Selling books on Amazon KDP is increasingly popular. However, some beginners make serious mistakes that negatively impact the entire KDP community. This article outlines common pitfalls to avoid for long-term success on Amazon KDP.
Some KDP sellers are copying successful authors’ books. They use ghostwriting, cover design, and formatting services to create near-identical replicas, changing only a few words in the title and subtitle. This practice harms original authors and damages the reputation of the entire KDP community.
The core issue is intentionally deceiving buyers into thinking they’re purchasing a book by a renowned author. This strategy might yield short-term profits but carries severe long-term consequences. Amazon is tightening its policies, and violators face permanent account suspension.
Leverage Keywords, But Don’t Stuff Them
Using keywords in titles and subtitles is crucial for SEO. However, stuffing irrelevant keywords is counterproductive. For example, a book about “Dark Psychology” with a title containing “NLP,” “Body Language,” “Stoicism,” and “Deep Learning” confuses readers and gets flagged by Amazon for “creating a misleading experience.”
Author Names Must Be Authentic
Some sellers use pen names similar to famous authors to mislead buyers. This is also considered fraudulent and will be penalized.
Learn from Successful Books, But Be Original
Referencing successful books for inspiration is encouraged. However, create your own product with unique content and value. Don’t just copy others’ ideas.
Amazon KDP is Cracking Down
Amazon constantly updates its policies and algorithms to detect and address fraudulent activities. Even previously published books can be reviewed and removed for violations.
Conclusion
Sustainable success on Amazon KDP requires effort, creativity, and integrity. Focus on creating quality books that meet readers’ needs. Avoid deceitful tactics, as the risks are high, and the benefits are fleeting. Build your publishing career on a solid foundation of ethics and quality.