<h1>Becoming an Author in Canada</h1>You have an idea, or at least the glimmering of an idea for a book. The path to becoming an author in Canada is in essence fairly straightforward, though the details of each step and the work involved might make it appear complex and even a bit overwhelming.&nbsp; But understanding the main steps and working through each one will eventually pay off for you.&nbsp;<h2>Step 1: A Love of Reading</h2>A step that is likely to help is to read as much as you can. Reading widely is a very good way to learn about storytelling. Discover different styles, explore the authors’ worlds, and see how they bring their stories to life.&nbsp;<h2>Step 2: Start Writing Your Own Stories</h2>Starting with the idea you've chosen to explore, outline a plot of how the story could go. It doesn’t have to be a fully baked plot line, just get the jist of it written down. Then you can flesh it out, work it around, and continue to improve it. Start writing regularly. Write a certain number of words per day or set aside a slot of time within which you write. Writing is a skill like any other that will improve with practice.<h2>Step 3: Get Feedback</h2>Once you’ve fleshed out your story, refine it and then get feedback from family and friends or even from a writing group. Having an outsider’s view is essential if you want to grow as an author. Don’t be discouraged by critiques; even the best authors edit and revise based on suggestions.&nbsp;<h2>Step 4: Publish</h2>Getting your book into the marketplace can be one of the easiest steps now that Amazon KDP and similar platforms are available for self-publishing.But ensure you have all your ducks in a row as in Canada, as even with self-publishing through platforms such as Amazon KDP, you’ll need to pay attention to the dual-language market opportunities as well as make sure you follow Canadian-specific business requirements.Get your book done by following the above steps and stick with it until you are satisfied. You are your first customer and if you love the story, it's likely others will love it too. &nbsp;

How to Become an Author in Canada

# KDP Proof Copies: What Are They and How Much Do They Cost?
A proof copy is essentially a test version of your book that can be ordered from Amazon’s KDP. Authors like to get these proof copies in order to check their books in print form before they become fully available for their readers. As a self-publisher, it’s a good way to make sure your book has come out as you wish. 
## The Cost of a KDP Proof Copy
There is no fixed amount as the cost varies based on these factors:
- How many pages does your book have?
- Is the book printed in color or black and white? The printing costs have a per-page rate, which is higher for color pages and lower for black-and-white. Plus there is a fixed cost for the cover.
- Shipping: based on your location and speed you want it. 
### Printing Cost Formula:
Base Price: A fixed cost depending on the trim size and interior type.

Per Page Cost:
- Black & White Interior: ~$0.012 per page.
- Premium Color Interior: ~$0.07 per page.
- Standard Color Interior: ~$0.03–$0.05 per page.
### Example Costs:
Black & White, 100 pages:
~$2.30 (Base price + per-page cost).
Premium Color, 100 pages:
~$9.30 (Base price + per-page cost).

You can see the exact cost of your proof copy in your KDP account after setting up your book. Proof copies are watermarked and meant for review purposes only. It will have ‘not for resale’ printed on the cover. 


How Much Are KDP Proof Copies?

# All About KDP Book Sizes
Books come in all shapes and sizes. Paperback and hardcover novels and biographies are typically quite similar in size, whereas a coffee table book or a children’s book are often much larger. Then there are pocket paperbacks which are quite a bit smaller. For self-publishing authors using KDP, choosing the right size for your book is an important factor in your book creation so that it looks and feels just right.
## Sizes for KDP Books
The most common and popular sizes are:
- For novels/fiction/biography: 5" x 8" and 6" x 9"
- For textbooks/workbooks: 8.5" x 11"
- For children's books: 8.5" x 8.5" and 8.5" x 11"
- Textbooks/non-fiction: 7" x 10" (17.78 x 25.4 cm)
- For coffee table books: 8.5" x 11" (21.59 x 27.94 cm)

There are many other options too, so authors have flexibility to match their book’s content and audience expectations.

Following is the complete list of KDP book sizes for paperbacks and hardcover books.
### Paperback sizes:
- 5" x 8" (12.7 x 20.32 cm)
- 5.06" x 7.81" (12.85 x 19.84 cm)
- 5.25" x 8" (13.34 x 20.32 cm)
- 5.5" x 8.5" (13.97 x 21.59 cm)
- 6" x 9" (15.24 x 22.86 cm)
- 6.14" x 9.21" (15.6 x 23.39 cm)
- 6.69" x 9.61" (17 x 24.4 cm)
- 7" x 10" (17.78 x 25.4 cm)
- 7.44" x 9.69" (18.9 x 24.61 cm)
- 7.5" x 9.25" (19.05 x 23.5 cm)
- 8" x 10" (20.32 x 25.4 cm)
- 8.25" x 6" (20.96 x 15.24 cm)
- 8.25" x 8.25" (20.96 x 20.96 cm)
- 8.27" x 11.69" (A4: 21 x 29.7 cm)
- 8.5" x 8.5" (21.59 x 21.59 cm)
- 8.5" x 11" (21.59 x 27.94 cm)
### Hardcover sizes:
- 5.5" x 8.5" (13.97 x 21.59 cm)
- 6" x 9" (15.24 x 22.86 cm)
- 6.14" x 9.21" (15.6 x 23.39 cm)
- 7" x 10" (17.78 x 25.4 cm)
- 8.5" x 8.5" (21.59 x 21.59 cm)
- 8.5" x 11" (21.59 x 27.94 cm)
Note that not all sizes are available in all marketplaces.
## Which Size to Choose?
Choosing a book size is more than an aesthetic decision, it can directly impact the reading experience. For example: a novel will typically be a size that is potable for a read on the go while a textbook or workbook would often need more room for text, images, graphics, and such. A small paperback coffee table book is not nearly as appealing as a large format hardcover book with large color pictures.
Next time you pick up a book, you’ll have an idea that its size wasn’t chosen at random. Each book size is often carefully selected to suit its content and enhance your reading experience!
