How much I Earned As A KDP Newbie | Brutally Honest Look At KDP Journey For Beginners

[@goilo888]

Gem, please note someone is using your avatar and trying to scam your viewers in the reply to my original comment here one month ago.

[@Projectrichmum]

Bloody scammers are a nightmare! Thank you for letting me know. 👍🏼

[@SpiralSister]

I keep getting spammed that way on other sites too here and was wondering about that. Why and how it happens and why won't KZbin pull those damn comments?!?

[@worknance]

I saw something recently that KZbin is going to have a chat bot to look for spammers and scammers.. we'll see

[@goilo888]

@@SpiralSister Good question. SImple enough to do since they all have a freaking WhatsApp number in their name.

[@StyleViewStudio]

About scammers…..take a snapshot - download their “ video” and send a report to KZbin. THEY LISTEN! Scammers are parasites - without any conscience or capacity to create anything original

[@buu678]

Thanks for giving this realistic advice without charging a $4000 course for it.👌👍

[@RWBG]

are you refering to the fiction profits academy? lol

[@KARA.LupinHold]

@@RWBG seems like it 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@abysmalvsmarcus]

IKR? Lol I told that scammer to F Off and he called me saying he was going to sue me. I said see you in court, bitch!!

[@clb1389]

@@RWBG was just looking at that course but found out she is just a content creator not walking the walk so no thanks.

[@bonnyngatai9600]

I paid $7000 for a course which didn't teach how to make a book etc. It was hatd to try the course as I continously got bombarded with unnecessary emails to pay more $$$. I was unable to get my money back as promised.

[@victoriajaja1456]

People are so secretive about how they attain success. Perhaps they call it 'trade secrets'. To see someone honest, transparent and unselfish in this jungle of a world is truly refreshing. Keep it up Mum!

[@Projectrichmum]

You are very kind, thank you! 💖

[@MasterCadDesigns]

Same here. I've published 44 books so far on KDP in the last year. 6 books were low content and the rest were full blown theoretical manuals on physics and astrophysics. In 10 months I've made a total of about $90.00 USD. I'm working on customized coloring books, crossword puzzles and word search books ATM. I'm a retired professional 3D designer, architect/structural engineer. I love to design and create content. I have to do something to pass the time. Today I made a custom coloring book for each of my 5 grandkids. They are going to love them.

[@cybarton]

Can I ask what software you are using to create your ebooks? Just getting started - ads for Designrr keep popping up on my feed, which looks interesting but I'm not sure. I'm sure there has to be something better than Canva, so reaching out.

[@AlaskaJiuJitsu]

That is the trick isn't it, do what you like!

[@helenarichard]

That's so little money.

[@futurejohn2916]

@@cybarton Give us all the secret you to succeed on KDP business

[@MrRabbitsBookcase]

How amazing would it be for you to create an astrophysics word search.

[@53Birdsong]

I want to thank you for your gentle and forthright review of KDP. I just recently joined KDP, and after a week realized the immense learning curve necessary to find ‘any’ success using this model. You confirmed my observations. As a senior, I’m looking to augment our monthly income, but as I just recently told someone, “Nothing worthwhile is ever achieved without personal cost.” When I said it, I asked myself if I was listening 😊. That’s the truth of success. Because of your frank video, it’s removed the internal struggle, stress and pressure to ‘produce’ within a self defined timeline. I will be successful, that’s a given, but it will be because I’ve done the work and been mindful of the pitfalls, the unrealistic hype, and my own naive expectations. Thank you again. Bless you and much success.

[@jessicaking1877]

What a wonderfully worded comment! Speaks volumes!

[@user-cz1gu8nl9o]

Amazon was stealing from my authors, please don't use them.

[@it.is.another]

Any update on your KDP?

[@RespectedGamer72]

I published one fantasy book on KDP and made a little over $100.00. I did a bit of marketing on Facebook, but didn't run any ads for very long. Still I was impressed with what I made considering it was my first book and noone knows who I am.

[@stormfire7772]

whts the book name

[@mwakicollens]

Hello, I just published my first low content books, and some friends bought and sent me pictures. How long did it take for you to see that orders have been made?

[@stephaniehenderson12]

Nice! People fail to realize that the people having success are actually doing market research and actually marketing their books. Just like any other business you can't just throw something out there and hope for the best😂

[@anthonyt1t5]

Self publishing is effective if you're willing to market yourself and do social media. If you rather not put yourself out there, let others do the work, consider traditional publishing. Try to find a literary agent who will represent you. Publishers will do the marketing for you.

[@FranklinHicks-qs4gs]

Whats the name of the book ??

[@andrewcopson9721]

Finally, someone telling the truth, how refreshing! We need more people like yourself on this platform and others, telling the truth and setting realistic expectations. It pains me to see the dishonesty of some other people on YT, they build peoples hopes up falsely, and cause a lot of harm to people and their mental health and maybe even contribute to people taking their own lives.

[@peter_shadow7559]

KZbin apparently is becoming or has already become an informercial platform. When I see an over-enthusiastic hypster guy or girl with well-lit videos and a charisma more appropriate for a salesman than a teacher, I immediately know something's not looking right. KZbin is basically the Instagram of videos: sales, appearances, pedantry, "fake it until you make it" type of content.

[@blessing4822]

I like this video. Lots of other KZbinrs and TikTokers are only looking for views to increase their money. It’s refreshing to see the reality of this.

