Self-Publishing Process
Print-on-Demand Formatting: KDP and Ingram File Specs
Print-on-demand formatting for KDP and Ingram: trim, bleed, spine width, and print-ready PDFs. Why Word-pretty is not printer-ready.
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Self-publishing guides for authors who want clarity
Transparent packages, royalties, Lightning Source literacy, and the Author Portal — written for authors who refuse opaque paid packages.
Royalties & Distribution
Amazon KDP Royalties: 35% or 70% Ebook, Print After Cost
On Amazon.com, KDP ebooks earn 35% or 70% of list price (70% is $2.99–$12.99, minus delivery). Print earns 50% or 60%, then minus printing cost. AuthorShelf takes no…
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Packages & Pricing
Barnes and Noble Publishing Cost vs AuthorShelf Packages
Barnes and Noble publishing cost depends on whether you mean Press DIY or bookstore orderability. AuthorShelf listed packages and what “B&N pathway” actually is.
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Author Portal Guides
KDP Bookshelf vs AuthorShelf Portal (Not the Same Login)
KDP Bookshelf is Amazon’s title dashboard. The AuthorShelf Portal is production: phases, proofs, messages, royalties. How to use each — and author portal login.
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Company & Industry
AuthorStream Pricing vs AuthorShelf: Different Products, Similar Names
AuthorStream is a presentation/slideshow site. AuthorShelf is self-publishing packages in Tennessee. If you searched AuthorStream pricing, here is the split.
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Royalties & Distribution
Amazon Book Distribution vs Wide / Bookstore Orderability
Amazon book distribution is KDP’s storefront. Wide distribution is wholesale/POD so other retailers can order. You often want both — they are not the same button.
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Self-Publishing Process
How Long Should a Self-Published Book Be? Word Counts by Genre
Most debut novels and memoirs land around 70,000–100,000 words. Practical nonfiction is often 40,000–70,000. No rule requires 300 pages. Print cost rises with page count.
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Packages & Pricing
Book Publishing Cost Calculator: What to Model Before You Buy
A book publishing cost calculator should include package or freelancer fees, print unit cost, and royalties — not just a vanity sticker price.
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Packages & Pricing
Self-Publishing Cost in the USA (2026): What Authors Actually Pay
Self publishing cost in the USA ranges from DIY (mostly time) to listed packages. AuthorShelf tiers start at $399. No quote-after-a-call trap.
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Marketing & Launch
How to Write an Amazon Book Description (Without Fake Hype)
Your Amazon description is sales copy, not a synopsis dump. Genre promise, stakes, and proof — plus when to buy cover-copy polish.
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