How Do I Create a Print-Ready PDF? TL;DR:A print-ready PDF must embed all fonts, use the correct page dimensions for your trim size (with bleed if applicable), have a minimum resolution of 300 DPI for images, and conform to PDF/X standards. Both KDP and IngramSpark provide specific guidelines and will flag common errors during upload. […]
What Paper Type Should I Choose?
What Paper Type Should I Choose? TL;DR:Cream (or “creme”) paper is the standard choice for fiction and most narrative nonfiction because it reduces eye strain during extended reading. White paper is better for books with images, charts, or color content where color accuracy matters. Paper weight affects thickness, feel, and cost. Paper type affects how […]
What Is Gutter Margin and How Do I Set It?
What Is Gutter Margin and How Do I Set It? TL;DR:The gutter margin is the inner margin of your book pages — the side closest to the spine. It needs to be wider than the outer margin because pages curve into the binding, making text near the spine harder to read. A typical gutter margin […]
What Are Bleed and No-Bleed Settings?
What Are Bleed and No-Bleed Settings? TL;DR:Bleed means your images or design elements extend all the way to the edge of the page. No-bleed means there is a white margin around all content. Most text-only books use no-bleed. Books with full-page images, colored backgrounds, or edge-to-edge design elements need bleed settings. Bleed is a printing […]
What Trim Size Should I Choose for My Book?
What Trim Size Should I Choose for My Book? TL;DR:The most popular trim sizes for self-published books are 5″×8″ and 5.5″×8.5″ for fiction, and 6″×9″ for nonfiction. Your choice should be guided by genre conventions, page count, and production costs. Check comparable titles in your genre for the standard your readers expect. Trim size is […]
Do I Need to Pay Taxes on Book Royalties?
Do I Need to Pay Taxes on Book Royalties? TL;DR:Yes, book royalties are taxable income in the United States. If you earn $600 or more from a single platform in a year, you will receive a 1099 form. Self-published authors can deduct business expenses like editing, design, marketing, and software costs. Consult a tax professional […]
How Much Does It Cost to Self-Publish a Book?
How Much Does It Cost to Self-Publish a Book? TL;DR:A realistic budget for self-publishing ranges from $500 to $5,000+ depending on the services you invest in. The largest costs are professional editing ($500–$3,000), cover design ($200–$1,500), and formatting ($50–$500). Publishing platform fees themselves are free or minimal. One of the biggest advantages of self-publishing is […]
What Are Kindle Unlimited Page Reads and How Am I Paid?
What Are Kindle Unlimited Page Reads and How Am I Paid? TL;DR:Kindle Unlimited pays authors based on pages read, not books borrowed. Amazon normalizes all books to a standardized page count (KENP) and pays from a shared monthly fund. The per-page rate fluctuates but has been approximately $0.004–$0.005 in recent periods. If you enroll your […]
How Do KDP Royalties Work?
How Do KDP Royalties Work? TL;DR:KDP offers two ebook royalty tiers — 70% for books priced $2.99–$9.99, and 35% for prices outside that range. Print book royalties are up to 60% of the list price minus printing costs. The 70% tier includes a delivery fee based on file size. Understanding KDP’s royalty structure is essential […]
How Should I Price My Self-Published Book?
How Should I Price My Self-Published Book? TL;DR:Ebook pricing for most genres falls between $2.99 and $9.99 to qualify for Amazon’s 70% royalty tier. Print book pricing depends on your production costs, genre norms, and desired royalty. Research comparable titles in your genre and price competitively — too low signals low quality, too high limits […]