[@c123-i6n]

@@kermitfroggie5334 Some of these videos promise people will make several thousand and encourage people to quit their jobs to do this instead. For those who are gullible or are in bad situations, they could take the advice. If they were already badly off and struggling with suicidal ideation, it could be the last straw.

[@airbatsenoj]

@@kermitfroggie5334 I wouldn’t say it’s far fetched at all. Depression is probably at its highest it’s ever been and people like myself look up to these “gurus” as a way to make it out the depressive life of depending on a 9-5 job as a main source of income and are genuinely tired and don’t see another way out. Including myself.

[@caravanlifenz]

@Rebecca Julia 🕊 I agree; there are far too many KZbinrs hyping up the thousands (some even say millions) they allegedly made from these side hustles. If a depressed person spends months replicating this and fails, they could easily become suicidal. My home country (New Zealand) has a high suicide rate as people often feel helpless to get out of debt due to the high cost of living and low wages.

[@Coconutoilcrazy]

You never know what will happen. Several years ago, an influencer mentioned a book. The sales took off big time. The author was shocked and had no clue why his book began selling like crazy. He found out why and was very pleased. Depending on your book, the sky may be the limit

[@amnasaeed3699]

Finally someone i can relate, single mom to 4 kids ,forced to live with toxic family, working my way to fainancial freedom ,looking forward to learn from you and replicate your journey, pls.pray for me

[@llunatic218]

Thank you! For your honesty and for being real with us about what to expect. I am 60 lined journals into my journey on KDP and have only made 3 sales. I thought I was just not very good at this. Thank you for sharing your experience and encouraging me to not give up and to switch my gears. I appreciate it :)

[@lindam5856]

Same here. Thank you for the encouragement 😊

[@tama3442]

*What is the Gospel?* The true gospel is the good news that God saves sinners. Man is by nature sinful and separated from God with no hope of remedying that situation. But God, by His power, provided the means of man’s redemption in the death, burial, and resurrection of the Savior, Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of GOD, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Romans 10:9 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. JESUS CHRIST can come anytime! REPENT OF YOUR SINS Just Believe ❤️ Love you and GOD BLESS

[@suzannemcclendon]

@@tama3442 Amen!

[@alphamotivationclips0]

So did you made any more sales?

[@FranklinHicks-qs4gs]

Make something people want !! Fund a niche !! Try a different format than journals. Yuck

[@GameDEV929]

thanks, very useful and honest not like those clickbait youtubers who make out as if you can make $1,000 within like 24 hrs of publishing it. Need more youtubers like you!!

[@SuperTikes]

Exactly! "How I made $150 per day in my first month on KDP!" It's very misleading and I just scroll by nowadays.

[@TheHomeBoss]

I'm so glad I stumbled across your video, I was listening to you and agreeing so much about how unrealistic it is to make money straight away on KDP... and then you mentioned me! Thank you so much for liking my channel. I wish you lots of success in everything you do.

[@Projectrichmum]

Thank you so much - I’m honoured that you watched my video! I’m more than happy to recommend your channel - your knowledge and transparency has really helped me with my journey. In the sea of click bait and misinformation people need videos they can trust - hence me pointing them your way 😁

[@TheHomeBoss]

@@Projectrichmum Thank you! I've subscribed to your channel, looking forward to seeing more!

[@thehowtochannel7571]

I cannot support the Home Boss forum. When I was there there were members who did not do low content books but just wished to talk about their sexual fetishes. Not for me.

[@TheHomeBoss]

@@thehowtochannel7571 Hello Bryan, nice to know you're trolling other creators now.

[@thehowtochannel7571]

@@TheHomeBoss Just telling the truth

[@Dane33602]

Very good, real, advice. This month marks my first year at KDP. My experience mirrors yours almost exactly. I made nothing my first two months (all notebooks). In month three I tried a higher content book and saw my first sales. I made a few dozen sales on that one medium content book in month three. My income has steadily increased since then. Since January of this year, I'm averaging about $500 per month (all organic, no ads). I've published over 370 books. Of those, I have three that I make daily sales on. Maybe 10-15 that I get weekly sales on, I get random sales on others every now and then, but the vast majority of the books I've created haven't sold a single copy (deservedly so, to be honest). My advice to anyone trying it is the same as yours. Try to find a niche that interests you, keep the quality up, and when you hit on something that works, start working on complementary titles. I believe there are ways to make a REAL income at this, but I haven't yet figured it out. As you say, the learning curve is a steep one and I still have a ways to go.

[@sibghaahmad]

which type of books make more sales??

[@Elifpoy]

Why is everyone selling notebooks ? How boring !

[@AllieJL]

@Karen Because they're easy. You're basically designing the cover and picking what goes inside.

[@thereisalicia]

That is good. I recently posted a KDP earnings video.

[@GhostHornet]

@@AllieJL this is why people aren’t succeeding in it. They aren’t trying.

[@AffinityNetNews]

Keep in mind that, it takes on average 5 years for the normal business to begin showing any real profit. KDP, is no different. Successful businesses, take endless hours of really hard work, and sacrifice to sell high quality products. You must follow your passion and not what others are doing. There’s an old saying “ Never chase two rabbits at the same time.”

[@mollypaintscows]

Exactly! Well stated.

[@davidlear7927]

I watch KZbin videos on KDP, and publish books using KDP, and I have to say this is the best video on the subject that I've seen - full of gems of information. Excellent stuff.

