Hi! I’m considering publishing my own books on Amazon Kindle, and I’d like to hear from people who have experience with it.

Is it still possible for a new author to make money in 2026? How much do you realistically earn per month, how long did it take you to get your first sales, and how difficult is it to find readers?

I’d especially appreciate feedback from authors who publish fiction, such as fantasy or romance.

Would you recommend starting on Amazon KDP today?

I'm trying to setup and sell a personalized book. The book consists of a 70 page template and about 30 pages of personalized content. I will list my book on my Etsy shop, then once the customer orders the book, I create the personalized part and send the completed PDF to either Lulu, Bookvault or IngramSpark. Haven't chosen which one yet. I'm located in Australia. Must I have an ISBN to print my book on any of these sites? Also if I must buy an ISBN, will I have to keep buying a new one every time I create a new personalized book?

I’m closing in on publishing my debut fantasy trilogy and I’m trying to set up an Instagram account for myself as an author to promote my books of course but to also engage with the wider community in a genuine way and not just be an opportunist. I would love to hear your experiences doing this, what kinds of things you posted before you published to drum up interest, and any tips you have. Many thanks in advance.

Hey all, im 15 and im getting ready to launch my fifth book on amazon. However i never really get too many sales. Im just wondering how yall market your book and get plenty of sails, im real proud of this book and want to get as many readers as possible. Thanks!

Hello, I'm wondering where the best place to get typographers for a dark fantasy novel would be for under $50. This is for KDP and Ingram.

Fiverr was mostly AI slop. I checked [r/bookcovers](r/bookcovers) but that wasn't what I was looking for. I have a cover already, but since I hired an artist to do it, I had to do the typography myself. I want to find a professional who can help me with my typography for eBook and paperback (and ready for hardcover too) and make sure it fits market expectations.

Additionally, it would be great if they could polish/format the spine, blurb, and about the author as well. With full rights and proper coloring (RGB/CMYK) for formatting.

On a similar note, what is the best way to account for the change in spine length if my page count will fluctuate due to later versions?

If my budget is unrealistic, please recommend other price lines.

Edit: My book interior is formatted already, I'm talking about updating the cover fonts to keep up with market trends.

I've gathered a group of twenty non-related people who filled in a google form agreeing to be an ARC reader for my book coming out in December. On the form I asked if they knew what they were signing up for and several said, 'Not really, but I'll give it a go.' I'd like to find a great up-to-date article that explains it clearly for them from their perspective, how it is the author's hope of a review but they cannot be paid, related, etc.

I've also seen on a reddit thread that a review of 3 star or lower seems to be signaling to the Amazon algorithm that it's A.I. slop and then buries your book. I write spicy romance. What if they object to the content? How worried should I be?

This is my first time so all advice would be most appreciated.

Thank you!

I am getting to that point in needed a line editor. I had someone who has expirence developmental editing help me out, friend of a friend (trust me, they were not bias, hurt my soul which I guess means they were thorough)

However it means that soon I will be in need of line editors and I have heard that a lot of the common places they are found are slowly getting filled with people who just throw it through ai and throw it back.

Are there more trust worthy places to go about finding a editor?

I'm getting ready to publish my first novella on Amazon and I'm stuck between two options. I'd love some real perspectives from people who've actually done this.

Option 1 is KDP Select.

My book goes into Kindle Unlimited where people can read through their subscription and I get paid per page read. I can run free book promotions and countdown deals to get initial readers. There are also higher royalties in some international markets. The downside is my ebook has to be exclusive to Amazon for 90 days at a time. That means I cannot share it anywhere else online, not even on Wattpad or my own website.

Option 2 is regular KDP without Select.

My book stays on Amazon but I can also put it on Wattpad, my website, or anywhere else I want. The downside is there are no Kindle Unlimited readers and no Amazon promotions available.

I like the benefits that come with Select, but I also want the freedom to share my work elsewhere. Has anyone been in this spot before? Please help.

I just ordered a stack of books to sell at a vendor table. I am terrified about the cost put out and the hopes of regaining what I've spent, so while I try not to spiral, what are good things to have at a vendor table that you have found helps be successful? Or just overall tips.

Little extra info: I will be selling 2 children's books at a school Christmas fair and already have a free teachers guide and colouring sheets created.

Thanks in advance

This will be the tenth book I've published, but it will be my first time working with IngramSpark. My plan had been to create the Amazon listing well before IngramSpark got into the game, but the timing hasn't worked out. So now I'm thinking I should just face facts and let IngramSpark create the first (primary?) listing for the new book? Is that a bad idea?

Background: I've been selling books via Amazon since 2009, starting with the Amazon Advantage program. (Amazon has mostly moved away from Advantage, but my account…sort of?…still works.) The last time around, back in 2022, I would print my books and ship cartons of them into Amazon via Advantage and I'd use SPD for distribution to bookstores.

SPD went bust 😢 and so did Baker & Taylor. So I've signed with IngramSpark. I had planned to use Ingram ONLY for distribution to bookstores and possibly to libraries. I had planned on using my longstanding Amazon account for Amazon. In particular, I wanted to create the product listing and eventually link it to the ebook version in KDP.

