How to Self-Publish an Ebook — From Manuscript to Amazon in a Weekend
The practical guide to self-publishing ebooks on Amazon KDP, Apple Books, Kobo, and Google Play. File formats, cover design, pricing, and distribution.
The Gatekeepers Are Gone
Publishing a book used to require a literary agent, a publisher, and 12-18 months. In 2026, you can go from finished manuscript to published ebook in a single weekend. Amazon KDP alone accounts for over 30% of all US ebook sales, and the royalty rate (35-70%) makes traditional publishing's 10-15% look prehistoric.
The barrier isn't access anymore. It's knowing the technical requirements.
Step 1: Get Your Manuscript Ready
Your manuscript should be in one of these formats before you start the publishing process:
| Source Format | Best For | Next Step |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Word (.docx) | Most authors | Upload directly to KDP or convert to EPUB |
| Google Docs | Collaborative writing | Export to DOCX, then proceed |
| Scrivener | Serious writers | Compile to EPUB or DOCX |
| Markdown | Technical authors | Convert to EPUB |
| Fixed-layout books | Convert to EPUB for reflowable, or upload as-is for fixed |
Convert your document to EPUB with MyPDF's converter tools — Word to PDF, then PDF to EPUB, or directly if supported.
Step 2: Format Your Ebook
Reflowable vs Fixed Layout
Reflowable (most ebooks): Text reflows to fit any screen size. The reader controls font size. This is what you want for novels, non-fiction, memoirs, and most text-heavy books. Fixed Layout: Pages look the same on every device — like a PDF. Use only for children's books, cookbooks, art books, and heavily designed content.Formatting Essentials
- Chapter breaks: Use page breaks, not multiple Enter keys
- Headings: Use actual heading styles (H1, H2), not bold text — this generates the table of contents
- Images: Minimum 300 DPI for print, 72 DPI is fine for ebook-only
- Font: Don't specify fonts — let the reader's device choose. If you must, embed the font
- Links: Internal links (table of contents) and external links both work in EPUB
Step 3: Create Your Cover
The cover sells the book. This is the one place not to cut corners.
Dimensions: 2560 × 1600 pixels (Amazon's recommended minimum). 1.6:1 aspect ratio. Options by budget:- $0: Canva's free ebook cover templates (adequate, but generic)
- $5-50: Fiverr designers (hit or miss — check portfolios)
- $100-500: Professional cover designer (worth it if you're serious)
- $500+: Illustration or photography-based custom cover
Step 4: Choose Your Platform(s)
| Platform | Royalty | Exclusivity | Market Share | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon KDP | 35% or 70% | Optional (KDP Select) | ~65% | EPUB, DOCX, PDF |
| Apple Books | 70% | No | ~10% | EPUB |
| Kobo | 70% | No | ~5% | EPUB |
| Google Play Books | 70% | No | ~5% | EPUB, PDF |
| Barnes & Noble Press | 65% | No | ~5% | EPUB |
| Draft2Digital (distributor) | 60% (after their cut) | No | All of the above | DOCX, EPUB |
The Exclusivity Question
Amazon's KDP Select program requires 90-day exclusivity (sell ONLY on Amazon) in exchange for Kindle Unlimited enrollment and occasional promotional tools. Kindle Unlimited pays per page read from a shared pool — typically $0.004-0.005 per page.
Go exclusive if: Your genre thrives on Kindle Unlimited (romance, sci-fi, thriller). Go wide if: You want maximum reach and don't want to depend on a single platform.Step 5: Set Your Price
| Price Point | Best For | Amazon Royalty |
|---|---|---|
| $0.99 | Loss leaders, short stories | 35% ($0.35) |
| $2.99-$4.99 | Most self-published ebooks | 70% ($2.09-$3.49) |
| $5.99-$9.99 | Established authors, non-fiction | 70% ($4.19-$6.99) |
| $9.99+ | Specialized non-fiction, textbooks | 35% ($3.50+) |
Step 6: Metadata and Keywords
Your ebook's discoverability depends on:
- Title and subtitle: Include search terms readers use
- Book description: This is a sales page, not a summary. Write compelling copy
- Categories: Choose 2-3 that fit. Niche categories are easier to rank in
- Keywords: Amazon gives you 7 keyword slots. Use specific phrases, not single words
- ISBN: Not required on Amazon (they assign an ASIN). Required on Apple Books and some other platforms. Free ISBNs from Bowker cost $125 for one, $295 for 10.
Common Mistakes
- Skipping professional editing: Readers notice. Budget at least for copyediting.
- DIY cover: Unless you're a designer, pay someone. A bad cover tanks sales.
- Wrong price: $0.99 signals "not worth reading" for full-length books. $2.99-4.99 is the sweet spot.
- No email list: Your most important marketing asset. Start building it before you publish.
- Expecting instant success: Most self-published books sell under 100 copies. Marketing is half the job.
Related Tools
- PDF to EPUB — Convert manuscripts to ebook format
- EPUB to MOBI — Convert for older Kindle devices
- Compress Image — Optimize cover and interior images
- Word to PDF — Create print-ready PDFs