Last year, during Amara’s preschool admissions, we were juggling forms, fees, and some serious stress. That’s when I received my first-ever Amazon KDP payout. It was only ₹1,385, but I still remember whispering to myself, “Kama liya, bina kisi client ke.”
That moment changed something in me. Amazon KDP wasn’t just a platform. It was proof that even our words can work for us while we sleep.
If you’ve heard of Amazon KDP but aren’t sure what it really means or how it works, this blog is for you. I’ll walk you through the what, why, and how of Amazon KDP, and share 3 simple tips to help you get started today.
What is Amazon KDP?
Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) is Amazon’s self-publishing platform. It allows anyone to upload and sell ebooks or print books directly to global readers. No agent, no upfront printing cost.
You simply create your book (even a journal counts), upload it on kdp.amazon.com, and set your price. When someone buys it, Amazon prints and ships it. You earn a royalty. Simple.
Types of Amazon KDP Books
There are mainly two categories you can publish under, and understanding the difference can help you choose what fits your skills and goals best:
1. Low/No Content Books
These are books that don’t require traditional writing. Instead, they serve a functional purpose like helping people track habits, plan their days, or jot down thoughts.
These include:
- Journals (daily reflections, mental health trackers)
- Planners (budget, wedding, student planners)
- Logbooks (fitness, meal tracking, medical appointments)
Example: Gynac Visit Diary , This is a simple planner-style notebook designed for pregnant women or those undergoing treatment. It includes lined sections to note questions, symptoms, test dates, and next steps. Honestly, I made one for myself during my second trimester because I kept forgetting what I wanted to ask my doctor!
These books are easy to create using Canva and templates from Book Bolt or Creative Fabrica. You don’t need to write paragraphs. Just structure the pages well.
2. High Content Books
These books involve more writing and are ideal if you enjoy storytelling, explaining things, or creating original content.
They include:
- Children’s storybooks
- Poetry collections
- Non-fiction guides (like cooking, parenting, freelancing)
- Language learning or educational books
Example: Animal Poetry Book for Kids , You could write rhymes that teach kids about animals, their sounds, or colors. Think: “A is for Alligator, who loves to chomp and chew.” These books are great for parents and teachers looking for fun learning aids.
Or consider a Bedtime Story Book , short, soothing tales to help toddlers wind down. If you’re a mom like me, you already have plenty of story ideas from bedtime battles!
High content books take more time, but they also build a loyal reader base if your writing connects.
Whichever path you choose, Amazon KDP gives you full control over pricing, design, and categories. It’s one of the few platforms where both simplicity and creativity can make money.
Why Choose Amazon KDP?
For Indian women looking to build passive income without leaving home, Amazon KDP is gold. Here’s why:
- No investment needed
- No fancy English required (regional books work too)
- One-time effort, long-term returns
- You control your content and pricing
My first book was just 15 pages typed during Amara’s nap. It wasn’t fancy, but it sold. That boost of confidence was everything.
Why Many People Fail at Amazon KDP
Let’s be honest. Just because Amazon KDP is free and easy to start doesn’t mean it guarantees instant income. Here’s where many creators stumble:
1. Unrealistic Expectations
Many people expect to earn thousands in the first month. When that doesn’t happen, they give up. But Amazon KDP is a slow-burn income stream. It builds gradually.
2. Poor Design or Formatting
A good cover sells. If your book looks sloppy or your interior isn’t readable, people will scroll past. Use proper margins, fonts, and high-resolution covers.
3. No Keyword Research
If no one is searching for your book’s title or topic, it won’t show up in Amazon search results. Spend time researching what people are already buying.
4. Copy-Paste Content
Some beginners take shortcuts by copying content from other books or public domains. This can lead to account suspension and zero credibility.
5. No Promotion Effort
Amazon KDP is not “upload and forget.” Share your book link on WhatsApp groups, Instagram reels, parenting forums, wherever your readers hang out.
6. Not Testing or Updating
Sometimes your first version won’t perform well. Many successful Amazon KDP authors update covers, titles, and descriptions after watching trends.
If you’re aware of these common traps, you can avoid them and move forward with more confidence and clarity.
How to Start: The Basics
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Step | What to Do | Tool Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Choose book type (ebook/journal) | Google Docs, Canva |
| 2 | Write or design your content | Notion, Book Bolt |
| 3 | Create a cover | Canva, KDP Cover Calculator |
| 4 | Upload on KDP | kdp.amazon.com |
| 5 | Set price and go live | Amazon dashboard |
3 Practical Tips to Excel on Amazon KDP
1. Start with Low-Content Books
Gratitude journals, planners, or habit trackers are easy to make and quick to upload. Use Creative Fabrica or Book Bolt for ready-made templates.
2. Design Like a Pro (without being one)
Use Canva to create covers that grab attention. Follow Amazon’s cover size guidelines.
3. Research Before You Publish
Look up top-selling books in your niche. Read their titles, reviews, and pricing. It’ll help you avoid common mistakes and hit the right audience.
If you’re comfortable using Canva and want to explore more job opportunities, here’s another article where I’ve jotted down three side hustles with Canva.
Starting something new can feel intimidating. I’ve been there , doubting my skills, wondering if anyone would read what I wrote. But the first time I saw that little ₹1,385 credit from Amazon KDP, I didn’t just see money. I saw freedom. Proof that my words mattered.
Don’t overthink it. Start with something small. Even a simple gratitude journal or a kids’ rhyme book can be your first step. You’re not behind. You’re just beginning , and that’s a beautiful place to be.
If I could do it with a toddler tugging at my dupatta and chai spilling on my laptop, trust me, so can you.
Chalo, now it’s your turn.
FAQs about Amazon KDP in India
Q1. Do I need a GST number to publish on Amazon KDP?
No, individuals can publish without GST. Amazon handles the taxation.
Q2. Can I publish in Hindi or regional languages?
Yes! Amazon KDP supports many Indian languages like Hindi, Tamil, and Marathi.
Q3. How long does it take to earn from Amazon KDP?
It varies. Some earn in weeks, others in months. But consistency is key.
Q4. Is Amazon KDP free for beginners?
Yes, Amazon KDP is completely free to use. You don’t need to pay to upload your book. Amazon only takes a percentage when you make a sale, and the rest is your royalty. It’s one of the easiest platforms to start a zero-investment income stream.
Q5. What types of books sell best on Amazon KDP?
Books that solve specific problems, like planners, journals, or kids’ learning materials, often perform well. Niche storybooks, poetry, or even how-to guides also have demand. Use keyword tools to study trends. Amazon KDP rewards consistency and quality, so choose a topic you genuinely enjoy creating.
Meet Anam Syed — a freelance writer, side hustle strategist, and full-time mom to little Amara. Based in Pune, Anam started freelancing during her pregnancy and never looked back. With over 5 years of experience in blogging, podcasting, and digital work, she now helps women like you turn their spare time into something powerful. Her mantra? Do one thing every day that builds your “time SIP” — a side project that grows into freedom.
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