7 Mistakes New Authors Make on KDP

Publishing a book on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) feels exciting. It’s that big step where your words finally meet the world 🌍. But here’s the thing: many first-time authors make small mistakes that cost them visibility, sales, and even confidence. These mistakes are common, but the good news? They can be avoided if you know what to look out for.

So, let’s dive into the 7 biggest mistakes new authors make on KDP and how you can sidestep them.

Not Researching the Market Before Writing

One of the most overlooked steps in self-publishing is research. A lot of authors just write the book they feel like writing without checking if people actually want it. Sounds harsh, right? But think about it—if you’re putting in months of effort, don’t you want your book to reach readers who are actively searching for that topic?

For example, writing a 200-page guide on “how to fix typewriters” might feel unique, but is there a big audience buying it today? Probably not. On the other hand, if you research and see there’s demand for “how to start a small Etsy business,” you’ve got a clearer path to sales.

A quick way to check? Use Amazon’s search bar. Type in your topic and see if suggestions pop up. Those suggestions are based on what people are searching. If nothing comes up, it might mean demand is too low.

👉 Pro Tip: Balance passion and demand. Write what you love, but also make sure others are looking for it.

Poor Book Covers That Don’t Grab Attention

Let’s be real—people do judge a book by its cover. Especially on Amazon where readers scroll past hundreds of titles in seconds. A blurry, unprofessional, or outdated-looking cover screams “amateur,” even if your writing inside is brilliant.

You don’t need to spend thousands on a designer. There are affordable options like Canva, BookBrush, or hiring a freelancer on Fiverr. But the key is: your cover should clearly reflect the genre and grab attention at thumbnail size.

Think about it this way: if you’re publishing a romance novel, readers expect soft tones, maybe a couple or a scenic vibe. A cover that looks like a science textbook won’t connect.

Here’s a quick table to give you an idea:

👉 Pro Tip: Look at the top 20 books in your category and see what type of cover dominates. Aim for professional but unique.

Skipping Proper Editing

This one’s huge. Readers can forgive a lot, but not poor editing. Typos, grammar slips, or awkward sentences can completely ruin the reading experience. Worse, it can earn you negative reviews that hurt future sales.

Many new authors think they can self-edit and save money. While self-editing is important, it’s almost impossible to catch all your own mistakes. Your brain knows what you meant to write, so it often skips over errors.

If you can’t afford a professional editor, at least consider:

• Using Grammarly or ProWritingAid for grammar checks.

• Reading your book out loud (you’ll spot awkward flow instantly).

• Asking a trusted beta reader to go through your manuscript.

👉 Pro Tip: Editing isn’t just about grammar. It’s about flow, pacing, and making sure every chapter adds value.

Choosing the Wrong Categories and Keywords

Amazon’s search system runs heavily on keywords and categories. Think of them as signposts telling readers where your book belongs. Many beginners just throw their book into the most obvious category and call it a day. Big mistake.

Why? Because categories control your competition. If you publish in “Self-Help,” you’re up against giants with thousands of reviews. But if you niche down to “Self-Help for Creatives” or “Motivational Books for Writers,” suddenly you’re playing on a smaller field.

Same goes for keywords. Don’t just write “success” or “romance.” Think like a reader: “romantic comedy set in college” or “beginner’s guide to budgeting for families.”

👉 Pro Tip: Use tools like Publisher Rocket or even Amazon autocomplete to find keywords people actually type in.

Pricing the Book Wrong

Pricing is tricky. Some new authors go too high because they believe their work deserves it. Others go too low, thinking cheap means more buyers. Both can backfire.

For ebooks, Amazon gives you two royalty options:

• 35% royalty for books under $2.99 or over $9.99

• 70% royalty for books priced between $2.99 and $9.99

That’s why most authors stick to that sweet spot. But here’s the catch: price also signals quality. A $0.99 book can feel “cheap,” unless it’s part of a promo. A $12.99 ebook may scare readers away unless you already have a strong reputation.

A balanced strategy? Start at $2.99–$4.99 for new authors. Adjust after watching sales.

👉 Pro Tip: Experiment. Sometimes raising the price actually increases sales because people perceive more value.

Not Building an Author Brand

Publishing on KDP isn’t a one-book journey. If you want long-term success, you need to think of yourself as a brand. Many beginners ignore this and treat each book as a standalone project.

Your author name, your Amazon profile, even your tone on social media—all of these matter. When readers like one of your books, they’ll check what else you’ve written. If they find a polished profile with multiple titles and a consistent style, they’re more likely to buy again.

Simple steps to build your brand:

• Fill out your Amazon Author Central profile (with a picture, bio, and links).

• Stick to one pen name per genre for consistency.

• Start collecting emails (via a freebie or newsletter) so you can tell readers about your next release.

👉 Pro Tip: Treat your name like a mini-business. The more professional you look, the more trust you earn.

Expecting Instant Results and Quitting Too Soon

Here’s the truth no one likes to admit: most books don’t blow up overnight. Success on KDP often takes multiple books, consistent marketing, and patience. Too many new authors publish one book, see only a handful of sales, and give up.

But think of it like planting seeds 🌱. One book might not change your life. But three, five, or ten books in a niche? That’s when momentum builds. Readers binge on your backlist, reviews stack up, and suddenly you look like an established author.

👉 Pro Tip: Focus on long-term growth, not quick wins. If you can commit to writing and improving over time, the results will come.

FAQs About KDP Mistakes

1. Do I really need to invest money before publishing on KDP?
Not always. Technically, you can publish for free. But investing in editing, a cover, or some marketing makes a huge difference in professionalism and sales.

2. Can I change categories or keywords after publishing?
Yes! That’s the beauty of KDP. You can tweak categories, keywords, and even your book description anytime to improve visibility.

3. How many books should I write before I see real results?
There’s no fixed number. Some authors do well with one breakout hit, while others build success after publishing 5–10 books. Consistency is usually the key.

4. What’s the best way to market my first book?
Start with your network (friends, family, social media). Then focus on Amazon ads, free promotions, and building a simple author website.

5. Should I go ebook-only or also publish paperback?
Always consider both. Many readers still prefer holding a physical copy. KDP Print makes it simple to offer both formats.

Final Thoughts

Publishing on KDP is one of the most exciting ways to share your ideas and stories. But like any creative journey, it comes with challenges. By avoiding these 7 mistakes—poor research, weak covers, skipping editing, wrong categories, pricing missteps, neglecting branding, and expecting overnight success—you give yourself a real shot at long-term growth.

The key is to think strategically, learn from others, and treat your writing like a business (while still keeping the passion alive ❤️).

If you’re starting your KDP journey, remember this: every successful author was once a beginner who made mistakes, learned, and kept going. So, don’t be afraid of failure. Be afraid of not trying.