[@Just10Facts]

Thanks Gem! Finally an honest and real view on the KDP-world. I hate all these scammers who charge unexperienced people thousands for a course and promiss them a life changing income. You are what people need! Keep up the good work! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@christinedoherty7000]

I love how respectful she was when talking about lying clickbait KZbinrs.

[@PeterSedesse]

If you want to make money with KDP low content books, the best way is to not make any books, just make a video of how to make money with KDP low content books.

[@ahmedazeemi]

😆😆😆

[@davidclark573]

I was scammed by over $3000 dollars by Amazon KDP Publishing. They advertised to put the book on amazon for $799. After submitting the book, Homoexternicus, The Direction of Man, they transferred me to the promotion department and they wanted $4,500 to promote it on Amazon. We agreed to $2,700 and I paid it. The book never appeared on Amazon with them giving me different excuses. Ray Davis was the agent.

[@futurekron]

LOL! So true. It's clear that the indy pub "support" biz is huge! Self publishing? Not so much.

[@instatubeshorts8878]

So uploading low content books don’t make me money? Idk I’m curious

[@mentalisme]

I really love that you decided to do honest work for the betterment of yourself and kids.

[@charlenelaguer7072]

Wonderful input on the reality of the KDP platform! I too have experienced very low numbers in sales and have only been publishing for 2 months, but still plodding right along! I appreciate your honesty and transparency regarding your own experience with KDP and I wish you much success in future sales!! Please keep in posting great content as this🌞

[@Projectrichmum]

Thank you so much 🙏🏼 I wish you the best of luck with your KDP journey 😊

[@pokurisai6244]

how many books did you publish by now, and how many sales are you averaging. that is if you did continue with kdp

[@TheMindspoken]

Wow, I have seen your channel many a time but just skipped it thinking it was some rant. By happenstance today, I decided to watch it and I must say that I am not in the least disapponted. You are so brutally honest and down to earth. All that you've said makes 100% sense. Thank you so much, wish there were more folks like you who are honest as opposed to people who stoop so low by lying to hopefuls just for clickbait. Thank you.....gawd I am now teary eyed. At last I see honesty.

[@deemack2224]

Thanks for being so honest about this. Last year I made about $100 US dollars on KDP and I was getting discouraged. You have been very helpful.

[@dominiquecampbell590]

Thanks! I was literally having a mini meltdown last night because kdp kept rejecting my draft. After SIX returns it was finally approved today, but I honestly needed a video to remind me it's about quality not quantity....and more than anything it will take time to do.

[@Projectrichmum]

Ive definitely had times when I’ve wanted to scream with KDP too 😂 but with every set back you’ll learn something! Good luck with your business. Thank you so much for the Super 💖

[@Catherine-uw2ow]

Thank you for the very realistic take on KDP! Not everyone is as transparent as you and I'm glad. I knew this wouldn't be easy and I'm starting with lined notebooks to learn the correct ways to do things but I intend to move to medium content as soon as possible

[@Exkajer]

I'm watching lots of KDP videos recently and this one is the best one.

[@suzannemcclendon]

Thank you so much for your calmness in the midst of all the KDP chaos. I have just recently started with KDP low-content journals. My first journal went live on 21 Feb 2023, a soft cover version on 24 Feb, and a different one on 1 Mar 2023. So far, there's only cricket noises, but I have hope. I am working on a children's medium content book now, just still trying to figure out Canva! I used Book Bolt for the journals. I know the reality is that it is unlikely I will ever make a zillion dollars a month like some of the KZbinrs claim to make, but it sure is hard not to get my hopes up when I hear it (allegedly) happening for others. Thanks for your down-to-earth reality check and inspiration. I'm not looking for massive riches. I just want to stay ahead of the extreme medical bills for my husband and avoid bankruptcy. I'm a new subscriber to your channel and to The Home Boss channel, and a few others that were mentioned in the comments here. Here's to a positive outcome for all of us!

[@Michael-hp2ex]

It's nice to hear the truth about KDP. There are so many people out there that say they have the "next big thing" that will make you thousands of dollars a month on KDP. However, I have been on KDP for several years now, and I can attest to what you have provided in this video is the truth. I have not been able to replace a full time income like all the KZbin videos claim you can do. I'm lucky if I make $2.00 USD a month from them. Have I given up though? Nope! I'm still trying to figure out what I can produce to make maybe another $2.00 USD per month. And then another $2.00 USD. And just keep building from there. Thank you for your candor and your honesty. That's something that is hard to find on the internet any more.

[@thatbritishchick]

👏

[@martharamirezdelacruz5106]

I like your honesty. I also started doing low content books in KDP and got 0 sales. I agree with you that quality is more important than quantity. It takes more time and effort (research) to publish good books but it is worth it because those kind of books are the ones that become bestseller.

