Sophie Howard's Kindle Publishing Income Review: Self-Publishing on Amazon KDP Pros & Cons + Alternatives

Kindle Publishing Income is a course that teaches you how to make money online. Their strategy uses self-publishing without writing a single book. They share the three secrets Sophie Howard used to make $20,000 to $30,000 per month working passively. Self-publishing on Amazon KDP allows you to make money without a physical product. This takes away the need for storage, suppliers, and many added fees.
Kindle Publishing Income has mixed reviews on Reddit, YouTube, Quora, and Trustpilot. It has a rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars in Trustpilot. Positive testimonials feature successful students who have become full-time KDP entrepreneurs. However, many reviews on Reddit and Quora are negative. Users cite a lack of support, hidden costs, and difficulties with refunds. Some praised the course’s content but criticized the high-pressure sales tactics. Many users feel that the program is more time-consuming and expensive than advertised. Others said they find better information available for free online.
Publishing an ebook on Amazon KDP is free, with Amazon taking a cut of each sale based on a 35% or 70% royalty plan. However, achieving profitability is challenging. Printing costs start at $0.85 per book. Publishing takes up to 72 hours, or 10 days for low-content books. It may take 6 months to 1 year to make money. The average earnings are $150 per month, though top authors can earn $20,000 or more. Due to high competition and the need for consistent marketing. You need to budget $50 to $100 for ads and around $1,000 for outsourcing book creation. With over 6 million ebooks on Amazon, KDP is not a passive income source. It requires many books and effective advertising.
In my opinion, self-publishing on Amazon KDP, as what Kindle Publishing Income teaches, is like the good luck phrase “May the odds be ever in your favor.” in The Hunger Games. Since Amazon can change algorithms, slash royalties, or ban your account without warning, you’re just silently hoping that you don’t experience any of these. You don’t actually control your customer list, pricing freedom, or even your book’s visibility. Even if you write something great, it can get buried under a sea of spam and copycats. You’ll often find yourself tweaking keywords, covers, and descriptions for months with little return. Most KDP authors make pennies unless they constantly release new titles or run ads, which can lead to more expenses like being a street musician in Cambridge’s Harvard Square. You have to keep playing louder and longer just to earn spare change. That passive income dream only happens after dozens of books and years of grind. If you stop producing, your earnings flatline fast.
In this Kindle Direct Publishing review, we discuss the course’s pros and cons, modules, and inclusions. We look at who Sophie Howard is and positive and negative student testimonials from Reddit, Trustpilot, and more. Finally, we compare the sustainability of an Amazon KDP business vs a local lead generation biz.
What are the Kindle Publishing Income Pros & Cons?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Kindle Publishing Income offers 1 year of elite guidance. | The Kindle Publishing Income course is expensive. |
| Kindle Publishing Income gives additional features to the actual course. | There are many conditions attached to their refund policy. |
| Sophie Howard is a successful self-published author. | Publishing in Kindle Direct requires huge start up capital besides the course cost. |
| The Kindle Publishing Income free webinar provide a lot of information. |
| Price | Kindle Publishing Income costs $2,485. You can pay it in 5 monthly payments of $497. |
|---|---|
| Refund Policy | Kindle Publishing Income's refund policy offers 180-day money-back guarantee with very specific conditions. |
| Origin | Kindle Publishing Income started in 2022. |
| Reputation | Sophie Howard and Kindle Publishing Income have mixed reviews. Some find that the information is useful, while others think you can just find it on your own through Google. However, it is undeniable that Sophie is a self-published author. |
What is Kindle Publishing Income?
Kindle Publishing Income is an online course created by Sophie Howard. It teaches how to become a self-publisher on Amazon Kindle Direct. But the catch is without actually writing a book. It uncovers the 3 secrets that Sophie used to generate $20,000-$30,000 of passive income monthly. They provide video training materials and various bonuses. The content helps you get started and publish your first-ever Kindle ebook.
The Kindle Publishing Income Course comprises 6 different modules. It contains different training videos created step-by-step process of publishing your first book. They also provide different tools and materials. The program helps you reach your passive income goals faster.
Sophie Howard says that the course’s total market value is $8,185. They sell it for $4,997 if you purchase it on their website. However, for a “limited-time”, you can buy the course for $2,485, which you can pay in increments of $497 for 5 months.
Kindle Publishing Income offers a 180-day money-back guarantee. However, for your request to get approved, you must show proof that you tried out the course and it didn’t work for you. This means that you viewed all the videos and have published at least one book on Amazon Kindle Direct.
Who is Kindle Publishing Income for?
Kindle Publishing Income is for anyone interested in creating passive income. It is for those who want to earn money writing stories. The program is both for beginners and experienced in online businesses. They provide all the information you would need to get started. Their business model does not require any special skills or physical products. All you need is capital to pay for the course and to create your book.
How Much Can You Make Following Kindle Publishing Income?
You can make around $20,000 - $30,000 per month following the same online business model that Sophie teaches. How much you make depends on how many books you publish and how many readers purchase them. Pricing your Kindle book also matters. Amazon Kindle gets a 35 to 75% share of each book sale. Publishing multiple books is a good way to increase your passive income.
What Will You Learn From Kindle Publishing Income?
- Module 1 – Laying The Foundation: You will learn the basics of using Kindle Direct Publishing. This module prepares you with what to expect in publishing your first Kindle ebook.
- Module 2 – The Secret To Building A Successful Business: Sophie teaches you the mindset you need to be in so that you can be successful with your online business.
- Module 3 – Book Ideas: You will learn how to come up with book ideas that have low competition and high demand. Sophie will show you her process of coming up with book ideas.
- Module 4 – Best Seller: This is the implementation stage. Sophie will teach you to develop a high-content book through overseas workers.
- Module 5 – Make It Sell: Sophie will teach you techniques she’s learned over the years to help your book get more sales.
- Module 6 – Sales Boom: This module is all about advertising your Kindle book on Amazon to boost your rankings. Sophie shows you the benefits of Amazon ads.
What are the Kindle Publishing Income Bonuses?
- Expert VIP concierge team: Access to one year of support from experts.
- Sophie’s list of contacts: You get access to an entire list of overseas workers. This saves you time and money in hiring and rehiring.
- Weekly group coaching: Access to a live class with other students. This is where you can ask questions and receive help from Sophie and her team of experts.
- Three 1-on-1 check-ins: These meetings see how you’re progressing within the course. It also tackles any problems you may have.
- Niche finder software: It helps you figure out which niches are profitable. Also, it allows you to see how much your book sales can be.
- Public domain masterclass: A class dedicated to publishing public domain books. This allows you not to spend a dime on ghostwriters.
- Low content masterclass: A class for creating books with minimal writing on your part. Still, no need for ghostwriters.
- Paperback and audible profit multiplier: A guide to increasing your profit. This is by releasing paperback and audiobook versions of your Kindle ebook.
- International profit multiplier: A guide for translating your ebooks. This helps you widen your audience to people all around the globe.
- Fast Launch Facebook Group: This gives you access to a Facebook group for students. Here, you can market your book to boost your rankings.
Kindle Publishing Income Review and Testimonials
Kindle Publishing Income has mixed reviews. There are lots of positive testimonials on YouTube about people finding success. However, Kindle Publishing Income’s YouTube channel features most of them. Moreover, many people say that you can see the information she provides on Google. Some requested a refund but were denied. Others followed all the requirements but could not do so within the 180-day mark. This includes viewing all the material and publishing their book.
Kindle Publishing Income Reviews From Youtube

