Time to get your work out for the world to see.
☐ Publish a Paperback on Amazon (KDP)
Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is Amazon's print-on-demand service. Key benefits: guaranteed "in stock" status on Amazon, no upfront costs, proofs available for ~$6 plus shipping. This is your primary print distribution channel.
☐ Publish an eBook on Amazon (KDP Select)
Consider enrolling in KDP Select for higher search rankings and Kindle Unlimited inclusion. The tradeoff: Amazon gets 90-day exclusivity on your ebook (print editions can still be sold elsewhere). Evaluate whether the sales boost is worth the exclusivity.
☐ Publish on IngramSpark
IngramSpark is the print-on-demand division of Ingram, the world's largest book distributor. This enables placement in bookstore catalogs (Barnes & Noble, independent retailers) — something Amazon KDP cannot accomplish. Setup fee: $50, proofs: ~$6. Use your own ISBNs for full control.
☐ Publish an eBook Elsewhere
Draft2Digital simplifies multi-platform distribution to Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, and more. Upload once, select your platforms. Important: Amazon will match the lowest price you publish anywhere else, so coordinate pricing carefully.
☐ Publish an Audiobook
I used ACX (Amazon's audiobook platform) and arranged a profit-sharing deal with my narrator, minimizing upfront costs. The audiobook distributes through Audible and Amazon. A great option if you find the right voice actor.