Can I Publish eBooks and Print Books on KDP?

 Yes, you can publish both eBooks and print books on Amazon through Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). In fact, KDP is one of the most widely used self-publishing platforms globally because it allows authors to distribute their work in multiple formats from a single dashboard. Whether you're a first-time author or a seasoned writer looking to release a book in both digital and physical formats, KDP provides the tools you need.

This article breaks down everything you need to know about publishing eBooks and print books on KDP: how the process works, what’s required for each format, the differences between them, and how to make your book available in both versions simultaneously.

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What Formats Can You Publish on KDP?

KDP currently allows authors to publish in two primary formats:

1. Kindle eBooks – Digital format read on Kindle devices and Kindle apps.

2. Paperback Books – Physical books printed on demand by Amazon.

While hardcover books are also supported by KDP (in beta), this article focuses on the most common formats: eBooks and paperbacks.

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Publishing an eBook on KDP

A Kindle eBook is a digital version of your book that readers can purchase and download instantly. It can be read on:

• Kindle devices

• Kindle apps (available for smartphones, tablets, and desktops)

• Amazon’s Cloud Reader (web browser)

✅ Key Benefits:

• Instant delivery to readers worldwide

• No printing or shipping costs

• Eligible for Kindle Unlimited (optional)

• Can reach a massive digital audience

 Requirements:

• Formatted manuscript (recommended formats: .docx, .epub, or Kindle Create file)

• Front cover image (JPEG or TIFF, ideally 2560 x 1600 pixels or better)

• Book metadata: title, author name, description, keywords, categories

• Pricing and royalty selection (35% or 70% royalty option)

🔁 Process Overview:

1. Log in to kdp.amazon.com

2. Click “Create a New Title” → Kindle eBook

3. Upload your manuscript and cover

4. Enter book details (language, author name, description)

5. Choose keywords and categories

6. Set pricing and territories

7. Click Publish

Amazon assigns an ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number) for your eBook. An ISBN is optional for Kindle eBooks on Amazon.

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Publishing a Paperback on KDP

A paperback book is a printed physical book made available through Amazon’s print-on-demand service. When a customer orders the book, Amazon prints and ships it on your behalf.

✅ Key Benefits:

• Physical presence for readers who prefer print

• No inventory or upfront printing costs

• Amazon handles printing, shipping, and customer service

• Eligible for Amazon’s Expanded Distribution (optional)

Requirements:

• Formatted interior file (PDF required)

• Full paperback cover (front, back, spine) as a PDF

• ISBN (free from KDP or one you own)

• Trim size and paper type selection (e.g., 6" x 9", white/cream paper)

• Book metadata, same as for eBooks

🔁 Process Overview:

1. Log in to kdp.amazon.com

2. Click “Create a New Title” → Paperback

3. Upload your formatted manuscript and cover (PDF)

4. Enter book details (title, author, description)

5. Choose print options (trim size, paper type, bleed, matte or glossy cover)

6. Order a proof copy to check for formatting issues (optional)

7. Set pricing and royalty (60% minus printing costs)

8. Click Publish

Paperbacks typically go live within 72 hours. Amazon assigns an ISBN if you choose the free option; you may also use your own.

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Can You Publish Both an eBook and a Print Book for the Same Title?

Absolutely. In fact, many authors publish both formats simultaneously to maximize reach and revenue.

You can:

• Publish the eBook first, then follow with the paperback

• Publish both formats at the same time

• Use the same title, author name, and description for both

• Cross-promote both versions on your Amazon product page (they will be linked automatically by Amazon under “Formats”)

 Pro Tip:

When uploading both versions, be consistent with metadata to help Amazon link the eBook and paperback automatically. If they don’t link, you can request this manually through KDP support.

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Differences Between KDP eBooks and Print Books

Feature	Kindle eBook	Paperback
Format	Digital (.mobi, .epub, etc.)	Physical print (PDF required)
ISBN Required?	Optional (ASIN is used by default)	Yes (KDP provides one for free)
Royalty Rate	35% or 70% (based on price and region)	60% minus printing cost
Delivery	Instant download	Printed on demand, shipped by Amazon
Page Count Limit	No strict limit	Minimum: 24 pages, Maximum: ~828 pages
Cover Requirement	Front cover image only	Full wraparound cover (front, spine, back)
Distribution	Global via Kindle store	Amazon + optional Expanded Distribution

Publishing Strategy: Why Do Both?

Publishing both an eBook and paperback helps you:

• Reach a wider audience – Some readers prefer digital; others prefer physical books.

• Increase revenue streams – Sell the same content in two formats and price points.

• Look more professional – Having both formats improves your brand and credibility.

• Boost discoverability – More formats improve Amazon’s algorithm ranking and give readers more purchase options.

For nonfiction authors, having a paperback is especially important—many buyers expect a print edition for highlighting or note-taking. For fiction authors, a paperback offers tangible value and a sense of legitimacy.

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Tips for Publishing Both Formats Successfully

1. Edit and proof both formats thoroughly
   The digital version may look fine on screen but require layout adjustments for print.

2. Use separate formatted files
   Prepare one manuscript for Kindle (e.g., flowing text) and another for print (PDF with page numbers, headers, etc.).

3. Order a proof copy of the paperback
   Check for formatting errors, cover alignment, and printing quality before going live.

4. Use tools like Kindle Create or Vellum
   These tools help convert your manuscript into clean, well-formatted digital and print versions.

5. Plan your pricing strategy
   eBooks are often priced lower to drive volume. Paperbacks should account for printing costs, typically priced between $9.99 and $19.99 depending on genre and length.

6. Optimize your metadata
   Use effective keywords and choose accurate categories to improve your book’s discoverability.

7. Use Amazon’s “Look Inside” feature
   Available for both eBook and paperback, it gives readers a sample of your book and improves conversions.

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What About Hardcover Editions?

Amazon KDP has recently added support for hardcover books (still in beta for some accounts). If available to you, it allows for:

• Case laminate hardcovers

• Trim sizes from 5" x 8" to 8.25" x 11"

• Minimum page count of 75

Like paperbacks, hardcover books require:

• A unique ISBN

• A full wraparound cover (different spine dimensions)

• A PDF interior file

Hardcovers offer a premium option but are less common unless you’re targeting collectors, libraries, or academic readers.

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Conclusion

Yes, you can absolutely publish both eBooks and print books on Amazon KDP—and you should. Offering multiple formats not only expands your reach and income but also makes your book accessible to more types of readers. KDP makes it easy to manage both versions from the same platform, with tools and support to guide you through every step.

The key is preparation: properly format each edition, invest in professional presentation (editing, cover design, layout), and take time to understand your audience and pricing model. Whether you release your eBook and paperback together or separately, KDP gives you the flexibility, tools, and global distribution to publish your work professionally and profitably.