How to get a Book Published in America

Your Path to a Published Book in America: A Modern Author’s Guide

Are you an aspiring author wondering how to get a book published in America? Whether you’re planning to self-publish on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing or submit your manuscript to a traditional U.S. publisher, this comprehensive guide has got you covered. In short: yes, you can get your book published in America—and no, you don’t need a fancy literary agent or big publishing house to do it. With the rise of platforms like Book Baby, IngramSpark, and B&N Press, publishing your book in the U.S. is more accessible than ever before.

Let’s walk through each step—from manuscript to marketplace—so you can confidently publish your book in America and make it available to readers across the country.

Introduction

What It Means to Get Your Book Published in the U.S.

Getting your book published in America means making it available for sale and distribution within the U.S. literary market, both in physical and digital formats. This includes listing your book on top U.S. marketplaces like Amazon KDP, B&N Press, IngramSpark, and Book Baby, as well as ensuring it meets the standards of American readers—everything from spelling and grammar conventions to genre preferences and pricing models.

The U.S. publishing industry is one of the largest and most profitable in the world. Whether your goal is to become a bestselling author, build a personal brand, or simply see your book in readers’ hands, this market offers immense opportunity—if you know how to navigate it.

Publishing a book in America requires you to:

Understand your publishing options (traditional or self-publishing)
Follow legal requirements (copyright, ISBN, tax info)
Format and design your book to meet American standards
Market it effectively to U.S. readers and reviewers

The good news? You don’t need to live in the U.S. to publish there. Thanks to global distribution platforms like Draft2Digital and Kobo Writing Life, authors worldwide can access the American market.

Why This Guide Matters to New and Aspiring Authors

If you’re new to publishing, you’re likely bombarded with questions:

Do I need an agent?
What’s the easiest platform to use?
How much does it cost to publish in the U.S.?
Will American readers buy my book?

This guide was written with you in mind. It cuts through the jargon, simplifies each step, and gives you clear instructions based on today’s publishing environment in America.

Whether you’re self-publishing your first book or transitioning from local publishing to the U.S. market, this article will serve as your complete, actionable roadmap to getting your book published in America successfully.

Understanding the U.S. Publishing Landscape

Traditional vs. Self-Publishing in America

Before you begin the publishing process, you need to choose your path: traditional publishing or self-publishing.

Traditional Publishing involves:

Submitting your manuscript to a literary agent or publishing house
Waiting months (or years) for approval
Letting the publisher handle editing, cover design, and distribution
Earning 8–15% royalties on book sales
Limited creative and pricing control

Self-Publishing offers:

Full creative freedom and ownership
Faster publishing timelines (sometimes just days)
Higher royalties (35%–70%)
You handle editing, cover, formatting, and marketing
Requires learning and managing the business side

If you’re a first-time author, self-publishing is usually the best way to break into the U.S. market. It allows you to test your audience, gain feedback, and keep control over your work. The rise of platforms like Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, and Draft2Digital has democratized access to the publishing world, especially in the USA.

Which Publishing Route is Right for You?

To decide which path fits you best, ask:

Do I want full creative control over my book?
Do I have the budget for editing, cover design, and marketing?
Am I willing to wait 12–24 months for traditional publishing?
Do I want to publish on my own timeline?

If your answer leans toward independence and speed, self-publishing is likely your best bet.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Criteria	Traditional Publishing	Self-Publishing
Time to publish	12–24 months	1–3 months
Control over book	Limited	Full control
Upfront costs	None (usually)	Yes (editing, cover, etc.)
Royalties	8–15%	35–70%
Distribution	Bookstores, libraries	Online platforms + POD
Marketing support	Some (depends)	You handle or outsource

For authors aiming to quickly get a book published in America, especially for Kindle readers, self-publishing on Amazon KDP is the top choice.

Preparing Your Manuscript for Publication

Importance of Editing and Proofreading

Before you think about platforms or marketing, your manuscript needs to be in top shape. American readers expect a professional, polished product—and they’ll leave harsh reviews if they don’t get it.

You need:

Developmental editing – Fixes plot holes, character arcs, pacing
Copyediting – Improves sentence flow, clarity, consistency
Proofreading – Final grammar, punctuation, and spelling check

If you’re publishing on Amazon KDP or B&N Press, even one typo in your description or first few pages can cost you readers. Invest in a professional editor or at least use tools like Grammarly, ProWritingAid, or Hemingway Editor.

Pro tip: Avoid mixing British and American spelling. Stick to American English if you’re targeting U.S. readers. That means “color,” not “color,” and “realize,” not “realise.”

