Self-Publishing Ops KitPublish on Amazon KDP without guessing at the dashboard.
A 34-page guide plus the spreadsheets, checklists and templates it refers to. Read it once, then run every release from the files.
Rules checked against KDP Help on 1 October 2026. Free updates to this edition.
The fiddly parts, written down
Seven keyword boxes
What goes in them, what KDP bans, and a worksheet that counts characters for you.
Cover files that fit
Spine width and full-wrap size from page count and paper type, in inches, mm and pixels.
Royalty math that's current
Built on the 2026 rules, including the July 2026 change that raised the 70% eBook ceiling to $12.99.
EPUBs that don't lose chapters
A validation chapter plus a preflight script that catches what epubcheck lets through.
What's inside
KDP Publishing Operations Guide (PDF, 34 pages)
The whole run from locked manuscript to a live, correctly priced listing: EPUB build and validation, print margins, cover math, metadata, royalties, KDP Select and promotions, A+ Content, series setup, AI-disclosure rules, launch sequence and the weekly numbers to track. Every rule cites the KDP Help page and the date it was checked.
Cover Dimension Calculator (Excel / Google Sheets)
Enter trim size, page count and paper. Get spine width, full wrap size, a spine-text check and the print cost, using KDP's published paper factors.
Royalty and Ads Tracker (Excel / Google Sheets)
Royalty per sale for eBook and paperback, a weekly log, ACOS and break-even ACOS, a read-through check and a price what-if. Every rate sits on one Settings sheet, so a rule change is a one-cell update.
Launch and pre-upload checklists
Print them or edit them in Word or Google Docs. The pre-upload list is the one that stops a broken file from going live.
Templates and a bonus EPUB checker
A series bible template, five ARC and review outreach emails that stay inside Amazon's review rules, a KDP metadata worksheet, and an optional Python script that runs epubcheck and flags fake language codes, missing TOC entries and leftover placeholders.
Who it's for
- Indie authors publishing eBooks and paperbacks on Amazon KDP
- Authors with a series who need continuity and a repeatable launch
- Small presses and assistants publishing for more than one author
Who it's not for
Anyone looking for a writing course or an income promise. This kit is about publishing a book correctly. It doesn't promise sales.
Get the kit
One-time purchase. Instant download. Works in Excel, Google Sheets, Numbers and LibreOffice; documents open in Word or Google Docs.
Buy link coming soon. Email to reserve a copy
60-day refund policy. Support by email in English, usually within one business day.
Questions
Is this for beginners?
Yes, if you've finished a manuscript. The guide explains each step from scratch. Experienced authors usually get the most from the EPUB validation chapter, the royalty spreadsheet and the checklists.
Do I need Excel?
No. The spreadsheets work in Excel, Google Sheets, Apple Numbers and LibreOffice.
Is it up to date?
Rules were checked against KDP Help on 1 October 2026, including the July 2026 eBook pricing change and the June 2025 paperback royalty change. Appendix A lists every source.
Does it cover paperbacks and hardcovers?
Paperbacks in full. Hardcover follows the same process with different cover and printing-cost tables, which the guide points to.
Does it cover AI-written books?
It covers KDP's AI-disclosure rules so you answer those questions correctly. It isn't a guide to producing books with AI.
Is this affiliated with Amazon?
No. It's an independent product. Amazon, Kindle and KDP are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc.