Rod have you considered turning your book into a Kindle e-book? Makes it available globally, no delivery issues and Amazon handles everything for you. The only part you need to do is to convert your manuscript into kindle format:
• Convert your document: Ensure your manuscript is in an accepted format like Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) or a PDF.
• Format the text: eBooks require different formatting than print. Key considerations include:
• Use consistent styles for chapter titles, headings, and body text.
• Remove headers, footers, and page numbers as eBooks don’t need them.
• Ensure hyperlinks, images, and tables are appropriately formatted for Kindle.
• Insert a table of contents: Kindle eBooks typically need a clickable table of contents.
2. Convert to Kindle Format
• Use Kindle Create: Amazon provides the Kindle Create tool to help convert your manuscript into Kindle format.
• Download and install the software.
• Import your manuscript and follow the instructions to format it for Kindle devices.
3. Create a Book Cover
• You can use Amazon’s Cover Creator during the KDP process or design your own using tools like Canva or Photoshop.
• Ensure your cover meets Kindle’s specifications (JPG/TIFF file format, size: 2,560 x 1,600 pixels).
4. Upload to Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
• Create a KDP account: Go to kdp.amazon.com and sign up.
• Start a new Kindle eBook: Click “Create” and select Kindle eBook.
• Fill out book details: Enter the title, author, description, and relevant keywords.
• Upload your manuscript and cover.
• Preview the book: Use Amazon’s previewer tool to ensure everything looks correct on different devices.
5. Set Pricing & Distribution
• Select royalties: Choose between 35% or 70% royalty options depending on the pricing of your book.
• Choose distribution options: Decide whether you want your book to be available globally or in specific regions.
• Enable KDP Select (optional): If you want to enroll in Kindle Unlimited and take advantage of additional promotional tools.
6. Publish Your eBook
• Once you’ve filled out all the necessary information, click Publish.
• It usually takes up to 72 hours for your book to become available on Amazon.
That’s it! Your paperback book will now be available as a Kindle eBook.
Or you could sell the tangible paperback on Amazon with the same benefits. They hand print on demand so you never need worry about stock etc.
Step-by-Step Guide to Selling a Paperback on Amazon:
1. Sign Up for Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
• Go to KDP.amazon.com and either sign up for a new account or log in with your Amazon credentials.
2. Prepare Your Manuscript for Print
You’ll need to format your manuscript for print. Here are the key formatting steps:
• Page size (Trim size): Choose a size for your book. Popular choices for paperbacks are 6”x9” or 5.5”x8.5”.
• Margins: Set proper margins in your document based on your trim size. KDP provides specific margin requirements depending on the page count.
• Page Numbers: Ensure your manuscript includes page numbers, as print books require them.
• Fonts and Layout: Use a standard font like Times New Roman or Garamond, and keep headings and body text consistent.
• Convert to PDF: Once formatted, save your manuscript as a PDF, which is required for upload.
3. Create a Cover for Your Paperback
Unlike eBooks, a physical book’s cover must include a front, back, and spine. You have two options:
• Use Amazon’s Cover Creator: This is a free tool within KDP that lets you design a professional-looking cover.
• Create your own cover: If you design your own, make sure you include the correct dimensions for the front cover, spine, and back cover, depending on your book’s size and page count. Download a KDP Cover Template to ensure the dimensions are correct.
4. Set Up Your Paperback in KDP
• After logging into your KDP account:
• Click “Create” and select Paperback.
• Enter book details: Fill out your book title, subtitle, author name, and any other relevant information like categories, keywords, and description.
• ISBN: You can either get a free ISBN from KDP, or use your own if you’ve purchased one from another service.
5. Upload Your Manuscript and Cover
• Upload your manuscript file: Ensure your manuscript is formatted and saved as a PDF. KDP accepts PDFs, DOC, DOCX, or RTF formats.
• Upload your cover: If you designed your cover outside of Amazon’s Cover Creator, upload your print-ready PDF.
6. Choose Print Options
• Interior Type: Select whether your book’s interior will be in black and white or color. Most novels and non-illustrated books are black and white.
• Paper Color: Choose between white or cream paper for the interior.
• Trim Size: Select your book’s dimensions (for example, 6”x9”).
• Bleed settings: If you have images that extend to the edges of the page, choose “bleed,” otherwise, select “no bleed.”
• Paperback Cover Finish: Choose either matte or glossy for your book’s cover.
7. Preview Your Paperback
• KDP provides a previewer tool that allows you to check how your paperback will look in print.
• Review the layout, margins, and overall formatting to ensure everything looks good.
8. Set Pricing & Distribution
• Pricing: Amazon will show you the minimum price you can charge for your paperback, based on the cost of printing and the royalty percentage (typically 60%). You can then choose your desired price.
• Expanded Distribution: You can opt to distribute your paperback beyond Amazon’s platform (such as making it available to libraries and bookstores). Expanded distribution increases the reach of your book but comes with different royalty terms.
• Royalties: For most Amazon sales, you’ll receive a 60% royalty minus the printing cost.
9. Publish Your Paperback
• Once you’ve filled in the required information and are satisfied with the preview, click Publish.
• Your paperback will typically be available on Amazon within 72 hours.
10. Order Author Copies (Optional)
• After your book is published, you can order discounted author copies at the printing cost, which you can use for personal distribution, marketing, or giveaways.
Features and Considerations:
• No Inventory Needed: Since KDP uses print-on-demand, Amazon prints your book only when someone orders it, so there’s no need for you to hold inventory.
• Prime and Free Shipping: Your paperback will be available for Prime shipping, which can encourage more customers to purchase.
• Global Reach: Your paperback will be available across Amazon’s global marketplaces, including the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, and more.
Either way it would be a better way to sell and reach a global audience without you needing to keep physical stock of your book