[@Projectrichmum]

Absolutely! Researching demand and keywords is so important particularly for organic sales. 👏🏼

[@tama3442]

*What is the Gospel?* The true gospel is the good news that God saves sinners. Man is by nature sinful and separated from God with no hope of remedying that situation. But God, by His power, provided the means of man’s redemption in the death, burial, and resurrection of the Savior, Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of GOD, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Romans 10:9 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. JESUS CHRIST can come anytime! REPENT OF YOUR SINS Just Believe ❤️ Love you and GOD BLESS

[@pokurisai6244]

did you get ny sales after

[@vbrelisa]

Vance Brown here ... My lovely wife is Elisa Park, born in Seoul, South Korea... Going through the challenge of developing an unexpected disability "forces me" (or better, "enables me") to learn new ways of developing an income from home... Since I am new at the "making money on social media" concept, I really appreciate your very realistic and honest KZbin video, filled with lots of practical, wise advice... ☆Thank you ☆ GOD BLESS

[@FreeInGod]

Thank you bc I gave up....I tried last summer....it didn't work....and I will try again now. Thank you so much. I really needed to hear it. I feel so down bc what's going on in my home country now...and worry about my relatives and friends...I would like to be able to support them

[@billy-maibrooks1051]

You are so cute! Thanks for sharing! I've been writing children's books for years, it's such a huge passion of mine and it's never been about the money. But all the KDP vids are about notebooks and planners so I've suddenly fallen into doing that instead and started to lose track a bit. But you're right, it's important to test the waters and learn the ropes through publishing notebooks first and then start taking it more seriously. Hearing you say that you started slow but eventually your children's books go picked up, pushed me back on the right path with a lot of faith! So thank you!

[@HannahCarter2112]

Loving the channel. I found you when I was searching for honest KDP videos. I made a whopping £2.11 from colouring books in my first month. I’m on about £60 this month with a children’s short story book my daughter wrote and I illustrated.

[@Elifpoy]

I am a writer and I will for sure publish my own KDP book, why do lined notebooks when we have a talent :)

[@Valerie.Le.93]

Hi, please let me know what you used to illustrated the story?

[@HannahCarter2112]

@@Valerie.Le.93 hi, I used GIMP to illustrate the book because it's free and there's lots of brilliant tutorials for it

[@happylife.sumyia]

And here I am published my children story book with a zero sale

[@MyUltimateStuff]

@@happylife.sumyia ok, so after publishing, what have you done to promote your book? Have you bought several of them, offered to go to the library & read a bit to the crowd? Sent out info on it to your email list? Facebook groups that share the interest of the book content? In today's crowded market, "it ain't gonna sell itself!" Good luck!

[@bmack9725]

Thank you for this video. I started making LCBs on kdp in January 2022 and my sales have been extremely low. I was discourged and I was actually about to give up when I came across your honest video. You're right. I was watching videos that showed people making thousands in their first month. Thank you for helping me see that I am not alone in this learning curve.

[@cordellfarmer8220]

It all boils down to cover, search rank which needs to be in the low thousands, and keywords. Also remember that you need to offer more value just making lined interior will not get the best results

[@praiseayano3019]

This is the first time I'd willingly comment under a KZbin video and that's because of your honesty and transparency. Thank you, this was useful.

[@tonianklindo]

Love your vulnerability and honesty, continue to put out quality. The race has never been for the swift, it’s for those who can endure, and stay consistent.

[@Projectrichmum]

Thank you for your kind words 🙏

[@aquascapeexperiments2698]

Great video!!! I honestly appreciate your Brutally Honest Look. It's been by far the best video I have seen in KZbin this year!

[@cegeisness]

thank you so much for your honesty. I am tired of all of the "I make X thousand dollars a day or week" schemes. I'm tired because I keep falling for them, getting excited and jumping in, and then finding out that they all are exaggerations on profit and ease. I appreciate your truthfulness. It actually gives me confidence that maybe this route has potential, as long as a person puts their energy in and has realistic expectations. and based on what you said has happened to you, I feel like it would be exactly what I'm looking for. thank you.

[@aphrodite7710]

Thank goodness someone who is finally honest here on youtube....

[@carlripley1149]

Would just like to say that it's refreshing to see an honest take on the whole KDP environment. I think I've spent more time learing how to use the software programs than anything else. Luckily I have no expectation that I will make money but found a new hobby

[@shanzydinero]

ily im a nigeria who just started on the 3rd of march i write medium content books , im writing my 12 book currently and i only have 4.60 usd hearing your story makes me feel more comfortable because i thought i would be getting like 400usd by now but i know oe day ill be making thousands of usd on kpd on a monthly basis thank you for sharing your story

[@JustinKenneth-pc1mr]

With markets tumbling, inflation soaring, the Fed imposing large interest-rate hike, while treasury yields are rising rapidly-which means more red ink for portfolios this quarter. How can I profit from the current volatile market, I'm still at a crossroads deciding if to liquidate my $125k bond/stock portfolio

[@PrincessGunther]

infact, ever since Coronavirus, I've been in regular communication with financial examiners. Nowadays, buying moving stocks is quite easy; the trick is knowing when to buy and when to sell. The section and leave orders for my portfolio are made by my counsel. accumulated more than $550,000 from a $150,000 savings that was initially stale.

[@TittyKentils]

Productivity never happens by chance; it is always the result of careful preparation, dedication, and consistency. I thank God for my advisor, Yuval Eric Brokman; with his assistance, I am now financially solid, earning between $10,000 and $25,000 every week.

[@SilviaWright-rg7xk]

Would you mind recommending a specialist with a variety of investment options? This is extremely rare, and I eagerly await your response.

[@TittyKentils]

As Yuval Eric Brokman is a highly sought-after counsel, he is actually the one who directs me. Nonetheless, you can try your luck. Just leaving his phone number would not be appropriate. he may be lying about, but if you Google his name, you can view his website.

[@TittyKentils]

google his name⤵

[@republicofinspirationtv924]

Wow! This is a blunt and powerful video about KDP I will be watching at the tail end of 2023. I think this scenario will remain green in my memory. Thanks for sharing!

