
Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) is one of the most accessible ways to start a side hustle with global reach. But before diving in, there are key things you need to know to set yourself up for success. After reviewing the top advice from Amazon KDP experts Greg Gotfried and Sean Dollwet, I’ve distilled the best tips to save you time, effort, and frustration. Here are the essentials:
1. KDP is Worldwide—But Mind Payment Options
One of the greatest advantages of KDP is that you can run this business from anywhere in the world. However, not all countries are supported for direct payments. If your region isn’t listed, consider using Payoneer, a free tool that acts like PayPal but specializes in global payments. This ensures you’ll receive your royalties regardless of where you live.
2. Start with Profitable Niches
Both Greg and Sean emphasize the importance of niche research. Instead of guessing what might sell, use tools like Book Bolt to identify niches with high demand and low competition. For example, word search books with specific themes—like Christmas or camping—can perform exceptionally well.
To research a niche:
Use Book Bolt’s keyword tool to find search volume and competition scores.
Focus on A-rated niches for the best chances of success.
3. Your Cover Design Matters
A poorly designed cover can ruin your book’s chances of success. Sean stresses that your cover needs to stand out and communicate what the book is about. Avoid generic or AI-generated designs that blend into the competition.
If design isn’t your strength, invest in a professional cover designer. A great cover doesn’t just attract buyers; it builds trust and credibility.
4. Use Cover Templates to Save Time
Creating templates for your covers is a game-changer. As Greg suggests, start with a few versatile designs that can easily be customized for different niches. For instance:
Update the title, graphics, and colors to match your book’s theme.
This approach not only saves time but also ensures your books look professional and cohesive.
5. Word Search Books Are a Hidden Gem
Word search books are in demand, yet many creators avoid them because they assume making puzzles is complicated. Thankfully, tools like Book Bolt make generating puzzles easy and efficient. Pair this with unique themes to create standout books.
Bonus: Word search book covers don’t require intricate designs, making them beginner-friendly.
6. Don’t Fear Rejection Emails
Amazon’s review process includes a three-day evaluation period, during which your book may be flagged for adjustments. Greg assures us that rejection emails are normal and don’t penalize your account. Simply follow their feedback, make the necessary changes, and resubmit your book.
7. Marketing is Essential
Sean stresses that even the best books won’t sell without proper marketing. Here’s how to give your book the exposure it needs:
Gather Reviews: Aim for at least 10–20 reviews to establish credibility.
Run Ads: Start small with Amazon Ads to test your book’s potential.
Leverage Social Media: Platforms like Instagram and TikTok can help drive organic traffic.
Remember, marketing is non-negotiable—you have to actively promote your book to see results.
8. Efficiency is Key
Greg highlights the importance of efficiency in scaling your KDP business. Create templates not just for covers but also for titles, subtitles, and descriptions. These pre-made templates save time and allow you to focus on publishing more books.
Example templates:
Title: “50 [Theme] Word Searches for [Audience]”
Subtitle: “Fun and Engaging Puzzles for All Ages”
9. Test and Expand Winning Niches
When you find a niche that works, double down. Sean recommends creating multiple variations of successful books with different covers and puzzles. This increases your reach and taps into a broader audience within the same niche.
Pro tip: Ensure each book’s interior is unique to comply with Amazon’s guidelines. Use randomized word lists to differentiate your puzzles.
10. Quality is Everything
Whether you’re creating a coloring book or a high-content guide, always prioritize quality. Poor execution leads to negative reviews, which can hurt your sales. Take the time to ensure your content delivers value.
11. Set Realistic Expectations
Both experts emphasize the importance of patience. Success on KDP takes time and consistency. Focus on:
Publishing regularly.
Refining your processes.
Learning from your results.
KDP isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme, but with persistence, it can become a lucrative passive income stream.
Starting an Amazon KDP business is exciting, but preparation is key. By following these expert tips, you’ll avoid common pitfalls and set yourself up for success. Whether you’re creating word searches, guides, or coloring books, remember: consistency and quality are your greatest allies.
What tip resonated with you the most? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to subscribe for more insights on KDP and other side hustles!
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