How KDP Author Copies Work
When you publish a paperback on Amazon KDP, you can order copies of your own book at printing cost — meaning you pay only the cost to print the book, with zero royalty markup. Author copies are identical to books Amazon sells to readers — same paper, same binding, same cover quality.
Common uses for author copies include book signings, press kits, local bookstore consignment, gifts, school visits, and direct sales through your own website where your margin is significantly higher than Amazon royalties.
KDP Author Copies Pricing Formula
Amazon KDP calculates your print cost using the same formula whether the copy is sold to a reader or ordered by you as an author copy:
- B&W Standard trim: $0.85 + ($0.012 × page count)
- B&W Large trim (7×10, 8.5×11): $0.85 + ($0.022 × page count)
- Full Color Standard: $0.85 + ($0.07 × page count)
- Full Color Large: $0.85 + ($0.08 × page count)
Example: 250-Page B&W Novel (6×9)
Print cost = $0.85 + ($0.012 × 250) = $0.85 + $3.00 = $3.85 per copy. For 10 copies that is $38.50 plus shipping — versus $149.90 if you bought them at list price on Amazon.
| Pages | B&W Standard | B&W Large | Color Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 pages | $2.05 | $3.05 | $7.85 |
| 200 pages | $3.25 | $5.25 | $14.85 |
| 300 pages | $4.45 | $7.45 | $21.85 |
| 400 pages | $5.65 | $9.65 | $28.85 |
| 500 pages | $6.85 | $11.85 | $35.85 |
How to Order Author Copies on KDP
- Log into your KDP account at kdp.amazon.com
- Go to your Bookshelf and find your published paperback
- Click the three-dot menu ⋯ next to the book title
- Select Order author copies
- Enter the number of copies (maximum 999 per order)
- Select your shipping address and delivery speed
- Review the total cost and place your order
Your book must be in Published or Live status to place an author copies order. Books in Draft or In Review cannot be ordered yet.
Bulk Order Strategy for Book Launches
Many authors order 20–50 author copies ahead of a book launch to have stock ready for events, media contacts and giveaways. Because you pay only the print cost, each copy you sell directly (at a book signing, on your website or through a local store) generates significantly more profit than the same sale through Amazon.
For a $14.99 book with a $3.85 print cost: Amazon royalty = $5.14 per sale. Selling an author copy directly at $14.99 = $11.14 profit per copy — more than double.
Calculate your exact printing cost first
Use the Printing Cost Calculator to see your per-book cost at any page count and trim size.
Open Printing Cost Calculator →