[@SarahAnew]

On my first guided journal I made $250 because I promoted it on my social media right before Christmas and also a family member bought like 20 of them for her corporate employees. I haven’t made another one, but I want to! That little bit of extra money was nice to have.

[@familylife9734]

How do you promote your book ? Can you jot some ideas , plz

[@SarahAnew]

@@familylife9734 I made a post on my Facebook page, and it was right before Christmas, which was perfect for people looking for last minute gifts. I also posted it in spiritual/type communities I am part of online. It was in communities where I was already active and had engaged and made friends in a genuine sense, like not with an ulterior motive. Because I had already built trust, people who wanted it bought it. I made about $250 all told on my first journal.

[@Queenie_Francie]

Ha! You made me laugh out loud with your “.40p” Good for you for hanging in there. I am just exploring this field. So much information!

[@loreenheath1472]

Thank you soooo much for this. I've started this journey last month and while I made a few sales (about 25-30 books), the $$$ was not significant. I've made 7 books so far and only 2 are selling. I believed the hype but this video has encouraged me tremendously. Thanks for being transparent. You are an honest soul and I appreciate you.

[@goldenspiraldesigns1391]

I think that is a really promising start. I wish I had those results. Congrats!

[@biancaberry777]

That’s incredible! I’ve been on KDP for months now and I’ve only sold 2 books.

[@philipstrumolo8057]

@@biancaberry777 Bianca...I know exactly how you feel! Don't give up! I'm about to try Amazon Ads. thanks to this video. Fellow author -- Gerard Denza

[@Layla_Bayla]

HI Loreen, may I ask if you started with low content books or mid-content? Thx

[@loreenheath1472]

@@Layla_Bayla low, now things have slowed down. Going to do mid content or ebooks

[@YetundeTaiwo-ju3zb]

I am just starting out on KDP. I love your honest review. It's encouraging and prepares one ahead. Thanks

[@venus-gz9lh]

Thank you it makes a refreshing change to see someone who is totally different from the other you tubers who are promoting you can make a 5 figure income maybe they are but they started way way back when maybe 2018, I've just started my own kdp and I'm trying to find niches that are not promoted by videos saying this is the next big niche, I only subscribe to people like yourself so I'm glad you are making a profit and I know I am going too as well god willing, xx Ps look forward to seeing more KDP videos from you xx

[@Projectrichmum]

Thank you - I really appreciate this! Good luck with your journey 😄

[@AngieBaby666]

Best video on this subject that I've watched so far. I appreciated the honesty. I also loved your gentle and positive tone!

[@amiesanyang]

THANK YOU for your honesty. As I listen to you it is like you are describing my own journey. That is the real KDP journey. Its refreshing to finally see someone on youtube being real and very honest about their KDP experience

[@alicewako1245]

Thank you so much for the honest presentation. The truth is by the time you want to start a side hustle, you are very often not in a good financial position and most videos and webinars I have watched want you to make this enormous down payment in thoushands of dollars which you dont even have. My take is, if things have gone so well then share the information at a minimal fee but to use the webinar and ask people to invest 4 figure sums makes me doubt and is very off putting because that is just buying supports and not setting upi. Thank you very much for your honesty and willingness to share. Very good food for thought.

[@mollypaintscows]

I agree, we all have to go through the process of creating the lined notebooks on KDP in order to learn the basics. As an artist, I know full well that KDP is hit or miss as to who will purchase your work. The key is to do quality work, be consistent, be patient. If you’re serious, don’t give up.

[@sarah8592-t1b]

I'm an Illustrator & Tattooist with experience with graphics etc. It occurred to me recently I had pretty much all the skills and the ambitions to be doing colouring books! I've just began designing a series of Educational Natural History colouring books and I am so very excited! Drawing for hours everyday towards them! Your honest video gives me hope that they may get somewhere

[@AmbientMovement]

Your video was an absolute breathe of fresh air! I really can't thank you enough for realistically lowering my expectations before I've published my first kdp. It will keep me from being too let down haha ❤

[@aarmenar2358]

How refreshing it is to find some like yourself, Gemma. I've subscribed to you channel, not because I need more content on KDP., but because I need a regular dose of fresh air . You rekindle my hope. Thank you.

[@jag3439]

I just have to tell you how thankful I am for your honesty! I am trying to find my niche as a mom earning income through the internet and KZbin/kdp/affiliate marketing etc and there is so much “weeding through” to do. I did not expect the results so often claimed are typical and that there is more to it and you confirmed just that. I will look up the Home Boss and, again, I’m so thankful for your honesty and have subscribed to your channel ! Thank you!

[@justcars2454]

I trust people like this women, thank you a lot. I always trust people like you more then those others that start there videos with making you emotionel and giving you hope, and false view of how things work, and telling you that it's easy, and convincing you to buy their products. Tysm

[@LizetAsPromised]

Thank you so much for being so honest and actually taking the time to make this video when you definitely didn't have to. I'm a single mom of 3 with my mom living with me and I'm trying to get as much income as I can. This definitely is what I needed to know. I "can't waste time" time is money. Not only am I trying KDP but creating apparel and such. I took my appreciate you, you have a new follower. Thank you so much for your kindness.

[@33LB]

thank you for being direct, honest, and sincere. it is truly refreshing in the youtube swamp which largely consists of "i made $1 million by cranking out low content books."

[@rebeccav.3734]

Thank you for this realistic video! I made 6 books last month (my first month) on KDP and so far have earned $0.00. This video has motivated me to try harder this month and perhaps I'll get my first sale!

