Today I had an author for an old book I designed reach out to ask me to remove my connection to the book as a contributor because it was hindering their publisher from making updates to their account. I had never had this happen before and I actually had not updated my page in so long I had to google to even get back to it. This is the first tip: Keep your page updated with new book contributions.

Upon logging in and after reading several forums of users going back and forth, I realized there was no easy and quick “remove book” option and it would involve contacting Amazon directly. I reached out and got a callback immediately and the issue was resolved. According to the representative, me being attached as a contributor should not have been hindering any updates that he was aware of but I requested it removed just the same and alerted the author to give it 24-48 hours to update. It actually updated shortly after resolving which was great in order not to drag the issue out any longer than needed. While I am not sure if the publisher just wanted me removed in general, these are the steps you can take should you run into the same issues.

Example of change:

If you’ve been designing book covers for clients—whether self-published authors, small presses, or ghostwriting agencies—you need an Amazon Author Central Page.

Yes, even if you’re not the author of the book.

Here’s the secret many designers don’t know:
📌 Amazon allows cover designers and illustrators to be listed as contributors on book listings.
And once your name appears in the contributor field, you can link those books to your Amazon Author Central profile—instantly elevating your credibility, search visibility, and professional portfolio.

Let’s walk through exactly how to create, claim, and update your Amazon Author Central Page as a graphic designer.

Why Graphic Designers Need an Author Central Page

As a book cover designer, your work is your résumé.
But many designers do all this incredible work…and it disappears into the Amazon universe with no credit.

An Author Central Page solves that.

You get:

✔ A centralized Amazon portfolio of every book cover you designed

✔ An official Amazon presence readers and clients can Google

✔ A credibility boost for future clients (“My covers appear on Amazon. Here’s the link.”)

✔ Better SEO since your name now connects to multiple published books

✔ A way for agencies and publishers to look up your work instantly

If you’re building your digital empire, this is one of the most overlooked visibility tools.

Step 1: Create Your Amazon Author Central Account

Setting up your Author Central page is free and takes less than 10 minutes.

1. Go to:

👉 https://author.amazon.com/

2. Sign in using your Amazon account

You can use your regular shopper account or create a new email just for your brand.

3. Accept the terms

4. Verify your identity

Amazon may send:

A verification email
A request to confirm your first book contribution
A prompt to connect your existing author profile (if you already appear in contributor fields)

Once you’re in, you’ll have access to your Author Central dashboard.

Step 2: Add or Claim the Books You Designed

This is where many graphic designers get stuck.

You CANNOT manually upload books to Author Central.
Amazon only lets you claim books where the publishing metadata already lists you as a contributor.

So here’s what you must do.

Step 2A: Ask Your Client to Add You as a Contributor on Amazon KDP

The author must go into their Amazon KDP dashboard and add you under:
Contributors → Illustrator / Editor / Designer / Other

This takes them 20 seconds.

They go to:

KDP Dashboard → Bookshelf → Edit eBook/Print → Contributors

Then add your name and role.

Your role options may include:

Illustrator
Designer
Photographer
Contributor
Editor
Foreword/Preface writer

If “Cover Designer” isn’t an option, choose Illustrator—Amazon uses this for any visual creator.

Step 2B: Tell Your Client EXACTLY What to Enter

To avoid typos or mismatches, send them a copy/paste block like:

Contributor Name: Angela Wesley
Role: Illustrator (Cover Designer)
Amazon Page URL (once created): [insert later]

Once your name is added and the book republished, your name will appear on the Amazon listing within 24–72 hours.

Step 3: Claim the Book in Your Author Central Dashboard

After your name appears on the book listing:

Go to your Author Central dashboard
Click Books
Click + Add more books
Search by:
- Your name
- The book title
- The client’s author name
When the book appears, click This is my book

You’ll see it added to your page instantly or within a few hours.

Step 4: Update Your Amazon Author Central Profile

Your profile is your storefront. Treat it like your portfolio.

Update these sections:

✔ Author/Designer Bio

Write a short, engaging bio that includes:

Your specialty (e.g., “high-impact book cover design”)
Your brand/company name
The types of books you design for
Your signature design style
A call to action

Example Bio for Designers:

Angela Wesley is a graphic designer and creative marketer specializing in eye-catching book cover design for authors, coaches, and content creators. Through her brand, alegna creates®, she helps writers bring their stories to life through bold visuals, strategic branding, and market-ready design. Explore more of her work at [your website].

✔ Add a Professional Headshot or Branding Photo

A clean, well-lit headshot or a professional on-brand image works best.

✔ Add Links (This is optional depending on region)

Some Author Central regions allow:

Website links
Social profiles
Amazon storefront links

If available, use them!

Step 5: Keep Your Page Updated as You Design New Covers

Every time you design a new cover:

1. Notify the author to add you as a contributor

2. Wait for the book listing to update

3. Claim the new book through your dashboard

4. Refresh your bio yearly to reflect new achievements

5. Add branding photos, videos, or a portfolio trailer (if your region allows)

This turns your Author Central Page into a living design portfolio.

Pro Tips for Graphic Designers Using Amazon Author Central

✔ Tell your clients UPFRONT that contributor credit is part of the service

Include it in your contract or project instructions.

✔ Use your Amazon page as a marketing tool

Add it to:

Your website
Instagram bio
LinkedIn
Your design portfolio
Client email signatures
Your media kit

✔ Brand your contributor name consistently

Always use the same spelling and format so Amazon can unify your books.

✔ Offer “Amazon Listing Optimization” as an upsell

Help authors improve their book listing thumbnail and metadata—a profitable add-on.

Final Thoughts

Your design work deserves visibility.
Your name deserves professional credit.
Your portfolio deserves a permanent home.

Setting up an Amazon Author Central Page puts you in a category many designers overlook—verified Amazon contributor with a searchable digital footprint.