Amazon KDP: A Glossary of Direct Publishing Terms
Introduction
Welcome to our comprehensive glossary of Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) terms, designed to empower authors and publishers in their direct publishing journey. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie, this glossary will provide clear and concise definitions of the essential terms you need to know to navigate the world of Amazon KDP.
A-F
Advance Reading Copy (ARC): A pre-release version of a book shared with reviewers and beta readers for feedback.
Author Central: Amazon’s platform for authors to manage their books, connect with readers, and access marketing tools.
Back Matter: Materials included at the end of a book, such as the index, glossary, and acknowledgments.
Blurb: A brief, attention-grabbing description of a book used to entice readers.
Category: The genre or niche that a book falls under on Amazon. Choosing the right category is crucial for discoverability.
Cover Creator: Amazon’s free online tool for designing and creating book covers.
Distribution Channels: The platforms through which your book can be made available, such as Amazon, Apple Books, and Kobo.
E-book: A digital version of a book that can be read on electronic devices, such as e-readers, tablets, and smartphones.
File Size: The size of the e-book file, usually measured in megabytes (MB) or kilobytes (KB).
Font: The typeface used in the body text of a book. Choosing a readable and visually appealing font is essential.
G-Z
Glossary: A list of definitions for specific terms related to a particular subject or field.
ISBN: International Standard Book Number, a unique identifier assigned to each book to facilitate its cataloging and distribution.
Keywords: Relevant words and phrases that describe the content of a book and help readers discover it.
Launch Date: The date when a book is made available for purchase on Amazon.
Look Inside: A feature that allows readers to preview a portion of a book before purchasing it.
Metadata: Information about a book, such as its title, author, description, and keywords, that helps Amazon categorize and display it.
Page Count: The number of pages in a book, including both the front and back matter.
Page Numbers: Digital markers that indicate the location of specific pages in an e-book.
Print-on-Demand (POD): A method of printing books only when they are ordered, eliminating the need for large print runs and inventory.
Proofreader: A professional who reviews a book for errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Publication Date: The official date when a book is released to the public.
Query Letter: A one-page letter sent to agents or publishers to introduce a book and its author.
Rank: A measure of how well a book is performing in the Amazon rankings based on factors such as sales and reviews.
Reader Magnet: A free or low-cost piece of content offered to entice potential readers to subscribe to an author’s email list or follow their social media channels.
Review: A written or spoken assessment of a book by a reader. Positive reviews can significantly boost a book’s visibility and sales.
Royalties: The percentage of the book’s sale price that the author receives. Amazon offers different royalty rates based on the book’s price and distribution channels.
Sales Report: A document that provides information about a book’s sales, including units sold, revenue, and royalties.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Techniques used to improve a book’s visibility in Amazon’s search results.
Self-Editing: The process of editing and proofreading a book independently, without the assistance of professional services.
Series: A group of related books that share a common theme, characters, or setting.
Synopsis: A brief summary of a book’s plot and characters, often used in marketing materials or query letters.
Targeted Advertising: Advertising campaigns that use specific criteria to reach potential readers who are likely to be interested in a book.
Trim Size: The physical dimensions of a book, including its width, height, and thickness.
Word Count: The total number of words in a book, excluding front and back matter.
