Self-Publication Process via Amazon's KDP
How to Quickly Publish Low Content Books and use it for your own Business
Somebody asked me: how did you start your self-publishing business? Do I coach others? She assumed it was my business because I was sharing what I know about desktop publishing in a writer’s group I joined. I told her I’m not in the publishing business but I know how to publish low-content books via Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing or KDP. Let’s Zoom In.
I sell digital and physical educational products via popular marketplaces like Teachers Pay Teachers and Amazon’s FBA Program. Inventory is the biggest cost in selling actual goods. So when Amazon started its Print-On-Demand (POD) program, 3rd Party Amazon sellers like me were excited because it will cut significant inventory costs.
POD or Print on Demand
POD is like having a printer for books, shirts, mugs and tote bags. Before, there is a minimum order for any of those. For example, you only need 10 custom shirts but you have to order a minimum of 100. The same for books and other merchandise. Not anymore. You can now order one custom merchandise if you want. POD means you can order only one copy of your book and Amazon will do it for you through its KDP program.
Low-Content Books
Low-content books have minimal text. It can be lined journals, log books, travel checklists or a planner. You do not need to write long text like regular books. You can see an example of a Dot Grid Journal here where there is just a bunch of dotted pages. Later on, Amazon implemented more rules but I’ll show you creative uses for low-content books for your career or business or simply for your enjoyment.
Self-publishing may sound intimidating. But, I am confident you can learn how to publish KDP low-content books. The cost is minimal and you can give out “author copies” of your book to your clients. Here are some ideas on how you can use it:
coaches can make guided journals
financial planners can give away budget log books
dentists can make family dental planners or health logs
teachers can publish workbooks
pastors can make a prayer calendar or journal
travel agencies can make travel notebooks
Moreover, you can use it as giveaways during conferences or as calling card replacements.
Learn with an Actual Example
Instead of just describing it, I will show you how I will convert a simple PDF file to a KDP low-content book. I will take this Find Habits that Help You Create Guided Journal and Habit Tracker and convert it into a 120-page KDP paperback book. Go ahead, look at it and download a free copy by putting $0 in the price. I will add and create related pages and maybe some dotted journal pages. Subscribe so you’ll not miss any posts.
Content of Next Posts
WHAT I use to quickly create inside pages of low-content books
HOW to upload in KDP and WHAT you need to produce before uploading
I will keep most of my content free so I can reach and serve more teachers, and other career changers. Next post in this series will be out on Wednesday.
