How to Start a Kindle & Self-Publishing Business

“You don’t need a publishing deal. You need a Google Doc, a niche, and a little hustle.”

If you've ever thought, “I should write a book someday…” — consider this your sign from the universe (and maybe a little nudge from me) that today is that someday.

Self-publishing has completely changed the game. You no longer need an agent, a warehouse of books, or a soul-crushing rejection letter from Random House to become a published author.

Now, with Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and other digital platforms, you can write and publish your own book — and sell it worldwide — from your laptop, on your terms, with no upfront inventory.

Whether it's a how-to guide, a workbook, a story from your journey, or a resource your niche needs, publishing a book builds credibility and creates an evergreen income stream you can stack on top of anything else you’re building.

Let’s break down how to do it right.

Kindle and self-publishing mean you write your book, format it digitally, and upload it to platforms like Amazon KDP, Gumroad, or Payhip, where people can buy and download it — or order a print version that’s shipped on demand.

You can publish:

• ➡️ eBooks

• ➡️ Print books (paperback and hardcover)

• ➡️ Workbooks or planners

• ➡️ Niche how-to guides

• ➡️ Journals, templates, even coloring books!

This is the write once, earn forever model — and it builds both authority and income over time.

• ✔ Builds instant authority – Being a published author sets you apart

• ✔ Evergreen income – Books keep selling long after you hit publish

• ✔ Global reach – Amazon alone puts your book in front of millions

• ✔ No inventory needed – Everything is printed and delivered on demand

• ✔ Pairs well with everything – Use your book to grow your list, upsell courses, or get speaking gigs

Plus… that moment you see your name on Amazon? Kind of a big deal.

Here’s your Smart Start author toolkit — everything you need to go from idea to Amazon shelf.

1. Writing & Planning Tools

• Google Docs or Scrivener – For drafting and organizing your manuscript

• Grammarly – Proofread and polish your work

• ChatGPT – (Hey, that’s me!) for brainstorming, editing, outlining, or co-writing

• Notion or Trello – Plan your chapters and track your progress

2. Formatting Tools

• Atticus – User-friendly formatting for Kindle and print

• Reedsy – Free, professional book formatter

• Vellum (Mac only) – Top-tier formatting for print and digital

• Canva Pro – Design simple covers and printables

3. Publishing Platforms

Amazon KDP is the go-to for most first-time authors. You can start with zero upfront cost.

• Canva Pro – Easy-to-use templates for eBook and print covers

• BookBolt – Great for low-content books like journals and planners

• Fiverr or 99designs – Outsource to a pro designer when you’re ready

• MailerLite or ConvertKit – Build an email list of readers

• BookFunnel – Deliver free samples or lead magnets

• Amazon Ads – Promote your book directly in the Kindle store

• Social Media – Tease your launch, share behind the scenes, and promote consistently

Let’s map out your Smart Start path to launching a bestselling (or at least best-you) book:

Step 1: Pick a Niche + Topic

What do you know that people want to learn, solve, or experience?
Use this simple formula:

Your audience’s problem + your experience = your book idea

Examples:

• ➡️ How to Build a Personal Brand in 90 Days

• ➡️ Meal Planning for Plant-Based Families

• ➡️ 30 Journaling Prompts for Entrepreneur Clarity

• ➡️ The Freelancer’s Guide to Getting Paid on Time

Step 2: Outline and Write Your Draft

➡️ Break your book into chapters. Keep each one focused and actionable.

➡️ Write 500–1000 words per session. Don’t edit while you write. Just get it out.

➡️ Use ChatGPT to help you brainstorm titles, clarify chapter ideas, or tighten your messaging.

Step 3: Edit and Format

• ➡️ Run it through Grammarly or ProWritingAid

• ➡️ Read it aloud to catch awkward sentences

• ➡️ Use Reedsy or Atticus to format it for Kindle and print

• ➡️ Add clickable table of contents and proper spacing

Step 4: Design a Cover That Sells

Your cover needs to look the part — even if it’s self-published.
Use Canva or outsource it. Make sure it:

• ➡️ Is easy to read as a thumbnail

• ➡️ Communicates the topic clearly

• ➡️ Looks like it belongs in your niche category

Step 5: Publish on KDP (or other platform)

Sign up at kdp.amazon.com, upload your manuscript, and choose your:

• ➡️ Price point

• ➡️ Categories

• ➡️ Keywords

• ➡️ Book description

• ➡️ Author name / pen name

Test print a paperback copy if you’re doing print-on-demand.

Step 6: Launch and Promote

• ➡️ Share your journey on social media

• ➡️ Offer your book at a discount during launch week

• ➡️ Email your list (or start building one now!)

• ➡️ Reach out to other bloggers or podcasters for interviews

• ➡️ Create bonuses for readers to grab (builds your list!)

Step 7: Stack Your Book Into Your Business

• ➡️ Add your book to your website and funnel

• ➡️ Use it to drive traffic to your lead magnet or course

• ➡️ Offer a free chapter in exchange for an email

• ➡️ Include affiliate links inside (where relevant and allowed)

Publishing a book isn’t just about the royalties.
It’s about positioning. Authority. Longevity.

It opens doors to clients, partnerships, press opportunities, and a whole lot of street cred in your niche.

Whether you’re a coach, consultant, creative, or side hustler — your book can be the entry point to your brand and the backbone of your income.

Head over to the Smart Start Tools Section to grab writing prompts, book formatting templates, and publishing checklists that’ll take your book from draft to digital shelf in record time.