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How to Publish a Book on Amazon in 2025: Real Advice from Someone Who’s Doing it Well
Updated and Revised for 2024!"Packed with helpful information I haven't found anywhere else! He writes with an earnest voice fueled by an obvious mission to help other writers. I have read over 10 books by various authors on self-publishing and this will be one of three that I will refer to over and over again. The other authors are Joanna Penn and Steve Scott." Susan HenryYou could spend $1,000 on a publishing course. OR you could read this book and get everything you need.Before I began my publishing career with Kindle books, I read just about everything out there, looking for real answers to questions I had about the industry. But much to my disappointment, most of the books were filled with fluff or stories of people who “hit it big” without really telling me how or why.
I determined to jump in and learn for myself—and that’s exactly what I did. I started with my first book, How to Work from Home and Make Money, and then quickly published three more. I was looking for the topic of my fifth book when it hit me—why not share what I’ve learned with the people who haven’t yet made the leap and published their own book?
It all began when I received an email from a book promotion site. One of the features was a how-to book about publishing Kindle books, so out of curiosity, I followed the link and read the reviews. And sure enough, the page was full of people complaining that the book didn’t contain any valuable information.
So here’s what I decided to do. Write a book that answers all of the real questions without painting an unrealistic view of the possibilities. In my book, I answer things
How to pick book topics that will sell. (Why it’s important, and what I’ve done right—and wrong.)How to write a book in 30 days or less. (And take weekends off)How to conduct research for your book.How to make your own covers for free.The pros and cons of pre-releasing your bookWhen you should enroll your book in Kindle Unlimited (And when you shouldn’t.)How to format your book yourself. (Including the clickable table of contents) And how to get it done for cheap if you don’t want to do it.Why you need a paperback version. (And how to create one)Why you may need an audiobook (And how to get one for free)How to get your book translated into other languages, including Chinese, for free (And why you should)Why ranking matters (And what to do if your book isn’t ranking well.)How to market your book. (Including links and contact information for the people I use)What to do after you publish your first book.How much you can REALLY expect to make with Kindle publishingI talk about the mistakes I’ve made so you don’t make them, too. And I provide you with step-by-step instructions and relevant links for all of the above areas—and more. In other words, this book is the ONLY book you’ll need to start a career publishing Kindle books.
If you’ve been dreaming of publishing a book, but don’t know where to start—or if you’ve already published but can’t find success—this may be the book you’ve been waiting for.
Why not take the first step toward your publishing career and download it right now? I promise you won’t find any fluff or useless information in it.
I determined to jump in and learn for myself—and that’s exactly what I did. I started with my first book, How to Work from Home and Make Money, and then quickly published three more. I was looking for the topic of my fifth book when it hit me—why not share what I’ve learned with the people who haven’t yet made the leap and published their own book?
It all began when I received an email from a book promotion site. One of the features was a how-to book about publishing Kindle books, so out of curiosity, I followed the link and read the reviews. And sure enough, the page was full of people complaining that the book didn’t contain any valuable information.
So here’s what I decided to do. Write a book that answers all of the real questions without painting an unrealistic view of the possibilities. In my book, I answer things
How to pick book topics that will sell. (Why it’s important, and what I’ve done right—and wrong.)How to write a book in 30 days or less. (And take weekends off)How to conduct research for your book.How to make your own covers for free.The pros and cons of pre-releasing your bookWhen you should enroll your book in Kindle Unlimited (And when you shouldn’t.)How to format your book yourself. (Including the clickable table of contents) And how to get it done for cheap if you don’t want to do it.Why you need a paperback version. (And how to create one)Why you may need an audiobook (And how to get one for free)How to get your book translated into other languages, including Chinese, for free (And why you should)Why ranking matters (And what to do if your book isn’t ranking well.)How to market your book. (Including links and contact information for the people I use)What to do after you publish your first book.How much you can REALLY expect to make with Kindle publishingI talk about the mistakes I’ve made so you don’t make them, too. And I provide you with step-by-step instructions and relevant links for all of the above areas—and more. In other words, this book is the ONLY book you’ll need to start a career publishing Kindle books.
