Create a Journal to Sell on Amazon KDP using Canva - Step by Step Tutorial for KDP Low Content Books

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of creating your first low-content journal to sell on Amazon KDP using Canva. We’ll cover everything from deciding on book specifications to designing your book interior and cover, and finally, how to publish it on KDP. By following these steps, you can create a professional-looking journal that appeals to your target audience.

Chapter 1: Deciding on Book Specifications

Before you start designing, you need to establish the specifications for your journal:

• Book Dimension: 7.5 x 9.25 inches
• Number of Pages: 110
• Binding Type: Paperback
• Interior Type: Black and White

These specifications are crucial for ensuring that your designs fit correctly when printed, particularly the cover size and interior margins.

Chapter 2: Generating Book Cover Template

To create the cover, you need to generate a template using the KDP Cover Calculator:

1. Access the KDP Cover Calculator. (Link provided in the video description.)
2. Input Your Specifications:
   • Binding Type: Paperback
   • Interior Type: Black and White
   • Page Count: 110
   • Trim Size: 7.5 x 9.25 inches
3. Calculate Dimensions: Click on the "Calculate Dimensions" button.
4. Download Template:
   • Click on "Download Template" to get a zip file.
   • Extract the zip file and locate the PNG file which contains your book cover template.

Chapter 3: Setting Up Your Canva Account

1. Log in to Canva.
2. Create a New Account (if you don’t have one):
   • Free account with limited design elements.
   • 30-day free trial of the Pro account for full access.
3. Start Designing: Click on the "Create a design" button.

Chapter 4: Designing Your Book Cover

1. Create New Design:

   • Select "Custom Size" and input the dimensions 15.498 x 9.5 inches.
   • Make sure to change the unit from pixels to inches.

2. Upload Your Cover Template:

   • Copy and paste the book cover template into your design.
   • Ensure it fills the entire page.

3. Design the Cover:

   • Use the "Elements" tab to search and add graphics (e.g., animals).
   • Adjust transparency to see margins.
   • Ensure no design elements extend beyond the margins or behind the barcode.

4. Add Text:

   • Use the "Text" option to add titles and descriptions (e.g., "Composition Notebook").
   • Format the text and lines as desired.

5. Export Your Cover:

   • Click on "Share" then "Download".
   • Select "PDF Print" for high-quality output.

Chapter 5: Designing Book Interior

1. Determine Interior Page Size and Margin Setup:

   • Reference KDP's guide on page sizes and margins (link provided).
   • Since you chose "with bleed", the page size is 7.625 x 9.5 inches.
   • Create a new design in Canva with these dimensions.

2. Set Up Margins:

   • Use rulers to create margins of 0.375 inches on the outside and 0.3 inches on the inside.
   • Draw squares to visualize the margins and then delete them.

3. Add Lines for Notebook Pages:

   • Use the "Lines" feature to create lines for writing.
   • Adjust line weight and color for a softer appearance.
   • Duplicate the lines to create multiple pages (110 total).

4. Add Decorative Elements (optional):

   • Include graphics to enhance the pages while ensuring they stay within margins.

5. Download the Interior:

   • Click "Download" and select "PDF Print".

Chapter 6: Uploading and Publishing Your Book on KDP

1. Log into KDP and create a new paperback book.
2. Fill in Book Details:
   • Language: English
   • Title: Composition Notebook
   • Subtitle: Cute Animals Journal Notebook
   • Description: Include details about the notebook and specifications.
3. Select Keywords:
   • Think of relevant keywords for search optimization (e.g., “animal composition notebook”).
4. Choose Categories:
   • Select appropriate categories for your book (e.g., Non-Fiction > Animals).
5. Upload Your Files:
   • Manuscript: Upload the interior PDF.
   • Cover: Upload the cover PDF.
6. Preview Your Book:
   • Ensure everything fits within the print guidelines before approving.
7. Set Pricing:
   • Set a competitive price (e.g., $5.49).
8. Publish Your Book:
   • Click on "Publish your paperback book".

Conclusion

You have successfully created and published your first low-content journal on Amazon KDP. Remember to promote your book and analyze how it performs in the marketplace. With practice, you can create more journals and expand your offerings on KDP. Happy publishing!