[@yazu3652]

Update?

[@deedaw9246]

You should do voice overs or audio books. You have nice voice, your accent isn't heavy, and it could definitely make a book more magical! There is just something nice about how you speak :)

[@uncleben26]

True talk! And for your honesty, you have won me over as a subscriber. I too have been in this journey for about a year and only started making meaningful sales just about three months ago. More grace to your elbows.

[@Projectrichmum]

I appreciate you! Thank you 😊

[@PGSL-r5n]

Thank You for you video, I've got one book that I'm contemplating on publishing and in the process of nearing the end of wriiting another book. Both will have 75,000 words each. I will rewatch the video and go through the KDP process slowly

[@tallaaron1115]

Thank you for this. I know you do not have a lot of subscribers but you have a new one with me. Your honesty makes me feel better, as I am working on putting out a book. The nerves that go into this is unique in my experience, so it is wonderful to hear someone like you talk about this. Please continue doing these wonderful videos.

[@Projectrichmum]

I appreciate that! So happy to have you here 😀

[@danafavor7950]

thank you so much for taking the time to make this video. i had realized very quickly most videos i had been watching were not about giving accurate or full information regarding publishing on kdp. i have been so nervous about posting my first low and medium content books. you have given me hope! i know a slow and steady progression is best because i want to make a career of this. your honesty and pov are quite refreshing.

[@isalillo3640]

Thank you for your honest video!!! Unfortunately, YT is saturated with "how to make £1000/day with low content books" kind of videos and they are just selling an unrealistic dream. I would like to get started with KDP and create some low/medium content books and your video was just what I needed to hear, everything resonates. People want value for their money, and if they are looking for just cheap and lined notebooks are more likely to go to Poundland to buy them. Thank you for sharing 🥰

[@tri-logyx69]

You just make me cry 😭 , That's totally true I trust I fake guru that he was saying that I will get back the money I've invested in less than one month and I realise how many fake gurus they're our there saying make money online from home. And I started like you making note books. I was thinking to create a new channel just to expose them . They really play with people's dream . Thanks for your video and you honesty. I wish you the best ❤.

[@chantalforgues8132]

You must be one of the few honest person on KZbin. Thanks a million. I really had big doubts about that, before i spend 2k on an advertised Workshop.

[@kimberleyleanne]

I am loving your channel so much, I was a single mum for many years and I would have valued this so much back then. I still value your honesty and advice now and I find your content so valuable. I’m now becoming passionate about being financially literate. Thankyou

[@dominiquecampbell590]

Even at a year old, one of the best videos on kdp I've watched. Finally someone giving a full perspective of what's happening with this niche.

[@PassiveIncomeTemplates]

Thank you for so many great points! It took me three months to make a sale too and a lot longer to figure out how to make consistent organic sales 🙂 It takes time and effort and patience, I agree that there can be a steep learning curve and you absolutely need to be resourceful on your journey!

[@CherylMarie]

I love this video's aesthetic - the topic, the sunlight, your outfit, the bed, plant, everything! Thanks for posting!

[@alisonforsythe6171]

Hi there! Just wanted to drop in and say this was the first video I watched about KDP a year ago and it set me on the right path. Huge learning curve later and I’m starting to get a bit of traction with organic sales but the struggle with ad spends is real!

[@ASMRWithClarisse]

I really love how realistic your advice is, this is the first video of yours that I've watched but I'll definitely be exploring your channel. Thank you for your honesty, it's difficult to find someone trustworthy in the online space at the moment so sincerely, thank you.

[@petronelavartic3034]

Thank you so much for this video! I feel like you've been talking to me face-to-face and I've felt the honesty and authentic encouragement. Keep doing these videos. I believe many of us need authenticity, true experiences shared and a "don't give up" phrase. :)

[@imphelpswriter]

Thank you for the refreshing and truthful video Gemma!

[@TaylorHaselton]

Thank you for being honest! I have a KDP channel and I try really hard to be transparent in how this isn't typically a get rich quick thing! I agree some channels give that idea even if they don't mean to. Consistency is huge in any business in my opinion!

[@TaylorHaselton]

The Home Boss is one of my favorite channels as well!

[@Projectrichmum]

Yes! I just wanted to show that for most it’s a marathon not a sprint - but it can be a great form of passive income if you put in the time. I’ll have to check out your channel too!

[@TaylorHaselton]

@@Projectrichmum totally agree! Thank you so much for being honest and that’s so nice of you to check out my channel!

[@selfpublishingempire]

This is the video that inspired me to be open and transparent about my experiences on Amazon KDP :)

[@paulhorn24]

Thanks for the video with all the experiences and informations. By the way: You have a pleasant to listen to voice and a nice style of talking, good vocabulary and very good pronunciation - have you ever thought about Audio Books or Telling stories for sale?

[@TheAccidentalAuthor]

I've had a great launch of my first book. My advice would be spend time and create something people see your investment of time in. I've written a novel "24 Hours Of The Hammer" and it is all about being specific and passionate in my opinion

[@natijade]

So helpful, thank you. I'm thinking of getting into KDP and your comments on being your own customer have given me some good ideas on where to start! Although I will of course begin with the obligatory lined notebook!

