Glossary
This glossary outlines fundamental concepts associated with Kindle Direct Publishing and self-publishing more broadly. Whether you are embarking on your first self-publishing project or looking to refine your strategy, understanding these terms will help guide you through the process efficiently.
Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
-A self-publishing platform offered by Amazon, allowing authors to publish their books directly to Kindle e-readers and the Amazon marketplace.
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Manuscript
The original copy of your book or content that is prepared for publishing.
ISBN (International Standard Book Number)
A unique identifier for books, allowing them to be more easily discovered and distributed. Necessary for print editions.
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ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number)
Amazon's unique identifier for products, including Kindle e-books.
KDP Select
An optional program that gives KDP authors and publishers the opportunity to earn higher royalties, participate in special promotional programs, and make books available to Kindle Unlimited subscribers.
Digital Rights Management (DRM)
A means of protecting a digital work to prevent unauthorized distribution. Authors can choose to apply DRM to their KDP eBooks.
Royalty
The payment authors receive from publishers or platforms like KDP for each book sold. It is often a percentage of the book’s selling price.
70% Royalty Option
An option on KDP where authors earn 70% of the list price of their eBook sold in certain territories, minus delivery fees.
35% Royalty Option
An alternative to the 70% option, where authors earn 35% of the list price with fewer restrictions and potentially lower delivery fees.
KDP Royalty Calculator
A tool provided by Amazon to help authors calculate their potential earnings based on the list price and royalty rate option they choose.
MOBI
A file format for eBooks used by Amazon Kindle devices. Preferred for Amazon publishing.
Kindle Unlimited (KU)
A subscription service allowing readers to read unlimited books for a monthly fee, with authors paid per page read from a shared fund.
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Direct Deposit
The method by which authors receive payments from platforms like Amazon directly to their bank account.
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EPUB
A widely supported eBook file format that is not directly used on Amazon Kindle devices but can be converted to a Kindle-friendly format.
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E-book Format
The digital file formats for e-books, such as MOBI (for Amazon Kindle) and EPUB (for other e-readers).
Print on Demand (POD)
A method where physical books are printed only when an order is placed, reducing the need for inventory.
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Book Cover Design
The process of creating the exterior of a book, including the front cover, spine, and back cover. Critical for attracting readers.
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Proofreading
The final review of a manuscript's text for errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
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DPI (Dots Per Inch)
Measure of the resolution of images and printers, with higher DPI indicating higher quality.
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Margins and Gutter
The space around the text in a printed book. Gutters refer to the additional space near the book's spine to allow for binding.
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Book Formatting
The process of arranging and styling a book’s interior layout for eBook and print formats, ensuring readability and a professional appearance.
Bleed
A printing term that refers to design elements or images that extend to or beyond the edge of the page. Important for print book design to ensure no white margins around edges.
Book Launch
The process of introducing a new book to the market, often involving promotional strategies to boost initial sales and visibility.
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Pre-order
Setting up a book to be available for purchase before its official release date. A useful marketing tool to build anticipation.
Author Platform
The combined channels, including social media, blogs, and email newsletters, that an author uses to reach and engage with their audience.
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Book Review
Feedback provided by readers after reading a book, critical for building credibility and encouraging more sales. Can be pursued through platforms like Goodreads or direct reader outreach.
Amazon Author Central
A platform that allows authors to create a professional profile, connect with their audience, and manage their book listings on Amazon.
Kindle Countdown Deals
A promotional tool for KDP Select authors to run limited-time discount promotions for their eBooks on Amazon, potentially increasing sales and visibility.
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Copyright
Legal protection for authors over their original written works, preventing unauthorized use.
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Trademark
Protection of names, slogans, or logos specifically identifying the source of goods or services.
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Libel
A false statement in written form that damages someone’s reputation. Authors need to be cautious of libel in non-fiction works.
Free Book Promotion
Another KDP Select benefit that allows authors to offer their book for free for up to 5 days every 90-day KDP Select enrollment period, aiming to increase readership and drive reviews.