Has anyone self published on Amazon?

Thanks everyone for all the good advice, which I really appreciate. I like the idea of publishing it myself. I did do that a few years ago with a family history book I put together. I only needed enough copies for family members but I do remember it was a good experience working with a small local printer, so thanks for that idea, Ilovecheese. Antonia, £150 sounds quite reasonable for the proofreading and uploading and I will certainly have a look at FB for self-publishing groups. Thanks again.

I am not sure I can offer much help about the actual publishing process through Amazon. I just use it as a marketplace. I published the book myself. I had it printed with a local printer who were extremely helpful, showing me different styles and weights of paper and covers, and advising me about page margins. (my book was of craft projects, not fiction, so I wanted it bound in a certain way).
I laid it out with Microsoft Publisher because I needed to draw diagrams, then just saved it as a PDF to send to the printers.
I needed photographs and am not a good enough photographer myself so I paid a friend who is semi professional.
Because I had photographs I could use one for the cover but for yourself if you have an idea of what you would like a couple of ideas might be to:
Ask local camera clubs if anyone would either sell you one of their existing photos or take one for you.
Have a look at local makers markets for photographers and artists who might like the commission.
If you need illustrations how about contacting your nearest art college?

You don't need an ISBN number but if you want one it might be easier for you to go to Amazons recommended seller and save yourself the hassle that I had.

Marketing:
You really need to blow your own trumpet even though this may go against the grain.
Have you had any short stories published in magazines ? If so, they will probably do a book review for you.
When things are back to normal, groups like the W.I. are often looking for speakers, you could offer to talk about your experience of self publishing. Take copies of your book with you to sell.
Your local library might do meet the author sessions you could ask to be included, same if you have a local independent bookshop.

I really enjoyed putting together my book and the whole self publishing process, but be under no illusion that I made a profit! I don't think I even covered the costs, even taking into account fees for giving talks. But it was really good fun so all the best to you and good luck.

When I published, there were only two genres you could list in. That may have changed now though.

NotTooOld

Thanks. Can I just ask a couple of questions, please?
1) Ilovecheese - how much does it cost to buy an ISBN number and do you need to do that before you begin the publishing process?
2) Antonia - how did you find someone to upload your book and how much did you pay them, if you don't mind me asking?
I knew it must be a fairly complicated process because you can actually buy books telling you how to do it. I did try to get my grandson to do the publishing for me but he went off to university and other things took over, so paying someone to do it for me might be the answer.
I understand about the need for marketing and I do find that quite off putting. Presumably listing it in as many genres as possible is the best plan so that it crops up in as many searches as possible. I am also wondering about the cover. How does that work, please?

I believe I paid about £150 altogether for the proofreading and uploading.
I designed the cover myself, using a photo and a text editor for the title.
Your best source of information will be one of the many Facebook groups on publishing books.

Thanks. Can I just ask a couple of questions, please?
1) Ilovecheese - how much does it cost to buy an ISBN number and do you need to do that before you begin the publishing process?
2) Antonia - how did you find someone to upload your book and how much did you pay them, if you don't mind me asking?
I knew it must be a fairly complicated process because you can actually buy books telling you how to do it. I did try to get my grandson to do the publishing for me but he went off to university and other things took over, so paying someone to do it for me might be the answer.
I understand about the need for marketing and I do find that quite off putting. Presumably listing it in as many genres as possible is the best plan so that it crops up in as many searches as possible. I am also wondering about the cover. How does that work, please?

Amazon is just a marketplace after all, the publicity etc. Is up to you. But that is the same with anything self published, so Amazon is, I think, as good a place as any.

I also had a bit of a struggle putting my book on Amazon, they didn't want to accept my ISBN number because I hadn't bought it from their recommended supplier. I managed in the end but I can understand your frustration. Something I find quite useful is to Google every technical term that I don't understand.
Best of luck to you.

I have self published three books on Amazon. It's very important to have your manuscript proof read by a professional. It's quite true that you cannot proof read your own work. You are so familiar with it, you will miss errors.
I found it easier to pay someone to do the uploading for me. I did try, but it's tricky to get everything correct; margins, font, and links if you are publishing a Kindle book.
The most difficult thing actually comes after publication. You are on your own to promote the book, and unless you are a celebrity or an established author, it's hard to get anyone interested enough to actually buy the book.
Good luck, and well done for completing your manuscript.