[@keithbrianlewis5123]

Hello Gem, and thank you again for your honest insights. I'm pretty new at self-publishing and hope to make it worthwhile for our future (me and my wife), as we are less than half a decade away from retirement. I just started this journey, and I fully agree that books with at least medium content give much more value and selling potential overall. I feel like I'm constantly overwhelmed and bombarded with newsfeed updates and researching browsing where it seems everybody is constantly pushing "the low-content, easy and fast, why aren't you doing it" narrative. I got into writing to share my experience with the public, and I hope to give something back to it. My niche is 30+ years in computer systems, but I hope to share my side experiences in space science, astronomy, and hopefully some self-help books I know that can help people who go through the same struggles I've done. Your words and thoughts were very helpful for me in walking away from the "AI-driven, instant-write this crowd" and getting back to my roots on why I started writing. Thanks again, and have a wonderful week. - Keith

[@bajakabajaj777]

Can I publish a same book first as ebook then paperback?

[@sandygirl1128]

This video is such a wonderful encouragement. I see and hear so much about quantity and it's disheartening. Thank you for speaking quality into this world!

[@IvanC64]

I stumbled in your video attracted by the "brutally honest" keyword in the title. What you say is so true and so honest because I'm living the same thing. I started by KDP journey in medium content book and entered in rich niches knowing that my life would have been difficult but potentially rewarding. I was so excited after my first book sold 14 copies in one month for a revenue of 140 $. I thought it was easy.. but after that great month all the sales stopped. 0 sales the month after and another 0 two months later. I tried also promoting and advertising but nothing. I started to move price up and down and again nothing. Should I quit? No I won't. I'm creating other books and I know that something will happen (hopefully :))

[@dixiemerchant1052]

It probably takes time to see patterns emerge is the good point I get from your story - thanks!

[@shnrbtlle18]

So awesome, thank you very much for your video. you gave me the answers I was looking for, I was just about ready to pull my books and give up. It's good folks like you that help me push on. again, thank you so much.

[@lindasmith5496]

Thank you for keeping it real. I have only been with KDP for about a week, and I like it. And yes, I'm learning what I can learn. I just started with low quality books because I need to learn. I want to make a cookbook of my recipes, and I want to take my time. The get rich quick scheme is not what I'm looking for because I know to make real money it takes time. I started with about seven journals just to get the hang of how to work the creation pages. I want to make products geared to teach children how to do math problems like algebra and or decimals, something that they can use in their little life's just because they are just getting started. That means my books will begin to have meat on the inside of the pages which is what I want. Again thank you for taking out the time to tell us the truth about it all. peace

[@reninah.mcphearson6845]

I am so relieve and my faith in KZbin so call make money to support your family. I have tried so many ways just to help give a little money and none of them work. It was worst then playing games for cash. You are a Angle please continue to give us the truth.Mime

[@geoffcarr5525]

A brilliant and honest review, totally realistic too. Completely agree with you about some channels, some people deffo make more from their links and affiliated programs than the PROFIT they make from kdp. I've been on kdp for about 4 months now and I roughly avg a book a day-ish, it's not simple, but it's quite fun. Thank you for your video it's good to have balance on you tube, all the best with your channel. You have a subscriber in me.

[@Projectrichmum]

Thank you Geoff! You definitely have to love publishing in this game. Best of luck with everything 😀

[@theverseshed]

Very interesting, honest and unusual in that you focus on the difficulties and the 'learning curve' rather than the same old message of 'Use KDP and earn a mint'. One comment I've made for several uploads is that the vast majority of uploaders focus on low/medium content books. Hardly any comment on or looks, at depth about creating high content books (novels, manuals, DIY, cooking, poetry, scripts etc. etc. etc.) For instance, as I type this comment, I've just looked at the thumbnails on the right of the screen. Just one example has the title 'An $8600 a Month KDP Niche with low competition.' What's the betting that's low/medium content? I'm currently in the final stages of finishing a high content book for upload, so this has REALLY been a DIY project as far as all the preparation, writing, layout and formatting goes. At least all the videos about the actual process of uploading will be useful. Thanks again for your very clear, honest walk-through of your experiences. Good luck in the future.

[@Tappit333]

Thank you for a super honest video. It reminded me of a dream when I won 20 Million on the lottery but woke up before I could claim it. Seriously though, my children's books made a few quid in the first 3 months, but that was because I told a few parents about my books in person. KDP is still a journey for me. I also use Ingram Spark. Purchasing 10 ISBNs from Neilsen for my future books to use on KDP and Ingram is a must for me, fortunately, having a day job helps. Although sales are slow, this will not make me give up. To keep the cost down, I create my own illustrations. Yes, there are way too many videos out there that have to be read between the lines, a lot of them were made in the early days, but that does not mean we have missed the boat, it may not be easy at times, but it should not be hard either. I am inspired to continue trying, especially when parents tell me that their children smile while reading my books, a smile that I hope will last a lifetime. Thanks again for this video, I wish you all the success you deserve :-)

[@bendietrees]

How are you liking Ingram Spark? I'm working on a children's book and was debating whether or not to go with kdp or Ingram spark.

[@Tappit333]

@@bendietrees Hello, I started KDP three years ago and am about to complete the illustrations for my third children's book, I am told that it is best to start with KDP, setting up Ingram Spark was a bit confusing at first, but I am getting the hang of it, I will stick with both KDP and Ingram Spark for now and see what happens, I will keep you posted. very best with your children's book :-)

[@danielboles6837]

I wish there were more honest people like you doing videos. Thank you!!!

[@rosemariafuentes8977]

You are an inspiration because you are honest and humble, in fact, we need people like you to prevent us from making mistakes by ads and other advertiser who fools people into lies. Thank you!!