If you’ve been dreaming of publishing a book, but don’t know where to start—or if you’ve already published but can’t find success—this may be the book you’ve been waiting for.
Why not take the first step toward your publishing career and download it right now? I promise you won’t find any fluff or useless information in it.
- GenresNonfictionWriting
203 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 13, 2016
678 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 32 reviews
January 6, 2017
In my top 3 books on this subject
This book is packed with helpful information that I haven't found anywhere else! He writes with an earnest voice that is fueled by an obvious mission to help other writers. I have read over 10 books by various authors on self publishing and this one will be one of three that I will keep referring to over and over again. The other authors are Joanna Penn (whom he quotes in this book) and Steve Scott. Both well worth checking out. But I would encourage you to get this one for the unique nuggets of info he includes. He tells you his exact experience in a no holds barred but easy to read and digest manner. Here's an example: when you finish reading an e-book, you are directed to a page where you can "browse" other books by the same author. But it is so frustrating that I cannot buy a book from this page! I like browsing - but when I find something I like I want to buy it! Why does Amazon offer a link "ways to buy this book" - let me BUY it now please! I end up not buying the book because I forget to go back. If there was a way to capture interested readers right after they finish a book, it would greatly increase Sales for the author. No other author I have read has figured out how to get around this frustrating issue- but him! And it's dead simple. Just include a link back to your various books on Amazon in your back pages. I would have purchased so many more books had other authors simply included a link to go back to Amazon to see their other books! And he takes it way farther than just a link, I can read samples and so much in is back pages- brilliant! So, you can see that this guy is a problem solver. Add this book to a few other great books and you will be way ahead of the pack in becoming a successful indie author.
This book is packed with helpful information that I haven't found anywhere else! He writes with an earnest voice that is fueled by an obvious mission to help other writers. I have read over 10 books by various authors on self publishing and this one will be one of three that I will keep referring to over and over again. The other authors are Joanna Penn (whom he quotes in this book) and Steve Scott. Both well worth checking out. But I would encourage you to get this one for the unique nuggets of info he includes. He tells you his exact experience in a no holds barred but easy to read and digest manner. Here's an example: when you finish reading an e-book, you are directed to a page where you can "browse" other books by the same author. But it is so frustrating that I cannot buy a book from this page! I like browsing - but when I find something I like I want to buy it! Why does Amazon offer a link "ways to buy this book" - let me BUY it now please! I end up not buying the book because I forget to go back. If there was a way to capture interested readers right after they finish a book, it would greatly increase Sales for the author. No other author I have read has figured out how to get around this frustrating issue- but him! And it's dead simple. Just include a link back to your various books on Amazon in your back pages. I would have purchased so many more books had other authors simply included a link to go back to Amazon to see their other books! And he takes it way farther than just a link, I can read samples and so much in is back pages- brilliant! So, you can see that this guy is a problem solver. Add this book to a few other great books and you will be way ahead of the pack in becoming a successful indie author.
March 26, 2019
Only three stars because...
...it just seems to me that a book on writing Kindle books should have at least a half-hearted attempt at editing. The author says he does all his editing himself...and that certainly showed in this book. It got worse about halfway through it. However, there are enough very good pointers to make it worth your while if you can overlook the mistakes. I have read several books of this kind and this is the first I've seen which goes beyond the basics on getting your book on Amazon and selling it. I do recommend the book to you, but I recommend Mr. Kerns spend a little of the money he's earning on an editor.
...it just seems to me that a book on writing Kindle books should have at least a half-hearted attempt at editing. The author says he does all his editing himself...and that certainly showed in this book. It got worse about halfway through it. However, there are enough very good pointers to make it worth your while if you can overlook the mistakes. I have read several books of this kind and this is the first I've seen which goes beyond the basics on getting your book on Amazon and selling it. I do recommend the book to you, but I recommend Mr. Kerns spend a little of the money he's earning on an editor.
December 21, 2020
A lot of helpful information. The description of how many authors are making how much money is priceless.
