Can I have multiple KDP accounts?
Opening a new KDP account is no more than a few clicks away for any Amazon user. Just go to kdp.amazon.com, accept the Terms and Conditions, and off you go.
In fact, it is so easy that some people do it by mistake.
Some publishers have tried running multiple KDP accounts to organize their book portfolios. For example, they might want to keep different pen names under different accounts, keep fiction separate from nonfiction titles, or keep erotica titles in a separate account.
Whether you opened a second KDP account by mistake or on purpose, or if you are planning to do so, there are a few things you should know to avoid getting banned from KDP forever.
Yes, you heard that right. Authors have had their books permanently kicked out of KDP for not playing by the rules.
So, what are the rules?
Amazon KDP Terms paragraph 4.2 states that “ You may maintain only one account at a time “
I have contacted KDP’s legal department to Clarify what they mean by this. Here is Amazon’s official response.
In the Terms and Conditions from Amazon KDP it says “You may maintain only one account at a time”, that means you as a person or entity may have only one account even if the account information is different (addressing your questions).
If you have a business or LLC you may create a personal account at your name and one for your business. Just be sure to clearly differentiate them in the account, payment and tax information.
What happens if you open a second KDP account by mistake?
As long as you don’t take the tax interview, and don’t enter any identification and bank details (that match the legal entity you use in your first KDP account) you are ok.
What happens if you have published books under the same legal entity in two KDP accounts?
You must contact KDP immediately and explain to them your mistake. Ask to merge your books from one account to the another, so you can close the second account. KDP is known for being very harsh on this matter, terminating accounts with or without warning so you better get on this before they find out.
Can you have multiple KDP accounts?
Yes, but you will need a company for every extra account you want to have (assuming you have the first account under your name). Although opening a US company online is trivial, keeping the accounts and taking care of state and federal obligations is not. Therefore, you should weigh the benefits and costs carefully.
Keep in mind that the internet is full of bad information on this topic some of which has come from Amazon KDP itself. Nevertheless, KDP has made it clear that this information is incorrect and that their representatives made a mistake.
Originally published at https://blog.fiveabook.com.
