Manuscript:

  • Format: Typically a Word document (.doc or .docx) or PDF. Amazon KDP also accepts EPUB files for eBooks.
  • Content: Ensure your manuscript is proofread and formatted according to the platform’s guidelines (e.g., margins, fonts, spacing).

Cover Design:

  • eBook Cover: A high-resolution image (usually a JPEG or TIFF) that meets the platform’s size and aspect ratio requirements.
  • Print Book Cover: Includes front, back, and spine, usually formatted as a PDF. You’ll need to account for trim size and bleed.
  • Book Title and Subtitle: Choose a catchy and descriptive title and subtitle (if applicable).
  • Author Name: The name you wish to publish under.
  • Book Description: A compelling description that will appear on your book’s detail page.
  • Keywords: Keywords or phrases to help readers find your book in searches.
  • Categories: Select appropriate categories or genres for your book to help categorize it.

ISBN:

  • Amazon: You can use a free Amazon-provided ISBN or use your own.
  • Barnes & Noble: Requires an ISBN, which you must provide yourself.
  • Pricing: Decide on a price for your book. Consider different pricing for eBooks and print copies.
  • Rights & Territories: Information about where you have the rights to distribute the book.
  • Preview/Look Inside: Enable a feature that lets potential readers view a sample of your book.

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP):

  • Account Setup: Create an account on Amazon KDP.
  • Formats: You can publish both Kindle eBooks and paperback books.
  • Royalties: Choose between 35% or 70% royalty options for eBooks.
  • KDP Select: Optionally enroll in KDP Select for additional promotional benefits.

Barnes & Noble Press:

  • Account Setup: Create an account on Barnes & Noble Press.
  • Formats: Publish eBooks and print books.
  • Distribution: Decide if you want your book distributed to additional retailers and libraries.

Additional Considerations:

  • Marketing Plan: Plan how you will promote your book to reach your target audience.
  • Author Bio: A short bio about yourself as an author, often included on your book’s detail page and author page.
  • Launch Strategy: Decide on your book launch strategy, including timing and promotional tactics.

By preparing these materials and following the specific guidelines for each platform, you can successfully publish and distribute your book on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Let me know if you need help with any of these steps or details!

Mandatory Requirements: Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

  • Bank Account Information:
  • Account Holder Name: The name on the bank account.
  • Bank Account Number: Your full account number.
  • Bank Name and Address: The name of your bank and its address.
  • Routing Number (for U.S. accounts): The nine-digit code used to identify your bank.
  • IBAN/SWIFT Code (for non-U.S. accounts): International identifiers for banks outside the U.S.
  • Tax Information:
  • Complete a tax interview to determine your tax withholding rate.
  • Provide your Tax Identification Number (TIN), such as an SSN, EIN, or ITIN for U.S. authors, or a foreign tax identification number for international authors.

Barnes & Noble Press

  • Bank Account Information:
  • Account Holder Name: The name on the bank account.
  • Account Number: Your full account number.
  • Bank Name: The name of your bank.
  • Routing Number (for U.S. accounts) or SWIFT/IBAN (for international accounts).
  • Tax Information:
  • Fill out necessary tax forms (e.g., W-9 for U.S. residents or W-8BEN for non-U.S. residents) to set up your account for payments.

Additional Considerations:

  • Currency: Payments are typically made in the currency of your bank account. Amazon KDP offers payments in various currencies, while Barnes & Noble may have more limited options.
  • Payment Thresholds: Some platforms have minimum thresholds before payments are made (e.g., $100 for direct deposit).
  • Payment Schedule: Understand the payment schedule, as royalties are often paid monthly but may have a delay of up to 60 days after the end of the month in which the sales occur.