Chapter 1: My First Sale and Reflections

I vividly recall the moment I made my initial sale on KDP, which took place on October 1, 2023. It happened while I was dining with my family, and during a break between courses, I excitedly speculated whether my debut book on Amazon KDP would actually sell. Earlier that day, I had dabbled with Amazon ads for the first time, having initially operated under the naive belief that simply uploading my book would lead to a flood of income.

"Just for kicks," I decided to check if there were any clicks on my book. To my surprise, I not only found clicks but also my very first sale! I checked multiple times to confirm its authenticity, and while we discussed various topics that evening, I couldn't help but share my newfound excitement about Amazon KDP with my family.

At that moment, I was unaware of the journey that lay ahead. Now, as I reflect on my first six months with Amazon KDP, I realize I expected passive income to flow in effortlessly. However, I've gained a deeper understanding! While it may become more passive in the future, starting out requires substantial effort.

Even now, I find joy in frequently checking my sales figures. Each time I see that the effort I invested in my books continues to yield income, it's a thrill! Although I’m nearing 400 books sold and have earned around $800, the excitement remains. It's not yet a profitable venture, but I genuinely believe it can become one!

When browsing online, it's easy to get the impression that publishing a few books is a straightforward path to success. Everyone's journey is unique; for some, my sales might seem modest, while others may view them as significant. Regardless of where we stand, we should celebrate one another's achievements. Having undergone this experience, we understand the hard work involved, and even though we may be competitors, the market is vast enough for everyone to thrive.

Chapter 2: The Reality of Self-Publishing

In the self-publishing realm, it’s crucial to recognize that those who portray an overly rosy view of the industry are often much further along in their journeys. They've published numerous books, mastered their earnings, and have likely diversified their income through platforms like YouTube and blogs.

They may even be involved in affiliate marketing, promoting products they've reviewed, or offering courses and tools to aspiring publishers. This concept of "selling shovels," derived from the Gold Rush era, refers to providing resources or services to those pursuing a specific goal. In self-publishing, it’s about meeting the needs of newcomers eager to break into the industry.

I share this not out of bitterness but rather as an acknowledgment of the natural progression that many follow. I can envision myself heading down that path someday, as it seems a logical next step for those who take this seriously.

You may come across books on Amazon that seemingly emerge from nowhere and achieve remarkable sales without any promotional efforts from the publisher. However, upon closer examination, these often belong to individuals with substantial followings, guaranteeing significant sales from the outset.

If you find yourself in a situation like mine—juggling a 9-to-5 job while trying to explore KDP—dive in anyway. Your motivations may differ from mine, as discussed in some of my previous articles. Yet, the primary reason should be that you’ll regret missing out on the experience of trying it for yourself.

Looking back over the past six months, the journey has been rewarding. I’ve discovered how to use various tools, created around 15 books with my available time, and found enjoyment in optimizing my Amazon ads to enhance profitability. Planning new books and considering additional income sources has been invigorating, and the thrill of working for myself rather than a boss I’m indifferent about is empowering. Although it remains a side hustle, I envision the same exhilarating feeling when I eventually go "all-in."

It's fascinating how revisiting articles or videos that once inspired me now provides entirely different insights, reflecting my growth through practical experience rather than mere observation. So, the advice remains: "Just do it!"—even if it feels cliché.

Norsbook's KDP Journey