Andrea is a business professional and adventurer. She faced significant life challenges, including a lack of flexibility. Andrea cares for her aging parents and needs to renovate her home. She discovered Sophie’s Instagram video about the Kindle Publishing Income course. Andrea said it is like a rare and valuable find. Enrolling in the course is life-changing for her. She said it’s a guiding compass towards her goal of becoming a self-publishing author. With the support of Sophie and her team, Andrea succeeded. She navigated her challenges and built a creative, sustainable business. She encourages others to embark on the same journey.

John Quar is now a full-time Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) entrepreneur. He goes into KDP in pursuit of financial and time independence. John found it to be a more manageable business model compared to others. Having worked in a demanding industry for over 30 years, he needed more time for personal matters. After completing Sophie’s course, he successfully published five books. This is with additional ones in progress, and noted that some of his books were performing well. John encouraged others to join the KDP business. He said that if he could achieve success, anyone else could, too.
Kindle Publishing Income Reviews From Reddit
Reviews on Reddit about Sophie Howard’s Kindle Publishing Income course are mostly negative. Users found the course to be lacking in support and described the coaches as unhelpful. Some found the content surface-level and poorly delivered. Some reviewers believe better information is available for free on YouTube. Others call it a scam, mentioning that a supposedly live seminar was pre-recorded. However, floraboyd appreciated Sophie’s unique selling strategy.

Kindle Publishing Income Reviews From Trustpilot
Kindle Publishing Income reviews from Trustpilot are mixed. It has a rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars. Positive reviews praise the program for its comprehensive and informative content. They appreciate structured tutorials and extensive support. Many reviewers appreciate the ability to rewatch materials as needed. Also, they find value in weekly Zoom sessions, coaching, and using AI.

However, several negative reviews mention hidden costs, overwhelming modules, and high-pressure sales tactics. Some users expressed dissatisfaction with the conditions of the money-back guarantee. Complaints also included poor customer service and repetitive content. Many find the program being more time-consuming than advertised. While many find value in the course, others feel misled and frustrated.

