Amazon 101: An Exclusive Interview with Sylvia Hubbard Hutula
3 min read
Self-publishing has revolutionized the literary world, yet many authors struggle to navigate Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) platform effectively. Award-winning author, literary strategist, and founder of Motown Writers, Sylvia Hubbard Hutula, has spent over two decades mastering the art of independent publishing. With more than 60 books to her name, she’s not only built a thriving career but also helped countless authors maximize their book sales.
In this exclusive interview, Sylvia shares insights ahead of her Amazon 101: Kindle Direct Publishing event, where she’ll break down the steps to mastering KDP. From understanding Amazon’s marketing tools to sustaining long-term success, Sylvia reveals what authors need to know to optimize their book’s performance.
INTELLECTUAL INK: What can attendees expect to learn from your session at the GRRWG event, and why is understanding Amazon’s KDP platform essential for today’s authors?
SYLVIA HUBBARD HUTULA: Over the years, I’ve heard so many authors complain about using KDP and not getting sales. When I looked into it, I realized many weren’t using the platform to their advantage. Some didn’t even know about the marketing tab, Amazon ads, or free promotion options. I had one author who didn’t know she could order author copies or ship books directly from KDP!
From last year to this year, Amazon has been making major changes. I want authors to stop fearing the platform, stop feeling overwhelmed, and start taking advantage of these opportunities—without going broke trying to sell a book.
Many authors struggle with discoverability on Amazon. What are some key marketing tools within KDP that you’ll be teaching attendees to enhance their book sales?
We’ll be doing a step-by-step walkthrough of all the tabs, including when and how to use Kindle Select to increase visibility. I’ll also introduce authors to the latest marketing tools Amazon has added to help boost book sales.
You’ve independently published over 60 books—how has mastering KDP helped you grow your career, and how can other authors replicate your success?
I never stop learning. I stay active in KDP discussion groups to see what’s happening, what issues other authors are facing, and what new updates are being rolled out. Then, I test those updates to see if they work for my books and my audience.
This isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it platform. KDP constantly changes to match reader behavior. If authors want to succeed, they have to stay informed and adjust their strategies as the platform evolves.
For writers new to self-publishing, what are the most important daily, weekly, and monthly tasks they should focus on to optimize their book’s performance?
Here’s a simple framework I follow:
- Daily – Engage with your audience.
- Weekly – Keep a journal of book sales and schedule promotions.
- Monthly – Analyze your sales data and promotional campaigns to see what’s working and what needs improvement.
Being consistent and strategic is key to long-term success.
Beyond just publishing a book, what mindset shifts or strategies will you be sharing to help authors sustain long-term success in online book sales?
I’ll be covering strategies like:
- Scheduled promotions to keep books in front of readers
- Ad campaigns (on and off KDP)
- Out-of-the-box promotion strategies
- Niche marketing to target the right readers
- Using AI tools to find the best keywords and improve discoverability
The right strategy makes all the difference between a book that sells and one that gets lost in the noise.
Why should writers—whether beginners or seasoned authors—make it a priority to attend this event, and how can they best prepare to maximize their learning experience?
Most writers use KDP without truly understanding it. Many just copy what they see others doing instead of learning how to make it work for their own books. This event will show them how to stop fearing the ‘Amazon monster’ and start leveraging it to increase sales—while freeing up more time to write and publish new books the right way.
Where? Peppino’s, 1515 Eastport Dr. Grand Rapids, MI 49508
When? Saturday March 8th 12pm
Missed This Event? Catch Sylvia at A Rally of Writers!
If you can’t make it to this session, Sylvia will be hosting this workshop again in April at A Rally of Writers in Lansing, Michigan. Registration is still open—click here to sign up!