Formatting for American Readers and Platforms

Each platform has its own technical requirements, but the basics are:

✅ 12-pt font, Times New Roman or Garamond
✅ 1-inch margins
✅ Left-aligned text (not justified for eBooks)
✅ Page breaks between chapters
✅ Chapter titles in bold or larger font

Use tools like:

Scrivener – Great for novelists
Reedsy Book Editor – Free online formatter
Vellum – High-quality formatting for Mac users
Atticus – Cross-platform book formatting tool

If formatting seems overwhelming, hire a freelancer or use built-in tools on platforms like Draft2Digital, which automatically format your manuscript for publishing in the U.S.

Proper formatting ensures your book looks professional on Kindle, Nook, and print-on-demand (POD) editions. Readers may forgive a slow start—but not messy formatting.

Choosing the Right Publishing Platform

Overview of Top U.S. Platforms (Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, etc.)

Here’s a breakdown of top U.S. publishing platforms:

Platform	Best For
Amazon KDP	Kindle eBooks, U.S. and global reach
IngramSpark	Print distribution, bookstore/library access
B&N Press	Nook users, Barnes & Noble print books
Book Baby	Print + eBook distribution, high-quality services
Draft2Digital	Easy wide eBook publishing
Publish Drive	International eBook sales with analytics
Kobo Writing Life	Non-U.S. markets + U.S. visibility
StreetLib	Multilingual, international distribution
Author House	Assisted self-publishing, premium prices
Blurb	Photo-heavy books and custom layouts

For most new authors, start with Amazon KDP for maximum exposure, then combine with IngramSpark or Draft2Digital to reach additional markets.

Platform Comparison: Pros, Cons, and Costs

Platform	Pros	Cons
Amazon KDP	Free to use, fast publishing, huge U.S. audience	Competitive, limited print options
IngramSpark	Bookstore/library access, POD	Setup fee ($49), strict formatting
B&N Press	Trusted brand, Nook device support	Limited global reach
Book Baby	Done-for-you services, pro design/editing	High upfront costs
Draft2Digital	Auto-formatting, free to use	No direct Amazon access
Publish Drive	Smart analytics, global reach	Subscription fee after free tier

Choose based on your goals—speed, reach, or quality—and start where you feel most comfortable.

How to Publish with Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

Step-by-Step KDP Setup

If you’re serious about getting your book published in America, Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) is the most powerful tool in your arsenal. It’s free, fast, and offers direct access to the U.S. market—especially Kindle readers who make up a massive portion of book sales.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to publishing with KDP:

Create a KDP Account
Go to kdp.amazon.com and sign in with your Amazon account or create a new one. Choose “Individual” or “Business” depending on your setup.
Enter Tax and Payment Info
Fill out the W-9 (U.S. authors) or W-8BEN (non-U.S. authors) form. This is how you get paid royalties from U.S. sales. Link your bank account to receive payments.
Click “Create a New Title”
Choose between Kindle eBook or Paperback (you can publish both). Fill in the book title, subtitle, series (if any), author name, and description.
Add Keywords and Categories
Use relevant keywords to improve discoverability. For categories, select genres that match your content and reader expectations.
Upload Manuscript and Cover
Upload your formatted manuscript (.docx or .epub). KDP’s previewer tool lets you view it as readers will see it. Upload a high-resolution cover (JPG or PNG, 300 DPI).
Set Pricing and Territories
For the U.S., select Amazon.com as your primary marketplace. Set your book price (usually $2.99–$9.99 for 70% royalty). Enable global rights if applicable.
Publish
Hit “Publish Your Book.” It will go live within 24–72 hours on Amazon.com and be accessible to millions of U.S. readers.

Congratulations—you’ve just taken a huge step toward getting your book published in America.

Tips for Success on Amazon KDP

Here’s how to make the most of your Amazon KDP listing:

✅ Use SEO-friendly keywords in your title, subtitle, and book description.
✅ Create a strong book description that hooks the reader in the first 3 lines.
✅ Choose a compelling cover that fits your genre and catches the eye.
✅ Enroll in KDP Select if you want to use Kindle Unlimited (KU) and run Amazon promos.
✅ Get reviews early by asking beta readers or ARC (Advance Reader Copy) reviewers.

And most importantly: optimize your “Look Inside” feature. The first 10% of your book can make or break a sale.

Amazon KDP offers analytics, advertising tools, and dashboard access to track your sales. It’s your gateway to the U.S. publishing scene—use it wisely.

