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I'm in the process of creating another foreign-language edition for one of my children's books, but this time, of course, the publisher will be KDP vice CS . . . which means an entirely different publishing process must be learned and used. Among other things, the document submitted, in my case, was in Word, which caused a few issues never encountered before with pdf docs that threw me for a loop until I figured out what was happening (my text was centered on the page, but if I inserted a hard page break at the end of a line, the preceding text appeared left-justified in the KDP published version). Easily fixed, but still, unexpected . . . and certainly not encountered before with pdf docs.

Another change was the rapid review process using KDP . . . if . . . IF you are patient and do NOT . . . I say again . . . DO NOT . . . click on the previewer until the review process has been completed. It will move along very quickly, BUT if you click on the previewer before it is completed, it will slow the process to a crawl, and you may find yourself waiting up to 20 minutes or more for something that should take only a few minutes.

As to ordering proofs, you will be asked to select the number you want (up to 5) and from what country you want them ordered. Then, you must wait up to four (4) hours until you receive an e-mail that will provide you with a link that can be used to check out your purchase. Below are the instructions:

Here are the steps on how to order a proof copy of your book:

1. Sign in to http://kdp.amazon.com.
2. Go to your Bookshelf and find the paperback for which you would like to order a proof.
3. If your paperback is in "Draft" status and you've previewed and approved your file, the option to request a proof will be enabled in the ellipsis ("...") menu. You don't need to approve to submit your book for publication. However, if your book doesn't meet our quality standards, you'll need to edit your files and resubmit them.
4. Click "Request Proof Copies."
5. Select the order quantity. You can order up to 5 proof copies at a time.
6. Select the Amazon marketplace closest to your shipping destination. The cost will then be displayed. This cost doesn't include shipping and applicable taxes.
7. Click "Submit Proof Request."
8. Within 4 hours of submitting your request, you'll receive an email with a link to complete your proof order. You must complete your purchase within 24 hours of receiving this email.
9. Once you receive the email and click on the link to complete your order, you’ll be redirected to the Amazon Shopping Cart. You can use your existing payment information and delivery addresses or add new addresses to send proof copies to reviewers.

For more information about proof orders and shipping, visit our Help page:

https://kdp.amazon.com/help/topic/G20...

I'm sure other issues will arise from time to time. Know, however, that the CS agents in RSA and Costa Rica are transferring over to KDP and can be reached by telephone to help you. It may take a little longer right now because not all have been trained in KDP procedures, but to reach a real human being, seven days a week (I believe the hours are 4 am to 10 pm, PST), go to KDP, Help, Contact Us, Getting Started, Publishing a Book, and then, select e-mail or phone.

Hope this helps.

Ted

Thanks, Ted.

Carole wrote: "Thanks, Ted."

Old dog learning new tricks LOL

lol

Huge learning curve, this publishing thing. And I do it all myself!!! Can't work my iPhone very well though... hangs head in shame therefore my children think I am a numpty.

Also, KDP has been given an Order Author Copies service now, so you can order finalised books at print cost if you want/need them before publication (and after!)

Though, I'm not sure if it's offered to everyone publishing on KDP, I'm in the UK. Additionally, author copies can only be sent out to marketplaces which have printing services in that country (so Amazon.com, .co.uk, .it etc.) I imagine this might improve in the future, but it's so much nicer not having to pay out full price.

I've found the printers we have in the UK now are much better than when they were printed somewhere in Poland. And they are speedy. This change (I believe) has also affected delivery for proof copies, now with the ability to have them printed closer. Gone are the three weeks wait and high delivery cost for a proof copy.

Anna Faversham wrote: "Huge learning curve, this publishing thing. And I do it all myself!!! Can't work my iPhone very well though... hangs head in shame therefore my children think I am a numpty."

If it's any consolation, Anna, I don't use a cell phone except on the road, as needed. Had access to the Public Switched Telephone Network from my car as early as 1973, and once I retired, I threw my cell phone into the console (charged), gave the new number only to one person, and use the damn thing only in emergencies.

A word of warning when you order your proof copy. The two times I have ordered one, I had it in a basket with other items (UK). Other items were on free delivery, proof copy had delivery charges. These delivery charges were quite high if I ordered the proof copy the same time as the other items. If I ordered a proof copy on its own, the shipping charge dropped dramatically. I haven't a clue what that's all about.

The one thing I don't think I'm going to like about the KDP proof copies (if I'm correct) is that they print PROOF across the covers. CS printed Proof Copy inside, on the last page of a book.

Am I correct. Can someone confirm this?

That's true. Proof is stamped across the cover.

Anita wrote: "That's true. Proof is stamped across the cover."

Damn! That's not good!

BTW, I ordered proofs from KDP on Friday, and they are scheduled for delivery today. Unbelievable. (I'm in the US.)

PS Being five minutes (!) from the Amazon delivery truck dispatch center (in rural PA) doesn't hurt, either! T