How to Upload a Book to Amazon KDP in 2026 (Step-by-Step Guide)

You finally finished your book. Congratulations.

Now comes the part that confuses many authors: uploading it to Amazon KDP.

It might seem technical, but it is actually a straightforward process if you know what to look out for. Missing a step or choosing the wrong option (like a “ghost category”) can hurt your book’s visibility.

Here is a step-by-step guide to uploading your book to Amazon KDP in 2026 confidently.

Step 1: Book Details

First, sign into your Amazon KDP account. You will see your dashboard. Click “Create” and select Kindle eBook or Paperback.

The process is nearly identical for both, but we will focus on the eBook flow here.

Title and Author

Book Title: Enter it exactly as it appears on your cover.
Series: Only fill this out if your book is part of a series. Add the series name and volume number.
Author: Enter your name or pen name.
Contributors: Add editors, illustrators, or co-authors here.

Book Description

Do not just paste plain text here. It will look like a giant block of unreadable text.

You want bold text, bullet points, and headers. To get this, use a Book Description Generator tool (search for “Kindlepreneur Book Description Generator”) to format your text into HTML. Then paste that HTML code into the KDP box.

Publishing Rights

Select “I own the copyright and I hold the necessary publishing rights.” Only select “Public Domain” if you are republishing an old classic like Pride and Prejudice.

Categories (Warning: Avoid Ghost Categories)

You can select up to three categories. This is critical.

In the past, you could request 10 categories. Now, you must be precise with your three choices.

Watch out for “Ghost Categories.” These are categories that exist in the KDP dashboard but are not searchable by readers on the Amazon store. If you pick them, your book becomes invisible in browse paths.

Use a tool like Publisher Rocket to find valid, high-traffic categories that give you a real chance at becoming a bestseller.

Keywords

You get 7 keyword slots. Do not guess. Do not put your author name or title here (Amazon already knows those). Use phrases that real readers type into the search bar. Research these phrases beforehand.

Step 2: Kindle Ebook Content

This is where you upload your actual files.

Digital Rights Management (DRM)

Amazon asks if you want to enable DRM.

Recommendation: Select Yes. It adds a layer of protection against casual piracy.

Upload Manuscript

Upload your book file.

Format: KDP accepts Word (DOCX), but for the best results, upload a formatted EPUB file.
Tools like Atticus can help you format a clean, professional EPUB.

Kindle Cover

You have two choices:

Use Cover Creator: (Not recommended). It looks amateur.
Upload Your Own: (Recommended). Hire a designer or use professional software to create a JPG or TIFF file.

Kindle eBook Previewer

Always launch the previewer. Click through your book to ensure the formatting looks correct. Check headings, chapter breaks, and images.

ISBN

For eBooks, an ISBN is optional. Amazon can assign a free ASIN. For Paperbacks, you will need an ISBN (either your own purchased one or a free one from Amazon).

Step 3: Kindle Ebook Pricing

KDP Select Enrollment

Decide if you want to enroll in KDP Select (Kindle Unlimited).

Pros: You get paid for page reads; access to promotional tools (Free Days, Kindle Countdown Deals).
Cons: You must be exclusive to Amazon. You cannot sell your ebook on Apple, Kobo, or your own website.

Territories

Select “All territories (worldwide rights)” unless you have sold specific foreign rights to a publisher.

Royalty and Pricing

You generally have two options:

35% Royalty: For books priced under $2.99 or over $9.99.
70% Royalty: For books priced between $2.99 and $9.99.

Most authors aim for the 70% royalty bracket. Check what comparable books in your genre are selling for to set a competitive price.

Final Step: Publish

If you missed any required fields, KDP will show a warning alert. Fix those errors.

Once everything is green, click “Publish Your Kindle eBook” (or “Submit for Pre-order”).

It typically takes up to 72 hours for your book to go live, though it often happens much faster. Keep an eye on your email for the confirmation.

Congratulations! You are now a published author.