Our Amazon paperback publishing service prepares your book for KDP Print, so readers can order a professionally printed paperback or hardcover that Amazon prints and ships on demand. We handle trim size, interior and cover files, proofs, pricing and the listing, in your own KDP account.
Print on demand means no upfront printing bill and no stock to store, because each copy is printed when someone orders it. This service is part of our Amazon book publishing services.
KDP print publishing: what we set up
- Trim size, paper colour and the finish that suit your book
- An interior file that meets KDP Print’s specifications
- A full cover wrap, with the spine sized to your page count
- Your ISBN, whether your own or a free KDP one
- Pricing and the distribution options that fit your plan
- The listing, with your edition linked to your eBook
Amazon hardcover publishing
A hardcover adds a premium edition for gifts, collectors, libraries and book clubs. It has its own file and size rules, and not every trim size is available, so we check what your book can use and prepare the cover for the hardcover format. Many authors launch a paperback first and add a hardcover later.
Print on demand publishing on Amazon: costs and royalties
Amazon deducts the printing cost of each copy, and your royalty is calculated on the list price after that deduction. Printing cost depends on page count, trim size, paper and ink, and it varies by marketplace, so your price has to cover it. We help you choose a list price that works for readers and leaves a sensible royalty.
Order a proof before you publish
We recommend ordering a printed proof before you approve the book. A proof shows how the margins, the cover colour and the spine really look, and it catches problems that a screen preview can miss. Proof copies and author copies are charged at printing cost.
Trim size, paper and cover finish
The physical choices shape how the book feels. Trim size is the page size, and common sizes suit different genres: fiction often uses a smaller size, while workbooks and illustrated books need a larger one. Paper can be white or cream, and cream often reads more gently for long fiction. The cover finish can be matte or glossy. We recommend options based on your genre and page count.
Spine width and bleed
A print cover is one flat file that wraps around the book. Its width depends on the page count and paper type, and it needs bleed, an extra margin beyond the trim so no white edge shows. Getting this wrong is a common reason for rejected files. We calculate the dimensions from the current KDP template and check every file before upload.
Pricing a print book
KDP deducts the printing cost from the list price before it pays your royalty, and the printing cost depends on page count and ink. That means a longer book needs a higher price to earn the same. We show the maths for several price points so you can choose with the numbers in front of you.
Hardcovers and reaching more shops
A hardcover edition suits gifts, memoirs and special editions. Availability depends on trim size and page count. If you also want bookshops and libraries to order your book, a second route such as IngramSpark can help, and we explain how to use both without conflicts.
Interior details that make a print book look professional
Readers notice small things. Page numbers should start in the right place and chapter titles should sit at a consistent height. The inside margin must be wider than the outside so text does not disappear into the spine. Widows and orphans, single lines stranded at the top or bottom of a page, should be avoided, and fonts should be chosen for comfortable reading at print size. We handle these details as part of book formatting, so the printed book looks as polished as the cover promises.
Questions about Amazon paperback and hardcover publishing
Can I publish a paperback and a hardcover from the same files?
Often the interior can be reused when the trim size matches. The cover needs its own file for each format, because the wrap and the spine differ.
Do I need an ISBN for a KDP paperback?
KDP offers a free ISBN for print, but it ties that edition to Amazon. Using your own ISBN keeps the book portable. We explain both options.
Will my paperback be in bookstores?
KDP offers expanded distribution settings, but bookstores decide what they stock. For wider trade reach, consider IngramSpark.
How long does it take to publish?
Once your files are final, setup takes a few days. Amazon reviews the files before the book goes live, and proofs add shipping time.
Can I order copies of my own book?
Yes. You can order author copies at printing cost, for events, gifts or direct sales.
Should I order a proof copy?
Yes. A printed proof shows how the cover colours, margins and paper look in real life. It is the cheapest way to avoid a bad first print run.
Can I change the book after publishing?
Yes. You can upload revised files and the new version replaces the old one after review, but copies already sold stay as they were.
Is print on demand lower quality?
Modern print on demand is good for most books. Colour-heavy books may look different from offset printing, so we check your specific case.
How many pages does a print book need?
KDP has a minimum page count for paperbacks, and very thin books may not have a printed spine title. We tell you the limits before you design.
Can I change the price of my print book later?
Yes. You can update the list price in your account, and the new price takes effect after a short delay.
Related services
- Amazon book publishing services
- Amazon KDP publishing services
- Book formatting services
- Book cover design services
Why authors work with us
- You keep your rights, your royalties and your accounts
- You receive a written scope and a fixed price before any work starts
- You approve every file before it moves to the next step
- One project manager keeps you informed at every stage