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Self-publishing: Self-publishing an Amazon Book with KDP

Name: Self-publishing: Self-publishing an Amazon Book with KDP
Rating: 4.3 (29 reviews)

Format/editing books w/Microsoft Word: Microsoft PowerPoint/Canva/GIMP book covers: KDP self-publishing: Book marketing

Created byBrian Jackson

Last updated 4/2025

English

What you'll learn

Format and edit your manuscript in Microsoft Word for professional quality Kindle eBook and Print-on-Demand (POD) paperback self-publishing.
Create a free professional-quality do it yourself (DIY) book cover using Microsoft PowerPoint and free images found on Pixabay.
Self-publish your manuscript in Amazon Kindle eBook and Print-on-Demand (POD) paperback formats using the Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) web-based interface.
Set up Microsoft Word with the best editing and formatting settings for writers.
Apply proper paragraph styles, spacing, and indentation for a clean layout.
Use section breaks and page numbers to structure your book correctly.
Insert and format images, tables, and special elements without errors.
Create a professional title page, copyright page, and table of contents.
Copy-edit your manuscript manually to eliminate typos and inconsistencies.
Use Grammarly to enhance grammar, spelling, and readability in your book.
Design an eye-catching book cover using Microsoft PowerPoint—no design skills needed.
Resize and optimize images to meet Amazon’s KDP cover requirements.
Configure your manuscript to the correct file format for Kindle and paperback publishing.
Navigate the KDP dashboard and fill in every required field for publishing success.
Upload your formatted manuscript and preview it before publishing.
Choose the best book categories and keywords to increase discoverability.
Set the right pricing strategy for both Kindle eBooks and print editions.
Write a compelling book description that attracts and convinces readers to buy.
Understand Amazon KDP’s royalty options and maximize your earnings.
Leverage free marketing tools inside KDP to promote your book effectively.
Learn why writing in a series boosts long-term success and repeat sales.
Publish with confidence and become a self-published author on Amazon today!

Course content

19 sections • 110 lectures • 12h 44m total length

Course Overview2:04
In this lecture, I provide a brief overview of the course contents.
Self-publishing Process12:31
In this lecture, I provide an overview of the Amazon self-publishing process.
Course Resources0:14
In this lecture, I provide templates for Amazon fiction and nonfiction books. Download a template, open it in Microsoft Word and follow the instructions to modify it.
The JPG images and PowerPoint files will be used in the book cover section of this course.
I've also included a well-formatted Microsoft Word nonfiction manuscript for your reference.
How to Watch This Course4:38
In this lecture, I show you how to watch any Udemy course fast and how to leave "Notes", or bookmarks, on the video timeline so that you can return to important sections.

Run Microsoft Word From the Windows Taskbar8:41
In this lecture, I show how to start and stop word and save and load documents.
Word Screen Layout and Navigation7:14
In this lecture, I provide an introduction to starting Word, saving files and navigating the interface.
Optimize Your Writing Environment9:21
In this lecture, I demonstrate how to optimize your Microsoft Word screen real estate to improve productivity while writing and editing.
Section Project0:05
In this lecture, I provide a section project for you to complete.

Formatting Your Manuscript for Amazon Paperback Publication2:23
In this lecture, I explain how we can use a single manuscript for both eBook and paperback publication.
Displaying Formatting Characters2:11
In this lecture we see how to enable and disable the display of formatting characters while we work on a document in Word.
Replacing Invalid Characters3:44
In this lecture we learn why and how to remove all tabs from your document and how to translate -- to an emdash.
Dropping the Formatting Bomb2:17
In this lecture we learn how to wipe out existing formatting of a poorly formatted document before formatting it for publication.
Configure Fiction Paragraph and Heading Styles14:53
In this lecture, I begin teaching you to configure Word styles beginning with fiction paragraph and chapter heading styles.
Configure Nonfiction Paragraph and Numbered Heading Styles8:35
In this lecture, I demonstrate how to configure your Word document for writing nonfiction documents.
Formatting Scene Separators3:55
In this lecture, I demonstrate how to insert and configure scene separators both manually and using styles.
Format Your Manuscript for Publication13:53
In this lecture, I demonstrate how to format the layout of your document for publication. This is the ultimate environment in which I write.
Select and Edit Text8:48
In this lecture, I show you multiple ways to select text followed by four editing operations to apply to selected text.
Configure Selected Text6:12
In this lecture, I demonstrate how to configure the text that you select.
Inserting and Aligning Images8:51
In this lecture, I discuss inserting and aligning images for Kindle eBook and paperback publications.
Add the Missing Sections5:17
In this lecture, I demonstrate how to add title, copyright, email signup and table of contents pages from an existing document or from the templates.
Using the Fiction and Nonfiction Templates9:59
In this lecture, I demonstrate how to use the nonfiction writing template found in the resources of lecture 3 above. Note that using the fiction template is nearly identical. The only difference is that the fiction template includes fiction paragraph and header styles.
Section Project0:06
In this lecture, I provide a section project for you to complete.

