Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) Glossary for Self-Publishers
Introduction
Embarking on the self-publishing journey with Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) unlocks a world of possibilities. However, navigating the platform’s intricacies can be daunting for aspiring authors. This comprehensive glossary demystifies KDP jargon, empowering self-publishers to navigate the platform with ease and unleash their literary potential.
A-D
Advance Sales: Sales of your book made before its official release date. These sales contribute to your book’s initial ranking on Amazon.
Amazon Best Sellers Rank (BSR): A measure of your book’s popularity on Amazon, calculated based on sales volume and other factors. A lower BSR indicates higher sales.
ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number): A unique 10-digit code assigned to each book on Amazon, used for tracking and ordering.
Back Matter: Additional content found at the end of your book, such as an author bio, acknowledgements, or a glossary.
Book Blurb: A brief, compelling description of your book used to entice readers.
Cover Creator: A tool provided by KDP that allows you to design your book cover using pre-made templates or custom images.
Distribution Channels: The platforms through which your book is available for purchase, such as Amazon, Apple Books, and Barnes & Noble.
DRM (Digital Rights Management): Technology used to protect your book from unauthorized copying and distribution. E-M
Ebook (Electronic Book): A digital version of a book, typically formatted for reading on electronic devices such as e-readers, tablets, and smartphones.
Enhanced Typesetting: An advanced formatting option in KDP that allows for customization of fonts, margins, and other design elements to enhance the reader’s experience.
Expanded Distribution: A service offered by KDP that makes your book available for purchase through a wider network of retailers and libraries.
Front Matter: Additional content found at the beginning of your book, such as a title page, copyright information, and a table of contents.
Global Reach: KDP’s distribution network enables you to sell your book to readers worldwide through Amazon’s international marketplaces.
Highlights: Passages in your book that readers can highlight and save for future reference or sharing.
ISBN (International Standard Book Number): A unique 13-digit code that identifies your book and is required for distribution through certain channels.
Kindle: A line of e-readers and tablets produced by Amazon, designed specifically for reading ebooks.
Kindle Countdown Deal: A promotional tool that allows you to offer a discounted price for your book for a limited time.
Kindle Direct Publishing: Amazon’s self-publishing platform that enables authors to publish and distribute their books in ebook and print formats.
N-Z
New Release: A book that has been published within the last 30 days. New releases receive additional visibility and promotion from Amazon.
Page Flip: A feature in the Kindle app that allows readers to preview the interior pages of your book before purchasing.
Paperback: A physical book with a paper cover. KDP offers paperback printing and distribution services.
Print on Demand: A printing method where books are printed only when an order is placed, reducing waste and inventory costs.
Proof Copy: A physical or digital copy of your book used for review and finalization before publication.
Quality Check: A process performed by KDP to ensure that your book meets certain quality standards before it is published.
Rank: A measure of your book’s popularity on Amazon, calculated based on sales volume, reviews, and other factors. A higher rank indicates greater visibility.
Royalty: A percentage of the book’s sale price that you earn as the author. KDP offers different royalty rates based on factors such as the book’s format and distribution channels.
Sales Report: A detailed report provided by KDP that shows the sales and earnings for your book.
Search Inside the Book: A feature that allows readers to preview portions of your book’s interior on Amazon.
SEO (Search Engine Optimization): Techniques used to improve the visibility of your book in search results on platforms like Amazon.
Self-Publishing: The process of publishing and marketing your own book without the involvement of a traditional publisher.
Subsidy: A payment made to a publisher to cover the costs of printing and distributing a book. KDP does not require authors to pay any subsidies.
TOC (Table of Contents): A list of chapters or sections in your book, typically included in the front matter.
Wide Distribution: A service offered by KDP that expands your book’s availability to a wider range of retailers and libraries beyond Amazon’s network.