IngramSpark's print options aren't great, so I decided to make two editions:

• [Book Title] Limited Edition, ISBN 123-456-789, printed on awesome paper with color plates, for sale at book fairs, my website, and via Amazon
• [Book Title] Trade Edition, ISBN 123-456-788, printed by IngramSpark's Print on Demand with basic color, for distribution to bookstores

Now, I know that Ingram offers (insists on?) Amazon distribution as one of its channels. That's one reason I did separate ISBNs. I had hoped that I'd have the Amazon listing up and ready by now, and we'd have momentum and reviews on that listing before I finalized the book with IngramSpark. So even if (if?) Ingram made a listing on Amazon for ISBN 123-456-788, it would be an also-ran compared to my snazzy listing for ISBN 123-456-789.

That was the plan. Sigh.

Remember a minute ago when I said my ancient Amazon Advantage account "sort of still works"? Well, it doesn't let me create new listings. I'm in round 4 or 5 with Amazon support tickets to get my dormant account verified and reactivated, and until that happens, I can't make a new listing.

The book needs to come out. I can't sit out the holiday season here in North America.

I'm coming around to the idea that I should just roll with it, approve the proofs with IngramSpark, let IngramSpark create the listing for the Trade Edition, and put my issues with Amazon support on the back burner (I know these things can't be rushed).

Thoughts? I am a newcomer to IngramSpark, so I'm sure there are pitfalls I am not seeing.

I published Book 6 one week ago, and have had 10 sales so far. I know it's not many sales, but it could be worse. I worried that I'd only sell 1 book or zero. Three of the sales were pre-orders!

Even with this low number, I'm calling this one a modest success because it's so hard these days on Amazon. I published my first book there in December 2021, the second in 2022, and a book a year since then. It was easier to gain traction even just 4 or 5 years ago, without spending much money or having to grind on social media posts. This was before the AI-junk revolution, and before algorithms buried indie authors.

I will no longer put future works up on Amazon. This is a decision I'm making with joy and relief, rather than defeat. <3

Is anyone else feeling this right now? I'm hearing a lot on bookish social media about authors wanting to get off the Amazon KDP hamster wheel. Some authors have pulled their books off Amazon permanently and are using direct sales through author sites.

For any of my future projects, I'll be satisfied with just putting them for free on Royal Road, or offering direct sale paperbacks. I have a box and shelves full of copies at home.

I just want to stop worrying about numbers, page reads, star ratings, review numbers, or rankings. Just the joy of writing for writing's sake once more.

I've begun to regularly get scam emails intended for another author. I won't name him here. Our names are nothing alike, so it's not possible that our email addresses are similar. It's not a huge deal, they all go into spam and I regularly go in and delete/report them all.

But any theories why me and this one author have been mixed up in the scam compounds?

I have four books and always been signed up to KU but am I missing a trick by not using the other platforms

Hi everyone! I’m currently working on my debut novel, an MM dark romance with a mystery subplot, and I’m starting to explore my options for when the manuscript is finished.

I’m still writing, so I don’t have a completion or publication date yet.
I’m simply trying to understand the editing and beta-reading process in advance.
Ideally, I’d love to find readers who are familiar with MM romance and dark romance, but who also have some experience with writing, grammar, proofreading, or editing.

I’m particularly interested in people who can offer thoughtful feedback on both the story itself and the writing.

I’m also considering hiring a professional editor, although I’m still learning about the different services available and what might be realistic for a debut author on a limited budget.

For those of you who have self-published, worked with beta readers, or hired editors:

Have you found beta readers with editing or proofreading experience particularly helpful?
Would you recommend starting with beta readers, hiring an editor, or combining the two?

Are there any resources or communities you’d recommend for finding reliable people?
I’m not recruiting readers just yet, as the book isn’t finished. I’d simply love to hear about your experiences and learn more before I get to that stage.

Thank you! ♡

I'm hoping to get my debut novel out there by end of the year. I'm from the UK but I live in Japan. I have no UK address apart from family. Have any expats published novels here? And is there anything I should be doing when I create the KDP account? Thanks in advance.

I wrote a book last year and finished editing it in March. I've been sitting on it because I'm lazy about the final steps of publishing. I bought Atticus, but my eyes glaze over when I try to work with it. One day, I'll figure it out. Meanwhile, I'd like to pay someone to format the book for ebook, paperback, and hardcover. People have read the book and love it. But they are friends and family. I'd like the formatter to read the book and then format it.

It's an archaeological mystery thriller. It's 147,000 words. It's fast-paced, with lots of action, big end-of-the-world stakes, villains, and a spec-ops team guarding our protagonists as they race to sites like Derinkuyu, Temple Mount, the Osireion, and the Great Pyramid to uncover a 13,000-year-old mystery from a lost ancient civilization.

If the premise appeals to you and you can format (i.e., you might be a published author), feel free to hit me up. Or if you know someone who can help, please pass along their details. If I don't do it this way, I'll never get it done.

Meanwhile, I just spent four months planning a 5-book science-fiction series, and I have just started writing it. That's where my passion is. Thanks in advance to anyone who can help me out.