Kindle Publishing Income Reviews From Quora
People on Quora said that Kindle Publishing Income did not disclose a critical issue. There is an additional cost of buying ads and spending money to create and promote your books. This cost often consumes most sales revenue. Many users discover these hidden costs only after purchasing the course. The refund policy is also a concern. It was difficult for many to get their money back. Additionally, the impressive sales screenshots in ads do not reflect the actual profits. They omit the associated costs. Achieving the advertised results within a short timeframe is unrealistic for most newbies.

Is Kindle Publishing Income a Scam?
Kindle Publishing Income is not a scam. It provides legitimate products and services that help you become a self-publisher. Especially on Amazon KDP. However, it is also quite expensive. The money-back guarantee they provide is impossible to qualify for. Kindle Publishing Income provides a lot of useful information if you’re just starting. They also give out lots of tools and support that can boost your results if you follow their strategies.
This is for those interested in becoming a self-publisher with a fair amount of capital. Sophie Howard’s strategy works best if you publish multiple books. Especially those with high-level content by ghostwriters. This can cost you from $800-$1200 per book. Besides that, you’ll also need to hire someone to design your book cover and advertise your books.
Who is Sophie Howard?

Sophie Howard is a successful Amazon seller and online business coach. She lives in Wanaka, New Zealand, with her two young children. Sophie Howard has gained a reputation as the “Amazon selling queen”. She is a bestselling author and a digital entrepreneur. Her journey began when she was working a government job. She realized she was losing time working instead of spending it with her kids.
This was when she looked into ways of making passive money online. She started in Amazon FBA, selling tea. Her brand skyrocketed. She quits her 9-6 job. She has launched over 1,000 products on Amazon. Also, she runs a successful Kindle Publishing business. Sophie enjoys helping aspiring entrepreneurs succeed through her training programs and workshops. In her free time, she loves horse riding, skiing, and outdoor activities.
Like other self-publishing courses, Sophie Howard recommends you outsource writing. Including creating your Kindle book cover. This is so that you can produce high content readers would want to purchase.
What are the 2 Free Methods To Start Publishing Without Being a Writer?
1. Public Domain Books
Public Domain Books are content written by deceased authors. The copyrights to these kinds of books are for public use and are free to replicate and produce. Publishing public domain books means creating passive money without writing or hiring someone.
2. Low Content Books
Low-content books are ebooks where the consumer fills in most of the content. These are activity books, planners, and journals. You wouldn’t have to hire a ghostwriter. All you would need to do is come up with your unique format.
How Much Does It Cost To Publish on Amazon KDP?
It costs nothing to start publishing ebooks on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing. You can create your account for free and publish your Kindle ebook for free. Once you sell your books, Amazon gets a cut for every book sale, depending on the royalty contract you choose. If you decide to print, the minimum cost is $0.85. You should budget $50 to $100 for ads and marketing and around $1,000 if outsourcing the book’s creation.
Publishing a book on Amazon Kindle takes up to 72 hours to get it on the Amazon store. If you plan on publishing a low content book, it can take up to 10 days to be reviewed.
How Long Does It Take To Make Money on Amazon KDP?
It may take 6 months to 1 year to make money on KDP . This is because it follows a 60-day payment schedule. It also has a minimum threshold requirement. The average author earns $150 per month, while successful authors may earn $20,000 or more.
Investing $1,000 or less can lead to a return on investment within a year once sales begin. Amazon KDP releases over 1.4 million self-published books annually. It pays over $520 million in royalties to over 1 million authors. While KDP can be profitable, it is challenging.
Self-publishing requires less capital compared to other business models. However, to receive a fair profit, you would need to publish multiple books. Then, replicate the process. Your success would rely on advertising and how many sales you can produce. If you’re interested in a business model that doesn’t rely on selling products.
The market is highly competitive. Every day, publishers add millions of books and thousands of new ones. This makes visibility a challenge that requires paid advertising. Publishing on Amazon is no longer a source of passive income. It demands consistent marketing and effort to find a profitable, less saturated niche. While it’s possible to make money, achieving profitability is difficult.
What are the 4 Disadvantages of Publishing on Amazon KDP?
1. Over-Crowded Market
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing is a very overcrowded market. It is the biggest book retailer in the world, as per Tagari. There are millions of Kindle books available. This makes it hard to stand out from the rest of the competition. If you’re a new self-publisher without an established audience, you may get close to no sales for a long time. One way of going about this is finding niches and genres with low competition but high demand.
2. Exclusivity With Amazon KDP Select
