should see the KDP Bookshelf, shown in Figure 13-1, where all your published e-books are listed.
4. In the upper-right corner of the screen is a warning that your account information is incomplete; click the Update Now link.
5. Complete the form for your account.