Overview and Structure of Amazon KDP

1. What is KDP? KDP is a service that allows individuals to publish books for free on Amazon's Kindle store and sell them to readers around the world. You can publish not only e-books (Kindle books) but also paperback books (paperbacks).

2. Publishing formats and "print-on-demand" A major feature of KDP is that there is no inventory risk.

• E-books: There are "reflowable" types that allow you to change the font size, and "fixed layout" types that are suitable for manga and photo books.

• Paperbacks: Amazon prints and ships each book individually after an order is placed, using the "print-on-demand" method. Printing costs are deducted from sales, so authors don't have to pay upfront or hold inventory.

3. Royalty (revenue) structure Revenue is calculated based on the "Suggested Retail Price" and can be selected from the following plans.

• E-books: 35% or 70% royalty options available.
In addition, the royalty that can be set will vary depending on the sales price.

Sales price 99 yen to 249 yen → 35% royalties

250 yen to 1250 yen → 70% royalties

From 1,250 yen ➡ Only 35% royalties are available.

If it's 70%, a small deduction will be made to cover the data transfer fee for the book.

• Paperback: The royalty rate is 60%, minus the "printing costs" that go to the author.

4. KDP Select and Kindle Unlimited
By selling your e-book exclusively to KDP (not selling it elsewhere), you can register for a program called KDP Select (only 70% royalties).

• Kindle Unlimited (KU): Once you register, your work will become eligible for the unlimited reading service "Kindle Unlimited." You will receive royalties based on the number of pages read (only 35% royalties).

• Promotional tools: You can use "Free Campaigns" that offer books for free for a limited time and "Kindle Countdown Deals" that sell books at a discount.

5. Process and management leading up to publication All work is done on the management screen called the "bookshelf."

1. Account and tax information setup: Register your bank account and tax information.

2. Upload your manuscript and cover: For e-books, upload files created in Word or a dedicated tool, and for paperbacks, upload files created in PDF format.

3. Enter details: Enter the title, author name, synopsis, etc.

4. Pricing: Set your suggested retail price, taking into account printing costs and other factors.

5. Review and Publish: Once you press the "Publish" button, your book will be reviewed by Amazon and will generally be available for sale within 72 hours.

6. Payment Timing When sales are made, payments will usually be made to your registered bank account approximately 60 days after the end of the month.

This system allows authors to start publishing without any initial costs and gives them the opportunity to reach new readers through Kindle Unlimited and other services.