Getting Started: Creating, Layout, Saving and Exporting9:34
In this introduction to using Microsoft PowerPoint 2013 to create a book cover we create a solid white book cover in the proper orientation and dimensions while saving a working copy and exporting a JPEG image.
Setting PowerPoint Export Resolution to 300 DPI0:42
This lecture discusses how to upgrade your PowerPoint export resolution from 96 dpi to 300 dpi.
How to Export High Resolution Images From PowerPoint Without the Registry Change2:12
In this lecture, I explain how to export high-resolution images from Microsoft PowerPoint without the registry change. In the following lecture, I teach students how to permanently modify PowerPoint to export high-resolution images at 300 dpi through a Windows registry modification. Instead, this lecture explains how to export at 330 dpi by simply checking an option box.
Setting PowerPoint 2013 Export Resolution to 300 DPI on Windows 8.16:16
This lecture demonstrates upgrading PowerPoint 2013 export resolution on a Windows 8.1 PC.
Choosing a Background for Your Book Cover5:11
An overview of how to add a background image to your book cover.
Inserting and Configuring Text Boxes12:18
An explanation of how to add text to a book cover using PowerPoint.
Duplicating and Manipulating Text Boxes4:25
How to edit and manipulate book cover elements.
Inserting and Configuring Colored Boxes11:37
How to use colored boxes to make your text stand out.
Grouping and Ungrouping Elements2:04
Grouping and ungrouping elements so you can position them as one.
Inserting Pictures and a Second Sample Book Cover Pt. 110:10
An example of inserting pictures onto a book cover and the send example of creating a book cover.
Inserting Pictures and a Second Sample Book Cover Pt. 26:29
A continuation of the second book cover example.
All the Places to Find PowerPoint Commands6:25
An overview of all the places to find PowerPoint commands.
Creating a Paperback Book Cover (Cover/Spine/Back Cover)12:13
How to optionally create a full wrap-around paperback book cover.

Introduction to Advanced PowerPoint Image and Text Editing5:36
Section introduction on advanced PP techniques.
Book Cover Versions, Multiple Book Covers and Exporting7:03
Resizing, Positioning, Rotating, Flipping and Cropping Images5:08
Removing Image Backgrounds to Produce Image Silhouettes7:25
Removing Image Insets to Produce Image Frames7:43
Stacking Image Layers and Controlling Image Layer Stacking Order4:19
Working with Individual Images and Grouping Slide Elements2:32
Applying Artistic Effects, Color and Corrections, Picture Styles and Effects6:36
More About Text and Fonts11:05
The Big Cover Image Project Example19:59
Section Project0:05
In this lecture, I provide a section project for you to complete.

Publish Your Book in Kindle Format Using KDP14:40
In this lecture, I demonstrate how to publish your manuscript for Kindle distribution using the Amazon KDP web-based interface.
Copywrite Your Amazon Book Description9:23
In this lecture, I provide a few pointers on how to write compelling copy for your Amazon book description.
Self-publishing a POD Paperback on Amazon Using KDP22:22
Watch as I publish a Microsoft Word manuscript (.docx file) in paperback format on Amazon via the KDP web-based interface.
Book Review Process, Approval and Monitoring3:12
In this lecture, I discuss the Amazon review process and things you can do after your book is published to monitor sales, change your book and run promotions.
Beta: Automatic Audible Audiobook Generation via KDP10:07
Amazon just released a new feature that allows published authors to automatically generate audiobooks for publication on Audible in minutes using AI and a synthetic voice. This is a free additional revenue stream that enhances the appeal of your eBook/book display and only takes minutes to setup. This feature is currently in beta status and only available to some KDP users.
Section Project: Are You a Published Author?0:14
In this section project you're asked to let me know if you're a published author yet.

Requirements

You'll need copies of Microsoft Word and PowerPoint, or Microsoft Office, to follow along.
You'll need a web browser (Chrome is demonstrated) to access KDP.

Description

Self-Publishing an Amazon Book with KDP: Master the Art of Formatting, Editing, Cover Design, and Publishing

Transform Your Manuscript into a Professionally Published Amazon Kindle eBook and Paperback

Are you ready to take control of your publishing journey and bring your book to life?

Welcome to “Self-publishing: Self-Publishing an Amazon Book with KDP,” the comprehensive training course designed to guide aspiring authors through every stage of the Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) process. Whether you are a first-time writer or an experienced author looking to refine your skills, this course equips you with the tools to format, edit, design, and self-publish your book seamlessly.

