Tutorial: Making a Paperback on Amazon!

This might be helpful to other writers! I do a video tutorial, producing a paperback version of my first novella!

Here's a brief text summary of the steps:

1) Start with your file in your favorite word processor

2) Decide on an interior trim size. Visit https://kdp.amazon.com/cover-calculator
There you will find options for binding type, paper type, and interior trim size. Choose options that suit your document (i.e. color if your document is not simply grayscale). The "interior trim size" dropdown gives you the most common options for trim size. Pick one you like and write it down.

3) Adjust your word processor document so that the width and height are equivalent to the interior trim size dimensions.

4) Margins! Set your page layout to "mirrored" and ensure your margins are sufficient. Amazon will complain if your margins are too narrow. For a 5"x8" book, I've found that margins like this work well:

Note that my Inner margins are a bit bigger than my Outer margins!

5) Insert page numbers. This will depend a bit on what word processor you're using, but just make sure you take the time to get it right! Make sure the numbering starts on the first page of your actual content. (Again, setting up title pages is a little different for each program)

6) Double-check your margins (my word processor fiddles with them a bit when I add page numbers)

7) Export your finalized document as a PDF and record the total number of pages

8) Plug your page count into the Cover Calculator and get a template for your cover

9) Use the template to prepare your cover as one big PDF (300 dpi, if possible) OR use the cover creator on KDP's website

10) The first tab of KDP's paperback creation platform is basically identical to that of an e-book. You'll need to fill it out with info that only you have

11) Tab 2 is where things change a bit. You'll need to choose the same trim size you've prepped for, upload your PDF, and then upload a cover or create one. (See the video for how to use the Cover Creator)

12) Check for any errors reported by Amazon in your document or cover! It will check to make sure none of your text is in a forbidden area and that your cover image isn't bleeding over onto seams or whatever.

13) Tab 3 is similar to the Pricing tab for an e-book, but keep an eye on production costs for your book and make sure your prices for different countries are appropriate, because the price conversions aren't perfect!

There you go! You've now got a paperback ready for Amazon!