Amazon Publishing Basics: How to Build Authority with Your Book
The publishing industry has transformed.
With Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), anyone can take their expertise, story, or creative ideas and make them available to a global audience. No agent. No gatekeepers. Just you, your book, and readers around the world.
But here’s the key: publishing a book isn’t only about royalties or chasing bestseller lists—it’s about credibility, authority, and connection. A well-crafted book positions you as a trusted voice in your field, whether you’re an entrepreneur, coach, or creative professional.
What Is Amazon KDP?
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is a platform that allows you to publish eBooks and paperbacks directly to Amazon. You upload your manuscript, design a cover, set your price, and Amazon handles distribution.
Why it works:
Global Reach – Your book is available to millions of readers.
Creative Control – You keep ownership of your content and rights.
Flexible Earnings – Choose between 35% or 70% royalties on eBooks, plus 60% minus print costs on paperbacks.
The Four Basics of Publishing
Manuscript Preparation
A polished manuscript is essential. Invest in editing and proper formatting—small details impact credibility.
Cover Design
Your cover is your first impression on Amazon’s crowded digital shelves. Professional, genre-appropriate design matters.
Uploading to KDP
Enter your metadata carefully (title, description, keywords, and categories). These choices affect discoverability.
Pricing & Royalties
Price strategically. Your pricing influences not just royalties but also how readers perceive your book’s value.
Beyond Sales: Using Books as Business Tools
For many, royalties are just one piece of the puzzle. Books can also function as:
Authority Builders – Showcasing expertise in your niche.
Credibility Assets – Acting as a “business card” that opens doors.
Lead Generators – Guiding readers to bonus resources, websites, or communities (within Amazon’s guidelines).
⚖️ Important FTC Note: A book is a tool—not a guarantee. Results will vary depending on audience, topic, marketing, and effort.
Managing Expectations
Amazon publishing is powerful, but success isn’t automatic. Some authors enjoy steady sales, others use their book primarily to build credibility. The outcome depends on the market, your promotion efforts, and how your book fits into your overall goals.
About the Author
Cody Toussau is a marketing professional with a diverse background spanning digital strategy, branding, and content development. In recent years, his work has focused on publishing—particularly in the fast-growing areas of eBooks and audiobooks. Cody’s mission is to make the publishing process approachable and strategic, helping authors and entrepreneurs use books to share their ideas and strengthen their authority. His content is educational in nature and does not make promises of specific results, since every publishing journey is unique.
Disclosure:
This article represents the personal views and professional experience of Cody Toussau. It is provided for educational purposes only. Publishing a book does not guarantee sales, income, or business growth. Results vary widely based on individual effort, marketing, audience demand, and other factors outside the author’s control.