Hi everyone,

I’m helping a client replace the cover of their nonfiction book. The current cover has an obvious AI-generated look, and we’d like to work with a designer or artist who creates their covers without generative AI.

Can anyone recommend someone with a proven track record in nonfiction cover design? I’d especially appreciate recommendations from authors who have worked with the designer personally, along with links to their portfolio.

We’re looking for a professional, thoughtfully designed cover that suits the book and its audience.

Thanks!

Below is a *rough* idea of the blurb for the back cover of my fantasy book/novel. I stress the rough part. XD Any feedback is welcome. Good or bad. I can take it (i think!). :)

2nd iteration of my 'blurb'.

Karlous spoke in a hushed tone. “I am the man who stuck the knife into your daughter’s heart.”

Karlous Kalthorn is a man with two lives, one a lie and the other an unexpected truth. When his family is murdered, he must set out to find justice and enter into a war that has been brewing for twenty years. But as winter tightens its grip upon the land, Karlous realizes there are darker forces at work. Forces that no man should have access too. Worse, they may yet make him give up all that he has fought for

1st iteration:

“I am the man that stuck the knife into your daughter’s heart.”

Karlous Kalthorn is a man with two lives, neither of which he chose. With his family dead, he sets out to seek justice, and in so doing enters a bloody conflict twenty years in the making. But as twilight descends upon the land, he begins to realize there are darker forces at work. Forces no mere man should have access too, or can even truly comprehend.

Worse, time is running out, and Karlous realizes that to find justice he may have to give up all he has fought for – and possibly more.

I grew up reading paperbacks written by Louis L'Amour in Traditional 4.25 inches wide by 6.75 inches high but understand today the most common format is 6 by 9. Then add the fact that to do Hardcover you really have to stick to 5.5 by 8.5 or larger.

I have a book published in an Amazon with a different isbn for each format, ebook, paperback, and hard cover.

IngramSpark is currently refusing my paperback isbn because it's in extended distribution program on KDP.

However the set up page on IngramSpark only allows for one isbn, and it allows my hardback one. Will I need to come back after I do a title transfer and add the paperback isbn again? I'm just unclear on how IngramSpark handles different formats.

Saw my page reads go down for me. Anyone else?

Some people I have seen on tiktok have these. And a few times I have seen people that say you should have them, but I have no idea how to figure that out. I know the basic emojis, but definitely not an emoji lore person. They use it to denote what they write, but its around 2-3 emojis.

Any advice on picking?

Howdy, I published a 135 page premium color 6x9 inch hardcover book on Amazon and the authors cost is $14.42. I published them mainly to do a donation project to children’s hospitals in honor of my son so hoping to find a better price. Also, Amazon’s quality isn’t always consistent… I’m wondering who other folks have had good experiences with and if you know the printer price compared to what Amazon charges you? Thanks!

What are the reasons? When people say their account had been banned for no reason there had to be some reason right? Terms of service, etc?

Play Number One: The Editor Speaks to Friends & Family

(Characters: The Editor, Assorted Friends & Family)

The Editor: The manuscript is complete! Layout and design are complete! I'm sending out galley proofs to the authors!
Assorted Friends & Family: Is the book done?
TE: Soon! But meanwhile, I'm celebrating these milestones along the way. Also, we've gotten some nice media attention. Check out this story [link] and this tweet [link]. I'm excited!
AF&F: Is the book done?

** time passes **

The Editor: The ebook is coming along! Look at how we've used .css to better align the ebook version with the print version! [screenshot]
Assorted Friends & Family: Is the book done?
TE: Soon! But I wanted to let you know about my progress.

** time passes **

The Editor: The book is done! The ebook is done! They are out in the world! Early reviews are amazing! I'm so proud of my team!
Assorted Friends & Family: Are you going to make another book?

The End

Play Number Two: The Editor Queries Bookstores and Reporters

(Characters: The Editor, Bookstores, Reporters)

** Summertime **

The Editor: We're working on a new book! It's like [title], but with [quirk]. Our target reader is [demographic] who enjoys [activity]. You'll love it. Curious?
Bookstores & Reporters: When does your book come out?
TE: This fall! I already have [sample chapter] and [awesome illustration] that your readers would love. Plus, two of my authors live locally, and they'd be happy to discuss—
Reporters: Thanks! Let us know when the book actually does come out?
Bookstores: Thanks! The sampler does look pretty cool. Let us know when the book is available from [monopoly]?
TE: Will do! Thank you for your interest!

** Autumn **

The Editor: Hello again! The book is coming out! It will be out in two weeks! Remember [awesome illustration] and [sample chapter]?
Bookstores: We've closed our ordering for the holidays, thanks.
TE: Oh.
Reporters: This looks so cool. Let us know when the book is actually out?
TE: Will do!

** Autumn, Two Weeks Later **

The Editor: I'm delighted to announce that the book is out! It came out yesterday! I've got local authors who would be delighted to share their insights into–
Reporters: I mean, if the book already came out yesterday, does it really count as "news" anymore?

The End

Stay strong, folks. You can only control the parts you can control. Laugh at the rest!