If you’re wondering whether Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is the right fit for your book, check out this handy flowchart to help you weigh your options and make the best decision for your publishing journey.

Do you want to self-publish your book?
                                                         ↓
              ┌──────────Yes──────────┐
              ↓                                                                                     ↓
    Do you want global distribution                                         No
    and access to Amazon readers?                                         ↓
         ↓                                                                                        ↓
        Yes                                                                                      ↓  
        ↓                                                                                         ↓                                                                          
 Are you okay with →→→→→→→→→→→→No – Consider traditional, hybrid, or small press publishing
 Amazon controlling                                                               
 the sales platform?                              
        ↓           
      Yes→→→→→→→→→→→→→→ No
       ↓                                                          ↓
  Do you want to                                 Consider
  publish eBook +                                using a combo
  paperback easily                               of KDP (eBook) and IngramSpark (print)
  and for free?                                      
      Yes
       ↓
  Are you able to (or willing to hire help to):
  • Edit
  • Design a cover
  • Format your book
  • Market your work?
       ↓
     Yes
       ↓
Do you want access to Kindle Unlimited readers?
       ↓
     Yes
       ↓      
Are you okay with Amazon having exclusive rights if your book?
(KDP Select 90-day exclusivity)
   ↓       
  Yes→→→→→→→→→→→→ No
   ↓                                                       ↓
Use KDP eBook                     Consider traditional, hybrid, or small press publishing
+ KDP Select      
   ↓
Publish with KDP

Deciding how to publish your book can feel overwhelming. Should you go the traditional route, or explore hybrid publishing for more control and speed? Let’s break down the key differences so you can choose the best path for your publishing goals.
      
Do you want to publish a high-quality book but don’t want to do it all yourself?
                                         ↓
                ┌───────Yes───────┐
                ↓                                                              ↓
   Do you have a strong platform,                       No 
   large audience, or media exposure?                ↓
                ↓                                                              ↓
            Yes→→→→→→→→→→→→No - Consider self-publishing or KDP
                ↓ 
Are you willing to wait 12–24 months for a deal and give up most rights?
       ↓                                                               
     Yes →→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→No                                                   
      ↓                                                                                            ↓
Submit to agents                                             Are you open to investing your own money 
and traditional                                                 (2K-15K) for expert help?
publishers                                                              ↓                                ↓
     ↓                                                                         ↓                                ↓
Do you want to retain some                                 ↓                                ↓
rights or control over cover,                                 ↓                                ↓
timeline, and pricing?                                            ↓                                ↓                   
    ↓                                                                           ↓                                ↓                        
No →→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→Yes→→→→→→→→No           
   ↓                                                                           ↓                                  ↓
Traditional publishing                                   Use a vetted                Consider self-publishing or KDP
                                                                        Hybrid press   
                                                                        They do professional editing, 
                                                                       design, distribution and 
                                                                       give you higher royalties

Using Lulu to print a single proof copy is a great option for authors who want to review their book, mark edits, and check formatting, cover, and overall print quality before moving to full production or sending it to their publisher.

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you do it confidently:
1. Create a Lulu Account

• Go to www.lulu.com
• Sign up for a free account.
  
  

2. Choose “Print Book” Project

• After logging in, click “Create” in the top menu.
• Select “Print Book” (not eBook or photo book).
  
  

3. Enter Book Details

• Add your:
  • Title
  • Author name
  • Language
  • Category

Tip: You don’t need an ISBN for a personal review copy.

4. Upload Your Interior File

• Must be a PDF, properly formatted to match your book size (e.g., 6x9").
• Ensure margins, bleed, and pagination are correct.
  
  

5. Upload Your Cover File

• Lulu lets you either:
  • Upload a print-ready PDF (full cover, spine, and back), or
  • Use their Cover Designer tool.

To use the cover designer:

• Pick a layout
• Upload images
• Adjust spine size based on page count
  
  

6. Select Print Options

• Choose:
  • Book size (e.g., 6"x9")
  • Binding (e.g., Perfect bound)
  • Paper type (e.g., white or cream)
  • Color or black-and-white

Tip: For a review copy, most people choose B&W with cream paper to keep costs down.

7. Preview and Approve

• Use Lulu’s built-in previewer to review the layout.
• You can go back and fix anything before proceeding.
  
  

8. Order 1 Copy

• Once approved, Lulu gives you a private listing page.
• Click “Add to Cart” and order 1 copy for yourself.

Tip: Make sure the listing is set to “private” or “direct access” if you don’t want it visible publicly.

9. Wait for Shipping

• Print time: usually 3–5 business days
• Shipping time depends on your choice at checkout
  
  

Super Tip: After reviewing the printed copy, you can go back, upload a revised PDF, and order a second proof. 

If you're writing a book, one of the most important steps you can take is identifying its type and genre. But what exactly do they mean, and why do they matter? Let's break it down.

What is a Book Type?

A book type refers to the format and structure of the book. It defines how the content is presented rather than what it's about. Here are some common non-fiction book types:

• Daily Reader – A book with short, daily reflections or insights.
• Memoir – A personal life story focusing on specific themes or experiences.
• Self-Help Book – A guide offering advice and strategies for personal growth.
• How-To Book – A book that teaches practical skills.

What is a Book Genre?

A book genre defines the content and themes of a book, helping readers know what to expect. It’s the category a reader would search for in a bookstore or online when looking for a specific type of book. Some examples include:

• Spirituality – Books focused on personal enlightenment, meditation, or faith.
• Self-Help & Personal Growth – Books offering strategies for improving life.
• Mindfulness & Meditation – Books centered on awareness and inner peace.
• Leadership & Business – Books focused on developing leadership skills and fostering workplace success.

 
Why is Identifying Your Book Type and Genre Important?
 
1. Helps You Write with Clarity and Purpose
Knowing whether you're writing a daily reader, a memoir, or a self-help book provides a clear direction for your writing, ensuring that your content is structured effectively.

Understanding the genre gives your writing a purpose, aligning your tone, style, and message with readers' expectations.

2. Targets the Right Audience
Readers search for books based on both type and genre. Suppose your book is a daily reader focused on spirituality. In that case, it will attract an audience looking for bite-sized wisdom and meditative insights rather than a full-length guide on mindfulness practices.

3. Positions Your Book for Marketing & Sales

• Retail & Online Stores – Bookstores and platforms like Amazon categorize books by type and genre, making it crucial to choose the right labels.
• Discoverability – Correct classification improves searchability and ensures your book appears in the right category.
• Effective Marketing – Knowing your type and genre helps with targeted advertising, book descriptions, and promotional strategies.

4. Sets Reader Expectations

Readers expect certain elements based on genre. A book marketed as self-help should offer actionable advice, while a devotional should have daily or weekly spiritual reflections. Meeting these expectations is crucial for reader satisfaction and can lead to positive reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations. Mislabeling can lead to reader confusion and negative reviews.

5. Attract the Right Publishers or Agents 

Understanding your book type and genre helps you approach the right agents or publishers. Many specialize in specific categories, and a well-defined book is easier to pitch successfully.

Final Thoughts

Defining your book's type shapes its structure while choosing the right genre ensures it reaches the right readers.
 
Before you start writing (or publishing), clarify: What type of book am I writing? What genre does it belong to? Answering these questions will guide your creative process, improve your marketing efforts, and increase your book's impact!