A signed paperback is one of the simplest things you can sell this Christmas. Many readers like a copy with your name written inside, and you can hand it over in person.

The lesson this week: pick the day you need the books in your hands, then order your KDP author copies well before it.

What KDP says about author copies

The rules below come from two KDP Help pages, both checked 31 October 2026: How do I order a proof or author copy and When will my proof or author copy arrive.

  • You can order author copies only when your paperback or hardcover is Live, or Live with unpublished changes. The button can take up to 24 hours to appear after the book goes Live.
  • You can order up to 999 author copies in one order.
  • Author copy orders do not get free or Prime shipping. You choose from the shipping options shown at checkout.
  • The delivery estimate appears on the last checkout page, just before Place your order. KDP says it can change with demand, and a faster shipping speed does not speed up printing.
  • If no estimate is shown, KDP needs more time to print the order and will email you when it has one.

Five steps for this week

  1. Pick your "in hand" date. Write down the day you first need the books, such as a fair, a book club visit or your last day to post gifts. Then set your own target a week or two earlier, so a late delivery does not spoil the plan. That buffer is our suggestion, not a KDP rule.
  2. Check your book's status. Open your KDP Bookshelf and make sure the paperback says Live. If you changed the files recently, wait until it shows Live again. KDP warns that a new order can still come from copies printed before your change, and you can check the printing date inside the book.
  3. Count how many you need. Make a short list of people and places. Add a few spare copies for last-minute gifts.
  4. Place the order and write down the date. On your Bookshelf, click Order Author Copies, enter the number, and choose the Amazon store that ships to your address. Before you click Place your order, copy the delivery estimate onto your calendar.
  5. Tell people your cut-off. Send one short email or post: "Signed copies of my book are available until 15 December." Take orders by reply, so you know how many to sign.

A small example

This one is made up. Margaret wrote a book of family recipes. Her church Christmas fair is on Saturday 5 December. She wants her books in hand by Saturday 21 November, two weeks early. On Monday 2 November she checks that her paperback is Live, orders 30 author copies from her Bookshelf, and writes the checkout delivery estimate in her diary. The same week she emails her family and friends to say signed copies are available until the fair, and keeps a list of names as replies come in.

If you already have a paperback on Amazon, this is a gentle first step into selling your own books. You do not need a website or a shop to start.

Pick the date, check the status, order early, and write the delivery estimate on your calendar.