[@blacksmithhouseblackforest]

Really appreciate your honesty here. Alot of the videos people are trying to sell you their research tools too!

[@gomezwardulus4192]

I’ve been looking into this for a week or so and I’ve been suspicious from the start, especially with these American KZbinrs who make such big claims for earning. Your video is a breath of fresh air and has confirmed my own thoughts, without putting me off. Thank you wish more KZbinrs were this honest 👍👍

[@riddlerhymes512]

Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video and share your hard won knowledge. I've spent the last 10 years creating riddle challenges for marketing contests (I worked in advertsing) I've got a huge data base of niche content for people who like to solve puzzles. All orginal material and art. I can't wait to start experimenting on KDP with the advice you've provided. I salute your generousity, and promise to pay if foward by sharing anything of merit I learn with others. And if nobody has told you this today.....YOU ROCK! Peace.

[@tinacorrell9930]

I am very grateful that I came across your video. I just started on KDP as well and was so hopeful based on previous videos that I had seen on low content KDP journals/notebooks. I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one not making a lot of sales. I think I've only sold 6 journals and in the last 2 weeks. I am hopeful that things will pick up and realistic that I won't be making a living off of it. Thank you the honesty and encouragement

[@SpiralSister]

Yes, sooo many enlightening and true statements here! I published a true-story book about hypnosis, dreams, visions, visitations, and past life regressions the night before New Year's Eve 2023 and 12 days later another author published a VERY similar book in different categories and more of an "in your face" title than mine! At first, I was taken aback. Then I realized, it's because that person probably has a search criteria setup that shows them recently published and felt like, "Okay, I can publish this book I've had in my backlog, NOW." And so be it. I'm making sales in my first month, so I feel pretty good about that! I started this manuscript in 2016 and had thought it would be a non-fiction novel. But I hired a writing coach/editor (who essentially gave me several good ideas about formatting and rearranging some chapters) and told me to use Grammarly to remove my multitude of commas! Ha! Maybe I'll recoup my costs from what I paid her within the next few months. How does the Kindle Unlimited work? Do you have any experience getting paid via being part of it?

[@kevinscleverguide8259]

Hi Just watched your video. This is exactly my journey I created a high content children's picture book. I did put a lot of time effort and thought into this project. It was a book like you said I'd be proud to give as a gift. I didn't expect to set the world alite but I did think I'd get at least 10 or twenty sales to justify the release of my second title but I received zero sales. I did run some adds was careful about my keywords but nothing. Thanks for your video I do feel less of a failure now and was on the verge of giving up.

[@kingdommindedfamily]

I just published my first book on kdp. thanks for sharing your journey and being upfront and honest about it! I really appreciate it.

[@OnlineMoneyGoals]

Hi!! I completely agree with you and enjoyed watching your video!! I recently shared my 6 months sales, amidst all the HUGE income reports 😅😅 but as I shared in my video: I'm proud of MY growth! Thank you for sharing your experience🌼

[@Projectrichmum]

Thanks for sharing!! Any, and all, growth should be celebrated. I wish you more and more success on your journey 😀😀

[@OnlineMoneyGoals]

@@Projectrichmum Thank you so much! I wish the very same for you! I subscribed because I so appreciate transparent content!

[@icreateworlds]

This is what I call a good and realistic video about this topic. I don’t know how many times I’ve seen those KZbin videos where these KZbin gurus make it sound it’s really easy to get a million dollars out of the blue in the first try. These videos I think may make more money for the KZbinrs than their actual real sales. It’s just clickbait with 99% of those kdp sales, I think. You have good advices here instead of hype. I’ve just published a few medium content books and I think I had the same idea you refer here when it comes to create something that in the endive really personal. The niche things that sell millions for those KZbin gurus I think are just another topic for clickbait content. Niches are important but I don’t believe in a single KZbinr that claims to sell millions mostly by choosing the right niches. Much less when they tell what these niches are and then make everyone totally destroy that niche by overflowing. I’m a pro illustrator and I’ve done a lot of work for indie authors that actually have good sales, but it took time and also quality was consistent over their shops. Most of them have more than 20 titles there too and only two or three are really responsible for their sales while the others are just there to populate search engines way down bellow. The most a client of mine has ever made on a single book , was 375K. Actually the same values around two books of the same series I’ve illustrated. Another client of mine made about 180K with his kdp books and yeat another one made 75k at Christmas sales alone in one book I did. But these are exceptions. I never encountered a client that made a million on kdp , unless they are a company. In fact another of my clients started on kdp six years ago and now owns a children’s book indie publishing company that generates a bit more than a million each year, but he does not sell only on kdp of course. Overal regular kdp author that I know and illustrate for sometimes, they make somewhere between 1k an 4K a month depending on how many years they are on kdp. In fact one of my clients that got 180k last yearning kdp alone, told me he didn’t sold a single copy in the first six months when he started on kdp five years ago. Then after six months sales became something between a couple book a month to about 200 or so as the years past. It was purely a progress. Even the one that generated 375k with one of the book I’ve illustrated had to wait more than six months to really start selling. So I’ve had enough of kdp internet gurus. The moment I see a video titled how to make a million with kdp, I immediately make sure I don’t even click on it, because I’ve been doing that for years too trying to learn the magic formula and everyone now just seems to be regurgitating the same motivational speech’s from each other. That is why your video was so refreshing. Let’s see what do I make of my new kdp atempt because I doubt I will make a million.