When I first stumbled upon Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing), I was skeptical.
I had heard stories about people making passive income online, but I always wondered if it was just another overhyped trend.
Still, with a curious mind and zero experience in self-publishing, I decided to give it a shot.
Here is exactly what happened during my first month publishing on Amazon KDP, including how much I made, what I learned, and whether it’s worth your time too.
Why I Started Self-Publishing on Amazon KDP?
I wanted a side hustle that didn’t require ongoing effort. Blogging takes time to gain traction, and YouTube wasn’t my thing.
But then I read about low-content books, like journals, planners, and notebooks, that people were creating and uploading on Amazon KDP for free.
It sounded like a low-risk, high-reward opportunity. No need for writing a 300-page novel. Just some basic graphic design, niche research, and consistent uploads.
Learning the Basics of KDP
Before publishing, I spent a week watching free YouTube tutorials and reading blogs on,
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How Amazon KDP works
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How to design low-content books using Canva
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What keywords to use for better visibility
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How to choose profitable niches
I also discovered tools like Book Bolt and Helium 10 for keyword research and listing optimization.
What I Published in My First Month
In my first month, I published,
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10 notebooks with simple interior pages
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3 planners (daily and weekly layouts)
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2 gratitude journals
All were designed using Canva, and I uploaded them as paperback books. I focused on targeting low-competition niches using relevant keywords like,
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Daily wellness planner for women
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Gratitude journal for beginners
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Cute cat-themed notebook for kids
My Amazon KDP Earnings – First Month Breakdown
Alright, here’s the part you came for – How much did I make in my first month with Amazon KDP?
Total Books Sold: 37
Total Royalties Earned: $58.23 USD
Here’s the breakdown,
| Book Type | Units Sold | Royalty Per Unit | Total Earnings |
| Notebooks | 20 | $1.10 | $22.00 |
| Daily/Weekly Planners | 10 | $2.30 | $23.00 |
| Gratitude Journals | 7 | $1.90 | $13.23 |
Honestly, I did not expect much. But seeing those first few sales come in was exciting. It proved to me that Amazon KDP can work, even as a complete beginner.
Key Lessons I Learned
1. Niche Selection Matters More Than Design
My most basic-looking journal sold the most, because it was in a low-competition, high-demand niche.
2. Don’t Skip Keyword Research
Using the right keywords helped my books show up in Amazon searches. I avoided super competitive ones and focused on more specific, long-tail keywords.
3. Quality Over Quantity
The planners I spent more time designing brought in higher royalties, even if they sold fewer units.
4. Patience is Necessary
You won’t become a millionaire overnight. But if you stay consistent, KDP can become a reliable passive income stream.
Is Amazon KDP Worth It?
Yes, it absolutely is, if you’re patient and willing to learn. My first-month earnings of $58.23 may not seem huge, but it’s recurring income. Those same books are still listed on Amazon and continue to generate sales with zero effort.
Plus, as I grow my portfolio, I expect my income to scale month by month.
My Tips for New Amazon KDP Creators
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Start with low-content books to learn the platform
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Use free tools like Canva and Amazon’s own keyword suggestions
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Be consistent with uploads, 10 books a month is a solid goal
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Track your results and keep improving your designs
Final Thoughts
My first month with Amazon KDP wasn’t life-changing, but it was incredibly motivating.
I earned real money online, and I did it without investing a dime. If you’re looking to start your journey in self-publishing on Amazon, there’s no better time than now.
Want to learn more about creating low-content books and building passive income? Stay tuned, I’ll be sharing month-by-month updates on this blog.