How to Publish with IngramSpark

Wide Distribution and Retail Access

While Amazon KDP dominates online sales, IngramSpark is key for authors who want their book available in brick-and-mortar bookstores, libraries, and academic institutions across America. It distributes through Ingram, the largest book wholesaler in the U.S.

Benefits of publishing through IngramSpark:

✅ Print-on-demand paperbacks and hardcovers
✅ Access to 40,000+ retailers and libraries
✅ Compatible with Amazon (with strategic settings)
✅ Global print distribution

Here’s how to get started:

Create an IngramSpark account at ingramspark.com
Purchase your own ISBN (from Bowker for U.S. authors)
Upload your interior and cover files in PDF/X format
Set your list price and discounts (typically 55% wholesale in the U.S.)
Enable returns if you want bookstore shelf access
Pay a setup fee (around $49; sometimes waived with promo codes)

The learning curve is steeper than Amazon KDP, but the reward is significant. Your book appears in catalogs that librarians and bookstore managers actually use to order titles in America.

Print-On-Demand and Setup Tips

IngramSpark uses print-on-demand (POD) technology, which means you don’t need to hold inventory. Books are printed when ordered and shipped directly to customers or bookstores.

Here are a few tips:

Format your manuscript to Ingram’s print specs (download their templates)
Choose a matte or glossy finish depending on your genre
Use a barcode that matches your ISBN and retail price
Price competitively—most paperbacks sell in the $9.99–$16.99 range in the U.S.

Remember, bookstores are more likely to stock your title if you offer a 55% discount and allow returns. It’s a risk, but often worth it if physical sales are part of your U.S. strategy.

Pairing IngramSpark (for print) with KDP (for eBooks) is a popular move for serious authors looking to get their book published in America across multiple channels.

Publishing on Other U.S. Marketplaces

B&N Press, Draft2Digital, PublishDrive, and More

Beyond Amazon and IngramSpark, there are several other publishing platforms focused on the American market:

B&N Press

Direct publishing to the Barnes & Noble website and Nook devices
Free to use
Great for visibility in the U.S., especially in print

Draft2Digital

Distributes to Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, and more
Offers free formatting tools
Ideal for wide eBook distribution

Publish Drive

Strong analytics and access to smaller retailers
Monthly fee after the free tier
Good for authors with a backlist

StreetLib

Supports multiple languages and global markets
Offers both print and eBook distribution
U.S. coverage via its global network

Kobo Writing Life

Strong presence in Canada and Europe, but still reaches U.S. readers
Easy publishing dashboard
Good for authors already selling internationally

Each platform offers something unique. Most authors use KDP + IngramSpark + Draft2Digital as their primary trio to maximize reach in the U.S.

Which Platforms to Combine for Best Reach

Here’s a suggested setup for comprehensive U.S. coverage:

Amazon KDP – Primary eBook and paperback on Amazon
IngramSpark – Print distribution to bookstores, libraries
Draft2Digital – eBook distribution to Apple, B&N, Kobo, Over Drive

You can publish the same book on multiple platforms as long as you don’t enroll in exclusivity programs like KDP Select. Always read the fine print and make sure you’re retaining your rights.

Pro tip: Use consistent metadata (title, author name, keywords) across platforms to avoid confusion and improve search rankings.

Legal Requirements for Publishing in the U.S.

Copyright, ISBN, and Tax Forms for Authors

When you aim to get your book published in America, you need to meet certain legal requirements. These ensure your work is protected and your royalties are paid correctly.

Copyright

In the U.S., your work is automatically copyrighted when it’s written. However, you can register it with the U.S. Copyright Office for added legal protection—especially important if you plan to fight plagiarism or defend your IP.

Apply online at: copyright.gov

ISBN (International Standard Book Number)

Required for print books. You can:

Buy from Bowker if you want to own the ISBN (U.S. authors)
Use a free one from Amazon or IngramSpark (but they remain the publisher of record)

Tax Forms

To get paid in the U.S., you must submit:

W-9 (for U.S. citizens or residents)
W-8BEN (for international authors)

Platforms like Amazon and IngramSpark walk you through the process. You’ll receive Form 1099 or 1042-S for tax reporting.

U.S.-Specific Publishing Rules to Know

Some U.S.-specific details to keep in mind:

Sales tax laws vary by state—most platforms handle this automatically
Print book sizes are usually in inches (e.g., 6×9), not centimeters
Book pricing should align with U.S. consumer expectations (avoid odd numbers like $13.76)
Content restrictions—no hate speech, plagiarism, or explicit material without labeling

Following these rules ensures your book is compliant and ready to succeed in the American market.

