How To Start an Amazon KDP Business In Nigeria

Introduction.

Starting a business on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is a fantastic way to earn money online, and it’s even more exciting because it doesn’t require much startup capital.

For many Nigerians looking to build a side hustle or transition into the digital space, Amazon KDP offers a great opportunity.

This guide will break down everything you need to know about starting and running a successful KDP business in Nigeria.

I want to keep this simple and practical, so by the end of this, you’ll have a clear plan to get started.

Why Should You Care About Amazon KDP?

Amazon KDP allows you to publish your books and make them available to millions of readers worldwide. You don’t need to be an expert writer to succeed; many people make money with low-content books like journals, planners, or even coloring books.

The best part? It’s free to sign up, and Amazon handles most of the heavy lifting, like printing, shipping, and customer service. All you need to do is create the content and upload it.

In Nigeria, where job opportunities might feel limited or irregular, this is a legitimate way to earn in dollars, which can make a big difference considering the exchange rate. It’s an opportunity to tap into the global marketplace without leaving your home.

How Do I Start an Amazon KDP Business in Nigeria?

1. Set Up an Amazon KDP Account

Go to Amazon KDP and create an account.
You’ll need basic details like your name, email, and a valid phone number.
Fill in your tax information. Don’t worry; for Nigerians, this typically involves selecting “non-U.S. citizen” and entering a Nigerian Tax Identification Number (TIN).

2. Choose the Type of Books to Publish

There are two main types of books you can publish:

Low-content books: These are books with minimal text, like notebooks, planners, or coloring books. They’re simple to create and a great option for beginners.
Full-content books: These include novels, self-help guides, or children’s books. If you love writing, this might be a good fit for you.

3. Create Your Book Content

For low-content books:

Use tools like Canva or Book Bolt to design your pages and cover. Canva offers free templates that make it easy to get started.
Think about what people need—like a fitness journal, a budget planner, or even a simple lined notebook.

For full-content books:

If you’re writing a novel or guide, start with an outline and work on your manuscript in a program like Microsoft Word or Google Docs.
Focus on solving a problem or telling a story people will connect with.

4. Format Your Book

Amazon requires specific formats for publishing:

Your manuscript should be in a PDF or DOC file.
Use Amazon’s free tool, Kindle Create, to format your book correctly.

For low-content books, you can find pre-made templates online or design your own.

5. Design an Eye-Catching Cover

Your book cover is the first thing people see, so make it stand out. You can design one yourself on Canva or hire a graphic designer on platforms like Fiverr for an affordable price.

Amazon also provides a cover creator tool, but it’s always better to create something unique.

6. Upload Your Book on Amazon KDP

Once your manuscript and cover are ready:

Log in to your KDP account.
Click “Create” and choose between Kindle eBook or Paperback.
Fill in details like the title, author name, and description.
Upload your manuscript and cover.

7. Set the Price and Royalties

Amazon lets you set your price and choose between 35% or 70% royalty options.
Most books are priced between $2.99 and $9.99, which qualifies for the 70% royalty.

8. Promote Your Book

Publishing your book is just the first step. To make sales, you’ll need to promote it:

Share your book on social media platforms.
Run Amazon Ads to reach more customers.
Use email newsletters if you have an audience.

For Nigerians, platforms like Facebook and Instagram are great places to market your book for free.

How Much Can You Earn on Amazon KDP?

There’s no fixed amount; it depends on how many books you sell. Some Nigerians earn $100 a month, while others make thousands.

For example, if you sell a book priced at $5.99 and earn 70% royalties, you make about $4 per sale. Sell 50 copies a month, and that’s $200.

FAQs

1. Do I need to pay to join Amazon KDP?

No, it’s free to create an account and upload books. Amazon only takes a small cut of each sale.

2. Do I need a TIN to get paid?

Yes, you’ll need a Tax Identification Number to fill in Amazon’s tax information section. This is required to avoid unnecessary withholding taxes.

3. How will I receive payments?

Amazon pays directly into your bank account. You can use a service like Payoneer to receive payments in Nigeria if you don’t have a U.S. or UK bank account.