Through step-by-step instruction and hands-on demonstrations, you will learn how to:

Format your manuscript for professional publication using Microsoft Word
Design a compelling book cover with Microsoft PowerPoint/Canva/GIMP—no expensive software required
Optimize and copy-edit your manuscript for clarity, accuracy, and readability
Publish your book in Kindle eBook and Print-on-Demand (POD) paperback formats using Amazon KDP

Comprehensive Learning with Actionable Strategies

This course is a one-stop resource that compiles multiple training modules into a single, streamlined experience. Every lesson is designed to be practical and actionable, eliminating unnecessary fluff while ensuring you gain valuable, real-world skills.

What You Will Learn:

Manuscript Preparation & Formatting

Adjust Microsoft Word settings for efficient editing and formatting
Structure your book for Kindle eBooks and print editions
Implement professional design techniques to enhance readability

Book Cover Design Made Simple

Use Microsoft PowerPoint to create an eye-catching, high-quality book cover
Learn how to optimize images and typography for Amazon’s platform
Design book covers that meet Amazon’s publishing guidelines
Newly added: Canva and GIMP book cover alternatives

Editing & Proofreading Techniques

Perform manual copy-editing to refine your content
Utilize Grammarly’s automated tools to enhance grammar, spelling, and readability

Publishing & Marketing Essentials

Navigate the KDP interface and fill out every field with optimized values
Upload, preview, and publish your book with confidence
Gain introductory marketing insights to boost visibility and sales

Bonus: Insider Strategies to Maximize Your Book’s Success

Beyond formatting and publishing, this course also provides expert guidance on how to position your book for success. You will learn how to:

Choose the perfect book title to enhance searchability and discoverability
Price your book strategically to drive more sales and reader engagement
Develop a winning author strategy by writing in a series for long-term success

Your Path to Becoming a Published Author Starts Today!

By the end of this course, you will have the knowledge and confidence to self-publish your book on Amazon KDP, reaching a global audience with your work. No prior technical skills are required—just a manuscript and a passion for publishing.

This course contains little original material. Instead, it is a streamlined collection of the best sections from the following 9 courses (6 unpublished and currently unavailable):

Writing a Book: Writing a Book with Microsoft Word
Section 2: Microsoft Word Setup

Self-publishing 1: Format Your Book with Microsoft Word
Section 3: Format Your Manuscript for Publication with Microsoft Word

Self-publishing 2: Book Covers: Free PowerPoint Book Covers
Section 4: Create a Book Cover with Microsoft PowerPoint
Section 5: Advanced PowerPoint Image and Text Editing

Create a Book Cover with Me: Microsoft PowerPoint & Pixabay
Section 6: Book Cover Creation Examples

Self-publishing 3: Self-publish Your Book on Amazon with KDP
Section 7: Self-publish Your Amazon Book with KDP
Section 8: Amazon Self-publishing Demonstration

Book Marketing: Amazon Kindle eBook Marketing Sales Funnel
Section 9: Amazon Book Marketing

Writing and Editing: Proofreading and Copy Editing Mastery
Section 11: Copy Edit Your Manuscript

Microsoft Powerpoint Presentation, Book Covers and Animation
Section 12: Additional PowerPoint Material

Self-publishing: Free Amazon Kindle eBook Self-publishing
Section 15: KDP Book Publishing Details

Get only the best sections in this course to replicate the exact process I use to self-publish Amazon books in 2025.

Enroll now and take the first step toward becoming a successful, self-published author. Let’s turn your writing into a published book today!

I'll see you in the classroom,

---Brian

Who this course is for:

First-time authors who want to publish their first Kindle eBook or paperback but don’t know where to start.
Writers on a budget who want to self-publish without hiring expensive editors, designers, or formatting services.
Fiction and nonfiction authors looking to turn their manuscripts into professional-quality books.
Entrepreneurs, coaches, and business professionals who want to publish books as part of their brand or marketing strategy.
Bloggers and content creators who want to repurpose their content into a book format for wider reach and monetization.
Educators and course creators who want to publish supplementary books to support their online courses.
Anyone struggling with the technical aspects of Amazon KDP and needs a simple, step-by-step guide to get published.

Self-publishing: Self-publishing an Amazon Book with KDP

What you'll learn

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Course content

Introduction4 lectures • 19min

Microsoft Word Setup4 lectures • 25min

Format Your Manuscript for Publication with Microsoft Word14 lectures • 1hr 31min

Create a Book Cover with Microsoft PowerPoint13 lectures • 1hr 30min

Advanced PowerPoint Image and Text Editing11 lectures • 1hr 18min

Book Cover Creation Examples3 lectures • 57min

Book Cover Creation with AI1 lecture • 13min

Self-publish Your Amazon Book with KDP6 lectures • 1hr

Amazon Self-publishing Demonstrations2 lectures • 17min

Amazon Book Marketing1 lecture • 13min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: