Is Amazon Book Publishing Worth It? UK Insights Here!

Is Amazon book publishing worth it? For UK authors dreaming of sharing their stories with the world, this question is more relevant than ever. With over 60% of UK ebook sales happening on Amazon, the platform’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) has become a go-to for self-published authors. But is it the right choice for you? From understanding how Amazon book publishing works to navigating royalties, VAT, and UK-specific challenges, this guide dives deep into the pros, cons, and insider tips to help you decide if Amazon KDP is your path to success—or just another hurdle in your publishing journey. Let’s uncover the truth behind the hype.

How Does Amazon Book Publishing Work? (Simplified)

Just writing a book isn’t enough. If you want to make a name for yourself, then the later steps of the process are just as crucial. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is one of the easiest ways to get your book in front of millions of potential readers. But before you hit “Publish,” let’s break down exactly how Amazon book publishing works and what it means for UK authors.

Step 1 – Uploading Your Manuscript – The Easy Bit (Sort Of)

Publishing on KDP is free, which is why so many authors give it a go. You start by signing up at kdp.amazon.com and uploading your manuscript. Amazon accepts formats like DOCX, EPUB, and PDF, but if you want your book to look polished, using Kindle Create (Amazon’s free formatting tool) is a smart move.

Here’s where you make a key decision: eBook, paperback, or both. KDP allows you to publish in Kindle format for digital readers and as a print-on-demand paperback. This allows you to save up on resources and space as you don’t need any warehouse to keep your copies. Amazon prints copies when customers order them.

But what about ISBNs? If you’re only publishing a Kindle eBook, you don’t need one—Amazon assigns an ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number). However, if you’re publishing a paperback, you’ll need an ISBN, which Amazon can provide for free. However, getting it from them locks you into selling it through Amazon only. If you want full control? You can buy your own ISBN from the UK ISBN agency, Nielsen.

Step 2 – Pricing & Royalties – The Numbers That Matter

Setting the right price is crucial. Amazon offers two royalty tiers for eBooks:

1. 35% royalty: No restrictions, but your price must be between £0.75 and £175.
2. 70% royalty: Better earnings, but your book must be priced between £1.77 and £9.99 and meet Amazon book publishing requirements like allowing free previews and agreeing to regional pricing rules.

For paperbacks, royalties are set at 60% minus printing costs, which depend on page count and colour options.

UK authors also need to consider VAT. eBooks sold on Amazon.co.uk are zero-rated for VAT, but if you’re selling in the EU, you may need to register for VAT in those countries. Something to keep in mind before your earnings take an unexpected hit!

Step 3 – Distribution – Who Actually Sees Your Book?

Publishing through Amazon.co.uk means your book is listed in the UK, but KDP also lets you distribute worldwide. Readers in the US, Canada, Australia, and more can buy your book with a click.

But there’s a catch. Amazon gives you the option to enrol in KDP Select, which offers perks like higher visibility and Kindle Unlimited earnings, but only if you agree to sell your eBook exclusively on Amazon for 90 days at a time. Want to also sell through ebook publishers UK, like Kobo or Apple Books? Then KDP Select might not be for you.

Pros of Amazon Publishing for UK Authors

Now that you know how Amazon book publishing works, you might be wondering—what’s in it for you? Sure, the process is straightforward, but does it actually give UK authors an edge? Let’s break it down.

1. Your Book, Global—Instantly

With over 300 million Amazon customers, your book isn’t just reaching UK readers—it’s potentially landing in front of audiences in the US, Canada, Australia, and beyond. Amazon’s marketplace is massive, and unlike traditional publishing, where you’d have to secure foreign rights deals, KDP makes global distribution effortless.

Even better? Amazon automatically adjusts your book’s price for international markets. No worrying about exchange rates or regional pricing—it’s all handled for you.

2. No Middlemen, No Delays

If you’ve ever heard horror stories of authors waiting months (or even years!) for a traditional publisher’s approval, KDP is a breath of fresh air. No gatekeepers. No rejection letters. You can publish in under 48 hours—whether it’s your debut novel or a niche non-fiction guide.

This speed isn’t just about convenience. It’s a game-changer for authors writing timely content, like industry trends, political analysis, or breaking news books. While traditional publishers scramble through approval processes, you’ve already hit “Publish” and reached your audience.

3. Royalties That Work in Your Favour

Traditional publishing? Expect 10%-15% royalties at best. KDP? You’re looking at up to 70% for eBooks and 60% for paperbacks, as we discussed earlier.

For paperbacks, Amazon takes printing costs out of your earnings, but you still get a healthy 60% royalty on sales. Compare that to the standard 5%-10% cut in traditional publishing, and it’s clear why so many authors choose KDP.

4. You Call the Shots

Want to tweak your book cover after release? Adjust pricing for a promotion? Run a sale for UK readers? With KDP, you have full creative control—something traditional publishing rarely offers.

Amazon lets you:

1. Design your own covers or upload professional ones.
2. Run limited-time promotions (like Kindle Countdown Deals).
3. Experiment with pricing to maximize sales.

Plus, if you want to update your book—whether it’s fixing a typo or adding bonus content—you can upload a new version instantly. Try getting that level of flexibility with a major publishing house!

1. Amazon’s Built-In Marketing Tools

One of the biggest struggles for self-published authors? Getting seen. Luckily, Amazon provides several tools to help, including:

1. Amazon Ads – Target UK readers based on keywords and genre.
2. A+ Content – Add visuals, author bios, and comparison charts to boost sales.
3. Pre-orders – Build buzz before launch and rank higher on release day.

These tools don’t guarantee success, but they give you more control over visibility—something authors who publish traditionally often lack.

Cons of Amazon Publishing: The Realities

While the pros of Amazon publishing are hard to ignore, it’s not all smooth sailing. If you’re picturing instant success, it’s time for a reality check. With over 1.5 million books published annually, standing out is harder than ever. And while Amazon makes publishing easy, succeeding on the platform? That’s a different story.

1. The Flooded Marketplace

Amazon might offer global reach, but that also means you’re competing with millions of other books. Every day, thousands of new titles hit the platform, and without a solid marketing plan, your book can disappear into the void before it even gets noticed.

Unlike traditional publishers who handle distribution and sales strategy, you’re responsible for getting your book seen. That means mastering keywords, categories, and advertising—or risking your book collecting virtual dust.

2. The Hidden Costs of “Free” Publishing

Sure, publishing on KDP is free, but getting a book ready for readers isn’t. If you want your book to stand out, you’ll need to invest in:

1. Professional editing – Readers notice bad grammar. So do reviewers.
2. Cover design – DIY covers scream “self-published” (and not in a good way).
3. Marketing – Amazon Ads, book promos, and email lists cost time and money.

Traditional publishers cover these costs upfront, but with self-publishing, it’s all on you. If you’re not prepared to invest in quality, readers will move on to someone who did.

1. The KDP Select Dilemma: Exclusive or Wide?

Amazon’s KDP Select program promises perks like higher royalties and Kindle Unlimited earnings—but there’s a catch: exclusivity.

Signing up means you can’t sell your eBook anywhere else for at least 90 days. That means no Apple Books, no Kobo, no direct sales. For some UK authors, the benefits of Kindle Unlimited (where readers “borrow” books) outweigh the loss of wider distribution. But if you want to maximize your reach with ebook publishers UK, exclusivity might not be worth it.

2. No Advances, No Safety Net

Traditional publishers offer advances—a guaranteed payout before your book even sells. With Amazon, you don’t see a penny until readers start buying. If your book flops? Tough luck.

And while publishing houses have marketing teams, industry connections, and physical bookstore placement, KDP authors have… well, themselves. If you’re not prepared to market your book, build an audience, and hustle for sales, self-publishing can be an uphill battle.

UK-Specific Insights You Need to Know

While Amazon offers a global platform, UK authors have unique considerations when it comes to self-publishing. From tax rules to local competition and reader preferences, here’s what you need to know before hitting “Publish.”

1. VAT on eBooks: What UK Authors Need to Know

Here’s a small but crucial detail many new authors overlook: VAT on eBook sales. In the UK, digital books are zero-rated for VAT, which means you won’t pay tax on sales made through Amazon.co.uk. But if you plan to sell in the EU, things get complicated.

Countries like France, Germany, and Italy apply VAT to eBook sales, and Amazon automatically adjusts pricing to reflect this. If your book is listed at €4.99 in Germany, you’ll actually earn less because VAT is deducted before royalties are calculated.

For UK authors selling internationally, it’s worth checking Amazon’s VAT policies and factoring in these deductions when setting prices. Otherwise, your carefully planned earnings might take an unexpected hit.

2. Amazon vs. UK-Based eBook Publishers

Amazon may be the biggest player, but it’s not the only option. Many UK authors also consider platforms like Kobo Writing Life, Apple Books, and Draft2Digital, which allow for wider distribution.

Here’s how Amazon stacks up against ebook publishers UK:

1. Amazon KDP: Largest audience, but KDP Select restricts sales to Amazon only.
2. Kobo Writing Life: Popular in Canada and Europe, better for wide distribution.
3. Apple Books: Apple Books is strong in the US and UK, but it is harder to gain visibility.
4. Draft2Digital: Distributes to multiple platforms at once, saving time.

If you want to maximize reach, going wide—instead of relying solely on Amazon—might be a smarter long-term move.

1. UK Readers Have Distinct Preferences

One mistake UK authors make? Writing for a general audience instead of tailoring books for British readers. Genre preferences vary widely by region, and understanding your target audience can boost sales.

For example, UK readers have a huge appetite for crime thrillers, with authors like Ian Rankin and Val McDermid dominating the charts. Romance, historical fiction, and autobiographies also perform well. But science fiction and fantasy? They tend to do better in the US market.

If you want to succeed in Amazon.co.uk’s marketplace, study the best-selling UK books in your genre before launching.

Tips to Maximize Amazon Publishing (UK Focus)

Now that you know the UK-specific challenges, how do you actually make the most of Amazon KDP? Here are some key strategies to boost sales and visibility.

1. Write for UK Readers, Not Just Amazon’s Algorithm

Amazon’s ranking system might be keyword-driven, but readers still expect books that feel authentic. That means:

1. Using British spelling and grammar – Readers notice inconsistencies.
2. Localizing keywords – “Favourite” instead of “Favorite,” “holiday” instead of “vacation.”
3. Setting realistic UK locations – Avoid Americanisms in a UK-based novel.

These small details make a difference in reader engagement and reviews.

1. Amazon Ads: The Secret to UK Visibility

Self-publishing success isn’t just about writing a great book—it’s about getting readers to find it. That’s where Amazon Ads come in.

UK authors should target low-competition keywords to stand out in the crowded marketplace. Instead of bidding on high-cost phrases like “crime thriller”, go niche: “British detective novel” or “London murder mystery.”

Even a small ad budget (£5-£10/day) can put your book in front of UK readers who wouldn’t have found it otherwise.

2. Build a Mailing List—Before You Need It

One of the biggest mistakes new authors make? Relying entirely on Amazon to sell books. If Amazon changes its algorithm or KDP Select stops working for you, how do you reach your readers?

The answer: a mailing list.

A strong email list lets you:

1. Promote new books directly to an engaged audience.
2. Run discounts and giveaways without relying on Amazon’s system.
3. Create a sustainable career rather than relying on one book at a time.

Final Note

So, is Amazon book publishing worth it? For many UK authors, yes—but only if you treat it like a business.

If you’re willing to invest in quality, build an audience, and market strategically, KDP offers a direct path to readers, full creative control, and competitive royalties. But if you’re looking for a traditional publishing experience—with advances, bookstore placements, and a hands-off approach—Amazon might not be the right fit.

The good news? You don’t have to choose just one path. Many UK authors find success with a hybrid model, using Amazon alongside other platforms to maximize reach. The key is understanding what works best for your goals—and making informed choices every step of the way.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Do I need an ISBN for Amazon book publishing?‎

A: No, you don’t need an ISBN for Kindle eBooks—Amazon assigns an ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number) for free. However, if you’re publishing a paperback, you’ll need an ISBN. Amazon provides one for free, but it locks you into selling exclusively through Amazon. For full control, you can purchase your own ISBN from the UK ISBN agency, Nielsen.

Q2: How does Amazon book publishing work for UK authors?‎

A: Amazon KDP is a self-publishing platform that allows UK authors to upload their manuscripts in formats like DOCX, EPUB, or PDF. You can publish eBooks, paperbacks, or both. Amazon handles printing (for paperbacks) and distribution to its global marketplace, including Amazon.co.uk. Authors earn royalties based on sales, with options for 35% or 70% for eBooks and 60% for paperbacks (minus printing costs).

Q3: What are the Amazon book publishing requirements for higher royalties?‎

A: To earn 70% royalties on eBooks, your book must meet specific requirements:

• Price between £1.77 and £9.99.
• Allow free previews (20% of the book).
• Agree to regional pricing rules.
• File format must meet Amazon’s guidelines (e.g., properly formatted EPUB or DOCX).

Q4: Can I sell my book outside Amazon if I use KDP?‎

A: Yes, but with a caveat. If you enrol in KDP Select, your eBook must be exclusive to Amazon for 90 days. This means you can’t sell it on other platforms like Kobo, Apple Books, or through UK ebook publishers. If you want wider distribution, skip KDP Select and publish directly on multiple platforms.

Q5: How do VAT rules affect UK authors on Amazon?‎

A: In the UK, eBooks are zero-rated for VAT, so you won’t pay tax on sales through Amazon.co.uk. However, if you sell in the EU, VAT rates apply (e.g., 7% in Germany and 10% in France). Amazon deducts VAT before calculating royalties, so factor this into your pricing strategy if you’re targeting international readers.