Designing a Book Cover That Sells

Design Standards for the American Market

When you want to get your book published in America, the cover is your first impression—and in the U.S. market, appearances matter. In fact, your book cover will often determine whether readers stop to look or scroll past.

American book buyers, particularly those on platforms like Amazon and Barnes & Noble, are used to high-quality, professionally designed covers. Each genre has its own visual cues and expectations:

Romance: Bold fonts, soft lighting, and character-focused imagery
Thriller: Dark tones, bold typography, and minimalism
Fantasy: Illustrated elements, rich colors, elaborate borders
Non-fiction: Clean, simple, and often uses strong typography with a symbolic image

To meet these standards:

Use high-resolution images (minimum 300 DPI)
Design in RGB color mode for ebooks and CMYK for print
Follow size guidelines (e.g., 6×9 inches for paperbacks)
Ensure title and author name are legible in thumbnail size
Add a back cover and spine for print formats via IngramSpark or KDP

Cover design isn’t just art—it’s marketing. Your cover must fit the genre, convey the book’s tone, and stand out in a crowded marketplace.

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional Designer

You have two choices when it comes to cover design: do it yourself or hire a pro.

DIY Tools:

Canva Pro – Easy drag-and-drop design, templates for Amazon KDP
BookBrush – Made specifically for authors
Adobe InDesign – For experienced designers

When to DIY:

You have design experience
You’re publishing a short project or test book
Your budget is extremely limited

When to Hire a Pro:

You’re serious about sales in the U.S.
You want your book to compete with bestsellers
You need genre-accurate and market-validated design

Pro designers typically charge $100–$500 for ebook covers and $300–$700 for full print-ready packages. Use sites like Reedsy, 99Designs, Upwork, or Fiverr Pro to find professionals.

If your goal is to successfully get your book published in America and sell, a stunning, genre-appropriate cover is one of the best investments you can make.

Writing a Book Description That Converts

SEO and Keyword Optimization for the U.S. Market

Your book description is your online sales pitch—and it needs to do double duty: persuade the reader and appeal to the Amazon algorithm.

Start by identifying relevant keywords using tools like:

Amazon’s own search bar suggestions
Publisher Rocket
Google Keyword Planner

Include your target keyword—like “self-help for moms” or “American mystery novel”—in the first sentence or two. But don’t stuff it. Keep the flow natural.

Here’s an optimized structure:

Hook – A gripping line that pulls readers in
Main character + stakes – What’s the story/problem?
Genre cues – What kind of emotional experience should readers expect?
Call-to-action – “Buy now to start your journey…” or “Perfect for fans of…”
Optional formatting – Use bold, italics, bullet points (Amazon HTML)

Example (fiction):
One dead body. Two small-town cops. And a secret that could tear the town apart…

Example (non-fiction):
Want to finally break free from self-doubt and reach your goals? This American self-help guide offers practical tools and life-changing mindset shifts.

For the U.S. market, keep your language clear, direct, and emotionally resonant. Americans respond well to action-driven and benefits-focused copy.

Emotional and Sales-Driven Copywriting Techniques

Beyond SEO, your description should sell the emotional experience of reading your book.

Use these copywriting strategies:

Paint a picture: Help readers imagine what they’ll feel or learn.
Create curiosity: End with a cliffhanger or question.
Use power words: “Thrilling,” “Unputdownable,” “Transformative,” “Page-turner.”
Include testimonials: If available, feature early praise or beta reader quotes.

Avoid long paragraphs. Break the text into small, skimmable sections. Remember, many readers browse on mobile devices.

The better your description, the more likely a shopper is to hit “Buy Now.” It’s one of the most overlooked tools when trying to get your book published in America and actually sell copies.

Marketing Your Book in the U.S.

Social Media, Author Platforms, and Ads

Once your book is live, your next job is to market it effectively to American readers. Publishing without promotion is like launching a rocket without fuel.

Here are the pillars of book marketing in the U.S.:

Social Media

Instagram & TikTok (BookTok) – Visual storytelling, reels, cover reveals
Facebook – Author groups, event hosting, and reader interaction
Twitter (X) – Writing community, fast engagement, reader polls

Choose 1–2 platforms you enjoy and can stay consistent with.

Author Website

Include an author bio, book list, blog, and email signup
Use tools like WordPress, Squarespace, or Wix

Email Marketing

Build an email list using tools like MailerLite or ConvertKit
Offer a free chapter or short story as a lead magnet
Send updates, behind-the-scenes, launch announcements

Paid Ads

Amazon Ads – Target keywords, categories, or competitors
Facebook/Meta Ads – Target genre-specific readers
BookBub Featured Deals – Powerful but competitive

Start with a small budget and scale based on results. Always track click-through rates (CTR), cost-per-click (CPC), and conversion rates.