This isn't the book I would turn to for advice on writing novels. Kerns is primarily a nonfiction writer. But that means that he breaks down all the publishing steps and decisions that every novelist (and nonfiction author) has to make in clear, easily digestible prose.
I have a version that was updated for 2020. If you are publishing a book, I'd go to Kerns website and try to get the latest update. There are definitely parts of the book that will go out-of-date quickly.
This isn't the book I would turn to for advice on writing novels. Kerns is primarily a nonfiction writer. But that means that he breaks down all the publishing steps and decisions that every novelist (and nonfiction author) has to make in clear, easily digestible prose.
I have a version that was updated for 2020. If you are publishing a book, I'd go to Kerns website and try to get the latest update. There are definitely parts of the book that will go out-of-date quickly.
July 21, 2021
KERNS DELIVERS PUBLISHING GOLD BIG TIME
Sam Kerns delivers as he promises by writing a comprehensive how to guide about publishing a book on Amazon. I have read other author’s books on this topic and was disappointed and shocked at how incomplete and insufficient they were at explaining the actual publishing process (which is now all the more evident after reading Kern’s outstanding book). I wish I had bought this book first! In stark contrast, KERNS DELIVERS PUBLISHING GOLD BIG TIME with a book chock full of instantly usable, practical tips on writing, designing, formatting, publishing, and marketing a book — a true from A to Z one stop shop guide. He provides a wealth of online tools (found on Amazon and elsewhere) to use to get any new book closer to going to press. I have already started using many of his tips as I put the finishing touches on my own first book. I was especially intrigued with the TCK Amazon Book Sales Calculator, which is invaluable in gauging what the competitions’ sales are like. His section in producing an audio version of one’s book was exceptionally helpful. And his section on how to make foreign language translations of one’s own book is brilliantly useful and unique. I am raving about Kern’s book, because it’s that good. If you are considering authorship, definitely invest in this book!
Sam Kerns delivers as he promises by writing a comprehensive how to guide about publishing a book on Amazon. I have read other author’s books on this topic and was disappointed and shocked at how incomplete and insufficient they were at explaining the actual publishing process (which is now all the more evident after reading Kern’s outstanding book). I wish I had bought this book first! In stark contrast, KERNS DELIVERS PUBLISHING GOLD BIG TIME with a book chock full of instantly usable, practical tips on writing, designing, formatting, publishing, and marketing a book — a true from A to Z one stop shop guide. He provides a wealth of online tools (found on Amazon and elsewhere) to use to get any new book closer to going to press. I have already started using many of his tips as I put the finishing touches on my own first book. I was especially intrigued with the TCK Amazon Book Sales Calculator, which is invaluable in gauging what the competitions’ sales are like. His section in producing an audio version of one’s book was exceptionally helpful. And his section on how to make foreign language translations of one’s own book is brilliantly useful and unique. I am raving about Kern’s book, because it’s that good. If you are considering authorship, definitely invest in this book!
July 22, 2024
A very comprehensive book on how to get published on Amazon.
This book is easy to comprehend and helps you step by step through the process of getting your book published, and even marketing it afterwards. The author writes from personal experience, giving the pros and cons of each method he recommends. He even gives the names of online companies to approach for assistance in editing, designing book covers and marketing.
All I have to do now is to follow all the steps, there are many, in order to complete the publishing process, ensure that my book climbs high in the Amazon ratings, and use all tips to market it successfully.
I’ll take a deep breath and begin, using this book as my guide.
This book is easy to comprehend and helps you step by step through the process of getting your book published, and even marketing it afterwards. The author writes from personal experience, giving the pros and cons of each method he recommends. He even gives the names of online companies to approach for assistance in editing, designing book covers and marketing.
All I have to do now is to follow all the steps, there are many, in order to complete the publishing process, ensure that my book climbs high in the Amazon ratings, and use all tips to market it successfully.
I’ll take a deep breath and begin, using this book as my guide.