Exclusivity with Amazon KDP Select can be a challenge. You can publish your ebook on Amazon Kindle. However, there is a limited amount of readers that you can reach. Applying for Amazon KDP Select opens your Kindle book to a wider audience. However, there is a catch. Your ebook would have to be exclusive to Amazon for 90 days. This makes Amazon your only distributor. This takes away some of your earning potential. Especially if you distribute your ebook on a variety of platforms.
3. No Control Over Formatting
When uploading on Kindle, you have no control over the formatting. With Kindle Direct Publishing, you can upload a Word document or use Kindle Create. However, once you’ve chosen a format that’s fixed. You can’t fix anything if there are customer complaints. Things like layout or incompatibility with their devices.
4. Amazon KDP Handles Customer Relationships
Kindle Direct Publishing fulfills orders for you and that means Amazon handles customer relationships. This takes away your relationship with your readers. For example, if they cannot access ebooks because of the file type, you can’t simply send them the correct format. Amazon KDP mostly waits until they request a refund. This can cause customer dissatisfaction and drive down your book sales.
What are the Alternatives to Kindle Publishing Income?
- Publishing CEOS by Alex Kaplo teaches how to make money on Amazon KDP through both low-content and high-content books. Students learn the difference between publishing simple notebooks and journals versus full-length, content-rich books. The course dives into niche selection, cover design, keyword targeting, and outsourcing strategies to scale your KDP portfolio. It’s a strong fit for beginners who want a flexible entry into self-publishing without large startup costs.
- Royalty Hero by Sean Dollwet offers a comprehensive system that helps aspiring authors publish and market their own books without relying on traditional publishers. The course covers book creation, Amazon optimization, audience growth, and royalty maximization. It’s especially valuable for writers who want to maintain full control of their intellectual property and income streams. Royalty Hero leans more toward building an author brand and sustainable business rather than rapid outsourcing.
- Blog-To-Book Strategy by George Kao teaches how to transform existing blog posts into a published book within five weeks. It focuses on organic content repurposing, efficient editing, and self-publishing workflows for authors who already write regularly online. This method is ideal for coaches, educators, or entrepreneurs with established audiences who want to build credibility through authorship. It doesn’t rely on outsourcing, making it a more authentic and creative approach to self-publishing.
Final Verdict: Is Kindle Publishing Income Worth It?
Kindle Publishing Income is worth it for individuals who enjoy writing or managing outsourced content and want to build a digital publishing business through Amazon KDP. Its structured modules, niche-finding tools, and coaching from Sophie Howard make it accessible for beginners with capital and time to invest. However, the course’s cost, additional ad spend, and Amazon’s unpredictable algorithm make it difficult to achieve the advertised “passive income.” The business model also requires constant book production and marketing to stay profitable, reducing its scalability for those seeking hands-off income.
If you’re looking for a model with more control and predictable results, Kindle Publishing Income may not be the best fit long-term.
On the other hand, local lead generation is better because it builds owned digital assets that rank organically and generate consistent leads without ongoing ad costs or reliance on third-party platforms. Once ranked, local lead gen sites can produce stable income with minimal upkeep, making them a more reliable and scalable passive income model.
Is Local Lead Generation More Profitable Than Self-Publishing on Amazon KDP?
In my 10 years of experience, local lead generation is more profitable than Amazon KDP because your sites act like mini ATMs, which bring consistent cash flow with minimal upkeep. Once your lead sites rank, they can generate $500-$2,000 monthly on autopilot for months or years. There’s no need to keep cranking out new books or chasing temporary launches. With local lead gen, you own the website, the domain, and the leads, not some third-party platform. It’s like owning Clear Lake in California instead of paying to fish at Big Brown Fish & Pay Lakes. No one can shut you down, demonetize you, or hold your customer data hostage. Plus, you’re not competing with millions, you’re ranking a few small websites in low-competition local markets. There are no trolls, fake reviews, or public comment sections to sabotage you. Clients care about results, not star ratings. If you deliver leads, you get paid.
In contrast, KDP involves significant costs to produce high-quality books and ongoing advertising. These things can diminish profits. Your income fluctuates heavily based on book sales and market competition.

Why I Recommend the Local Lead Gen Business Model
I recommend the local lead generation business model because it offers faster, more predictable, and scalable income by controlling local rankings and client relationships directly. For example, my site Pasadena Master ADU Builder 930 East Colorado Boulevard Pasadena, California 91106 626-569-5564 https://pasadenamasteradu.com/ drove $38,190 in additional revenue to my client’s business. After sending 17 new leads their way, I got paid $3,819 for a 10% commission.
Scalability is another advantage of local lead generation. Once you master the process for one market, you can replicate it in others. This gives you control over your business without depending on platform algorithms. In addition, local lead gen allows for direct customer relationships, fostering long-term contracts. If you’re looking for more stable financial benefits, I highly recommend local lead generation.

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