Book Promotion Strategies That Work in America

To maximize your visibility in the U.S., combine multiple strategies:

Launch promotions: Use countdown deals or offer your ebook free for a limited time
Join promo sites: Bargain Booksy, Freebooksy, BookSends
Host virtual events: Facebook Lives, Zoom readings, podcast interviews
Get media coverage: Local press, niche blogs, or podcast guest appearances

U.S. readers respond well to emotional connections and storytelling—share your author journey, the inspiration behind your book, or the challenges you faced.

A well-marketed book will continue to sell long after launch day. Remember, success isn’t just about getting your book published in America—it’s about building a long-term presence.

Getting Reviews and Building Credibility

How to Get American Book Reviews (Legally)

Book reviews are the currency of trust in the American publishing market. They impact your Amazon ranking, buyer confidence, and visibility.

Here’s how to get them the right way:

ARC Readers – Send Advance Review Copies before launch
Book Review Bloggers – Reach out to niche bloggers in your genre
Reedsy Discovery – Paid platform that gets your book in front of U.S. reviewers
Goodreads Giveaways – Run contests to get reviews post-launch
NetGalley – Major platform to connect with reviewers and librarians (via publishers or BookSirens)

Never buy fake reviews. It’s against Amazon’s policies and can get your book removed.

When asking for reviews:

Be polite and non-pushy
Send a direct link to your Amazon or Goodreads review page
Remind readers to disclose if they received a free copy

Leveraging Reviews for More Visibility

Once you have a few reviews:

✅ Use them in your book description (as quotes)
✅ Add them to your website or social media posts
✅ Include in email newsletters
✅ Mention them in your Amazon Ads copy

Reviews not only boost credibility—they also help readers feel they’re making a smart purchase. In the U.S. market, where readers often browse quickly and make fast decisions, reviews carry serious weight.

A steady stream of 4–5 star reviews can keep your book selling long after launch, especially when paired with ads or email promos.

Final Thoughts on Getting a Book Published in America

Encouragement and Your Next Steps

If you’ve made it this far, you’re serious about your dream—and that matters. Getting your book published in America is not just a pipe dream or something reserved for bestselling novelists. It’s a realistic, achievable goal that thousands of authors accomplish every year. You can be one of them.

Let’s recap the journey:

✅ You’ve chosen your publishing path—traditional or self-publishing
✅ You’ve edited and formatted your manuscript to meet U.S. standards
✅ You’ve selected the right platforms like Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, or BookBaby
✅ You’ve learned to market your book, gather reviews, and build your author brand

But maybe you’re still wondering, “Can I really do this?” The answer is YES. Publishing a book in America may feel complex at first, but once you break it down into manageable steps—like the ones in this guide—it becomes completely doable.

Here’s your action plan:

Finish your manuscript – No shortcuts here. Just write it.
Decide your publishing method – Self-publishing or traditional?
Choose your platform(s) – KDP, IngramSpark, Draft2Digital, etc.
Design a professional cover and format your book for U.S. standards.
Set up your author profile, pricing, and marketing channels
Hit publish—and let the world read your words.

Publishing your book in the U.S. opens up doors—not just to American readers, but also to future opportunities like speaking gigs, international translations, and more. The key is to start.

You’re not just writing a book. You’re creating a legacy.

FAQs

1. Do I need to live in the U.S. to get a book published in America?

Not at all. Authors from anywhere in the world can publish their book for the U.S. market using platforms like Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, and others. Just be sure to follow U.S. tax and copyright rules.

2. Is self-publishing in the U.S. really profitable for new authors?

Yes, especially when you publish with quality and market strategically. Many first-time authors earn thousands in royalties each year—some even go full-time. Success depends on effort, genre, and audience targeting.

3. What’s the best platform to publish my first book in the U.S.?

Start with Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) for maximum reach. Combine with IngramSpark or Draft2Digital for wider distribution across libraries, bookstores, and other U.S. outlets.

4. How much does it cost to publish a book in America?

You can technically publish for free using Amazon KDP, but professional editing, cover design, and formatting will cost you. Budget at least $300–$1,000 for a high-quality release.

5. How long does it take to publish a book in America?

If you’re self-publishing, it can take just a few days to go live. Traditional publishing takes 1–2 years, including querying, contracts, and production. Most indie authors publish within 1–3 months of completing their manuscript.