September 23, 2023
I’m not writing a book but I field questions about self-publishing fairly often, so I wanted to learn what I could without taking a 12-week course. This book gave me a great basic, quick, and to-the-point overview of the self-publishing process. Kerns’ approach is very much oriented to common sense and not paying for extras you don’t need— I know several people (including my mom) who have paid thousands for “expert” help that was practically a scam. Very helpful without being overwhelming.
Edited to add- I also learned a surprising amount about how to write under a pen name from one of Kerns’ other books (How to Self-Publish Using Pen Names), but it’s so short I won’t do a separate review. I highly recommend that one, too. Both of them are available as part of a Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Edited to add- I also learned a surprising amount about how to write under a pen name from one of Kerns’ other books (How to Self-Publish Using Pen Names), but it’s so short I won’t do a separate review. I highly recommend that one, too. Both of them are available as part of a Kindle Unlimited subscription.
January 1, 2024
Very Detailed Instructions
This is one of the best books I’ve read on self publishing, and I have read many. What sets this book apart is that it doesn’t follow the format that is popular today to give you a short useless book that leaves you needing to buy something from the author to move forward. This book is comprehensive and covers the process from beginning to end. It has useful sites that you can go to to increase your knowledge. I purchased the KU version, but will definitely add this as a permanent selection in my library.
This is one of the best books I’ve read on self publishing, and I have read many. What sets this book apart is that it doesn’t follow the format that is popular today to give you a short useless book that leaves you needing to buy something from the author to move forward. This book is comprehensive and covers the process from beginning to end. It has useful sites that you can go to to increase your knowledge. I purchased the KU version, but will definitely add this as a permanent selection in my library.
February 2, 2025
I was completely enthralled from page to page of this book. I liked it so much in the ebook form and knew I would refer to this one again and again, as I have just completed writing my first book. Therefore, I just ordered the paperback version, along with another of Sam's books.
As I attempt to navigate my way through all of the author's suggestions, I can only hope to be a quick learner. I loved how he shared his experiences, both good and bad, but I especially loved that he sites several real suggestions and how to get to said information or websites. Very well done.
As I attempt to navigate my way through all of the author's suggestions, I can only hope to be a quick learner. I loved how he shared his experiences, both good and bad, but I especially loved that he sites several real suggestions and how to get to said information or websites. Very well done.
February 25, 2018
Fascinating.
Energizing. detailed. great resources. Not the same old drivel. I will reccomend this book and will read the others. Finally keyword search made sense to me. I am very happy with this book. Honest. Sorry about my typos. I'm in the bathtub... Tapping out words. Thanks Sam.
Energizing. detailed. great resources. Not the same old drivel. I will reccomend this book and will read the others. Finally keyword search made sense to me. I am very happy with this book. Honest. Sorry about my typos. I'm in the bathtub... Tapping out words. Thanks Sam.
September 1, 2018
Easily one of the best Kindle how to books on Amazon
I've gone through the guru stuff for Kindle marketing and it's all either irrelevant information in 2018 or getting dated. I live how this book doesn't try to show EVERYTHING but just enough to let you know a certain aspect exists.
I've gone through the guru stuff for Kindle marketing and it's all either irrelevant information in 2018 or getting dated. I live how this book doesn't try to show EVERYTHING but just enough to let you know a certain aspect exists.
September 5, 2019
Not what I was looking for
I wanted to understand how to use the Amazon site for uploading. No mention of this here. Some of the ideas mentioned were interesting, but seem obvious if you think about them.
I wanted to understand how to use the Amazon site for uploading. No mention of this here. Some of the ideas mentioned were interesting, but seem obvious if you think about them.
Read
January 17, 2020For one who is preparing to publish his first e-book I found this full of wonderful references/links. Sam has definitely encouraged me to go out after some sales through multiple avenues and make the process as easily as possible.
Read
December 29, 2021Great overall look at self publishing
Kerns gives a great overview of self publishing based on his experience. I appreciate his honesty and willingness to share what works and what doesn't.
Kerns gives a great overview of self publishing based on his experience. I appreciate his honesty and willingness to share what works and what doesn't.
September 1, 2023
Does what it says on the tin.
