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Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) can be an absolute goldmine if you know how to play your cards right. But let’s be honest – royalties can feel like pennies at first. If you’re publishing books and wondering why your bank account isn’t exactly reflecting your hard work, it’s time to fix that. Here’s how you can start earning more from your Amazon KDP efforts without pulling your hair out.
1. Write for a Niche Audience with Amazon KDP
Generic books are a dime a dozen. What stands out? Niche content that speaks to a specific audience.
Think about it: instead of writing “A Guide to Gardening,” try “Organic Herb Gardening for Small Urban Spaces.” Narrow, specific topics have less competition and attract readers who are ready to buy.
The trick? Do a little research. Browse Amazon categories and look at what’s trending. Tools like Publisher Rocket or just the “Look Inside” feature can show you what readers are snapping up.
Bonus tip: When your niche audience feels seen, they’re more likely to leave positive reviews, and reviews = sales.
2. Price Strategically
Pricing can be a game-changer. It’s all about hitting that sweet spot where your book feels like a steal but still earns you a decent cut.
Here’s the deal: for books priced between £2.99 and £9.99, Amazon gives you 70% royalties. Stray outside this range, and you’re looking at a mere 35%. Ouch, right?
For shorter works or beginners, start with a lower price (£2.99 or so) to build up your readership. Got a series? Offer the first book at a discount (or even free) to hook readers, then charge more for the rest.
3. Nail Your Keywords
If no one can find your book, no one can buy it. Keywords make all the difference.
Amazon lets you input seven keyword phrases when you publish. Don’t waste them. Use tools like Amazon’s autocomplete, Google Trends, or keyword-specific platforms to figure out what readers are searching for.
Pro tip: Think like your reader. Instead of "sci-fi space opera," try "epic alien adventure for teens." Be specific, but don’t over complicate it.
Also, sprinkle these keywords in your book’s title, subtitle, and description. Just don’t keyword-stuff – Amazon’s algorithm hates that.
4. Invest in an Eye-Catching Cover
People do judge books by their covers. And let’s face it, some KDP covers look like they were thrown together in Paint.
Don’t be that person.
Hire a professional or use tools like Canva or Book Bolt if you’re on a budget. Your cover should:
Look great as a thumbnail (most buyers are scrolling on their phones).
Match your genre expectations (a cosy romance should not look like a horror novel).
Feel clean and professional.
Pro tip: Browse the top-selling books in your genre. Notice any patterns? Lean into those design trends.
5. Boost Your Book’s Visibility
Amazon isn’t just a bookstore; it’s a massive search engine. To stand out, you need to work the system.
Run Amazon Ads
Set a small budget and test ads for your book. Even £2-£5 a day can drive significant traffic if you’re targeting the right audience.
Use Categories and Subcategories
Amazon lets you choose two categories when publishing, but here’s the kicker: you can actually add your book to up to 10 categories by emailing Amazon support. The more categories, the better your chances of being found.
Leverage Social Media
TikTok, Instagram, Facebook groups – wherever your audience hangs out, go there. Share snippets, behind-the-scenes writing stories, or even reader shoutouts.
6. Write a Series or Bundle Your Books
Readers love getting hooked on a series. One book leads to the next, and before you know it, they’re buying the whole lot.
If you’ve got multiple books in the same genre, bundle them together. A box set priced at £7.99 feels like a bargain compared to buying three books at £3.99 each. And since box sets count as one purchase, they’re a sneaky way to climb Amazon’s rankings.
Writing a series? End each book with a teaser that pulls readers into the next one. Think TV cliff-hangers. Readers hate them, but they work.
Bonus Tips for Long-Term Growth
Update Your Backlist: If older books aren’t selling, give them a facelift. New cover? Better blurb? Updated keywords? These can breathe new life into your backlist.
Expand to Print and Audio: KDP isn’t just for eBooks. Offering your books in print or audio can boost your royalties and reach new readers.
Engage Your Readers: Build an email list. Offer a free short story or guide in exchange for their email address. Use it to announce new books, discounts, or promotions.
Amazon KDP can absolutely pay off – but only if you approach it strategically. Focus on writing for a niche, pricing smartly, and making your books easy to find. Nail your presentation, and don’t be afraid to invest in ads or expand your formats. It’s not about working harder; it’s about working smarter.
Remember: each small improvement stacks up. Before you know it, those royalties can go from covering coffee runs to funding your dream life.
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