How to Register an Amazon KDP Account: A Step-by-Step Guide

Amazon KDP is the leading online book publishing platform, allowing you to self-publish and sell your books on Amazon. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough on how to register an Amazon KDP account, whether you’re in the US or anywhere else in the world.

Getting Started with Amazon KDP

Access the Amazon KDP homepage by searching for “Amazon KDP” on Google. Ensure the website address is kdp.amazon.com to avoid accessing the wrong site. On the homepage, you’ll see two buttons: “Sign In” and “Join KDP”. Since this is your first time registering, click “Join KDP”.

Creating Your Amazon KDP Account

You’ll need to provide your name, email address, and password to create an account. This email can be the same as or different from your personal Amazon email. After filling in the required information, click “Create your KDP account”.

Amazon will send a verification code to the email you provided. Check your inbox, enter the verification code, and click “Create your Amazon account”. Next, you need to agree to the Amazon KDP terms and conditions. Read them carefully, or at least skim through them, before clicking “Agree”.

Completing Your Account Information

After logging into the KDP dashboard, you need to complete your account information to publish books and receive payments.

Identity Verification

Provide your full personal information: full name (not a nickname), address, date of birth, and phone number. Amazon will require two-step verification by sending an OTP code to your phone number.

Account Information

Account details: Select “Individual” if you’re self-publishing or “Business” if you have a registered company. Note that Amazon KDP only allows one account per individual and one account per business. Registering a business account can be beneficial if you plan to sell your KDP account in the future.

Payment Information: This is the most crucial part, especially for international users. You need to provide your bank account information to receive royalty payments. If your bank isn’t supported, use an intermediary service like Payoneer or Wise to receive payments in USD. Wise currently offers free direct payment receiving, while Payoneer may charge a fee if your annual revenue is under $2000. After entering your information, click “Save” to confirm.

Tax Information

Complete the tax questionnaire by answering questions about your citizenship status and business type. If you’re not a US citizen, you’ll need to provide your tax identification number from your country of residence. Note: You only need to file income tax in your country of residence, not in the US, for income earned from Amazon KDP. When your revenue reaches around $50,000/year, you should consider establishing a business entity (e.g., a limited liability company) to benefit from tax advantages and financial management. After completing this section, click “Save” to finalize the registration process.

Begin Your Book Publishing Journey

After completing your account registration, you’re ready to start publishing books on Amazon KDP. Learn more about how to create, format, and upload your book to Amazon KDP to start earning money from your writing.

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