There is a lot of good advice in this book, and I will use it as an ongoing reference source. You will have to develop a range of skills to implement each step successfully, but at least this book points you in the right direction.
There is a lot of good advice in this book, and I will use it as an ongoing reference source. You will have to develop a range of skills to implement each step successfully, but at least this book points you in the right direction.
August 15, 2017
Great book.
This book has some great information. I plan on reading the book all over again and take notes on the things I am going to try.
This book has some great information. I plan on reading the book all over again and take notes on the things I am going to try.
October 23, 2019
Great information for those publishing books!
March 16, 2020
Helps guide through the Oublishing on Amazon minefield. Quite informative, especially for a guy like born way before Black and White TV.
July 30, 2020
Excellent, clear details. Very instructive and helpful.
October 29, 2020
I love the way Sam Kerns writes. Practical and direct, with matter of fact advice.
July 12, 2021
Helpful book! Well worth the read.
August 21, 2022
Great insight
July 23, 2023
Insightful. Useful. Funny
It's a great guide for inexperienced writers. Very clear and detailed and easy to follow.
I'll check the other titles from the author
It's a great guide for inexperienced writers. Very clear and detailed and easy to follow.
I'll check the other titles from the author
January 22, 2025
Full of advice
This book was filled with good information and advice. It was especially helpful for me as a writer working on my first book.
This book was filled with good information and advice. It was especially helpful for me as a writer working on my first book.
July 10, 2025
Incredibly helpful book. Very clear and to the point. I've read a bunch of books on self publishing, and this was by far the best.
December 5, 2022
nothing wrong with this book at all -- writing is clear and simple, chapters well organized and meaningful, pleasant atmospherics, all there.
it's just not relevant to what I wanted -- to publish on paper.
it's all about e-book, specifically Kindle, publishing.
hope someone else will benefit. anyone want to buy it from me?
it's just not relevant to what I wanted -- to publish on paper.
it's all about e-book, specifically Kindle, publishing.
hope someone else will benefit. anyone want to buy it from me?
April 22, 2025
Wonderful Reference book. Will be using this over and over again. Good detail, nicely laid out.
June 15, 2020
I like to mix up my reading between fiction and non-fiction books. I am currently planning a new release in the "Crossing Africa" Series, and it is always a good idea to brush up on publishing necessities, and promotional practices ahead of time.
Sam Kerns book "How to Publish a Book on Amazon in 2020" is one of the best I have read. Clear and no-nonsense. Packed full ot important procedures and relevant advice for self-publishers.
Sam Kerns book "How to Publish a Book on Amazon in 2020" is one of the best I have read. Clear and no-nonsense. Packed full ot important procedures and relevant advice for self-publishers.
December 8, 2016
Good book
I buy a lot of books about self publishing and I have to say that this one is one of the best.
The others are good because they show the mechanics of how to write and publish a book. But they always leave out the marketing part.
This book succeeds where others fail because it tells you how to market your book. Without a good marketing strategy you book will not sell. Sam laid out his strategy and shared other ones that people can use as well.
If you're trying to write a book, or revive sales to an existing one, get this book.
I buy a lot of books about self publishing and I have to say that this one is one of the best.
The others are good because they show the mechanics of how to write and publish a book. But they always leave out the marketing part.
This book succeeds where others fail because it tells you how to market your book. Without a good marketing strategy you book will not sell. Sam laid out his strategy and shared other ones that people can use as well.
If you're trying to write a book, or revive sales to an existing one, get this book.
December 24, 2024
Excellent for a newbie author
I am a newbie author and found all the information i need for now if i decide to publish and sell my books . Writing has been a hobby for me in last four years. I have two completed unedited manuscripts: both are fictions. The second one is a series including three volume tomes with eight books: 400 pages per volume tome . Thank you to this author for sharing is secrets to success
I am a newbie author and found all the information i need for now if i decide to publish and sell my books . Writing has been a hobby for me in last four years. I have two completed unedited manuscripts: both are fictions. The second one is a series including three volume tomes with eight books: 400 pages per volume tome . Thank you to this author for sharing is secrets to success
Displaying 1 - 29 of 32 reviews