Free proof checklist
KDP publishing help
Author copies: order at print cost, wait for the print queue, and check the marketplace list.
"Where are my author copies?" is a constant KDP community thread. The ordering is easy; the delivery time and marketplace gaps are the surprises.
Checked:
✓Order at printing cost, not retail✓Not every marketplace offers them✓Expect print-queue delays, especially at launch
What author copies are
Author copies are print editions sold to you at manufacturing cost plus shipping. They do not earn royalties and do not count toward sales rank.
- Cost = printing + shipping, no royalty
- Ordered from the book's KDP page after it goes live
- Proof copies are a separate pre-release step
Marketplace gaps and delivery
The order dropdown only lists marketplaces that ship author copies to your address. Authors in countries outside the print network often cannot order at all, and launch-week orders queue behind customer orders.
Ordering without the wait
Order proof copies before release to hold the physical book early, then author copies after live for events and reviewers. Budget several weeks for international delivery.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How much do author copies cost?
Printing cost plus shipping, with no royalty. The exact cost shows in the order screen before you pay.
Why is my marketplace missing from the author copy dropdown?
Not every marketplace ships author copies, and the list depends on your shipping address. Choose another marketplace that stocks the title.
How long do author copies take to arrive?
Days to weeks depending on the print location and your country. Order before launch if you need copies for an event.
Do author copies count as sales?
No. They carry no royalty and do not affect sales rank or reviews eligibility.
What is the difference between a proof and an author copy?
A proof is ordered before release to verify printing. Author copies are ordered after release, at the same base cost, for personal use.
Review the print before you order copies.
Run the proof checklist against your printed proof in minutes.