Maritza Mendoza: Empowering Authors Through Accessible Amazon KDP Publishing Education

Maritza Mendoza has carved out a unique niche in the booming self-publishing education space by making Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) accessible to everyday people who never thought they could become published authors. As a Christian woman of faith, mother, wife, full-time ghostwriter, and homeschooling parent, Mendoza brings a relatable, down-to-earth approach to teaching self-publishing that resonates deeply with aspiring authors who juggle multiple responsibilities.

Who is Maritza Mendoza?

Maritza Mendoza is a Udemy instructor specializing in Amazon KDP publishing education. Her background as a full-time ghostwriter and avid reader of topics relating to emotional intelligence, mental health, toxic personalities, education, and parenting gives her a unique perspective on content creation. She is passionate about writing Christian, homeschooling, and self-help content, and she considers herself a lifelong learner who believes in the importance of acquiring knowledge for application, self-reflection, and growth.

What sets Mendoza apart from many business coaches is her genuine commitment to helping others succeed while managing her own multifaceted life. She works diligently to help homeschooling families homeschool creatively, demonstrating that success in self-publishing does not require sacrificing family commitments or personal values. Her personal motto reflects her philosophy: “It takes great courage to heal, gain knowledge, and wisdom.”

Maritza’s Educational Content and Course Offerings

Maritza Mendoza has created several practical courses on Udemy that focus on making Amazon KDP publishing as simple and accessible as possible. Her teaching style emphasizes speed, simplicity, and actionable results, making her courses perfect for busy parents, aspiring authors, and anyone looking to create passive income streams through self-publishing.

Create Word Search Puzzle Books in Minutes

One of Mendoza’s flagship courses teaches students how to create word search puzzle books quickly and publish them on Amazon KDP. This course is designed for those who want to step into the world of Amazon Kindle Publishing with a product that is effortless to produce. The course presents word search puzzle creation as a viable passive income stream and positions it as necessary for those aiming to thrive in the online publishing landscape.

The brilliance of this approach lies in its accessibility. Unlike writing a full-length novel, creating puzzle books requires minimal writing skills and can be produced quickly using simple tools. This lowers the barrier to entry for complete beginners while still providing a real path to generating income.

Create a Poetry Book and Publish it on Amazon KDP in 1 Day

Perhaps Mendoza’s most innovative offering is her course on transforming raw journal entries and scattered poems into a polished poetry book ready for publication on Amazon KDP, all within a single day. This comprehensive online course guides students through the process of crafting free-verse poetry with step-by-step writing instructions.

The course includes journaling exercises to fuel poetic expression, instruction on designing a visually stunning book interior, and guidance on creating an eye-catching cover that captures the essence of a poetry collection. Most importantly, it features easy-to-follow instructions that can be completed in one day.

Mendoza created this course specifically for those who enjoy writing and journaling and want to publish a book but feel that it is a tedious task. Her message is clear: it does not have to be. By breaking down the process into manageable steps and focusing on poetry, which naturally allows for shorter content, she makes book publishing achievable for virtually anyone.

Why Her Content Is Genuinely Helpful

Maritza Mendoza’s content stands out in the crowded Amazon KDP education space for several compelling reasons:

1. Emphasis on Speed and Simplicity

Unlike courses that require months of work, Mendoza focuses on publishing methods that can be executed quickly. Her “one day” poetry book course and “minutes” puzzle book course reflect a realistic understanding that most aspiring publishers have limited time and need to see results quickly to stay motivated. This approach is particularly valuable for busy parents and working professionals who cannot dedicate months to their first publishing venture.

2. Low Content and No Content Publishing Focus

Mendoza recognizes that not everyone wants to write a 300-page novel. By focusing on low-content books like puzzle books and shorter formats like poetry collections, she provides entry points into publishing that require less creative writing expertise. This democratizes the publishing process and makes it accessible to people who might not consider themselves “writers” in the traditional sense.

3. Complete Process Coverage

Her courses do not just teach one aspect of publishing. They cover the entire journey from creation to design to upload to Amazon KDP. Students learn how to design book interiors, create eye-catching covers, and navigate the Amazon KDP platform. This comprehensive approach means students do not need to purchase multiple courses to understand the full process.

4. Emotional and Personal Development Integration

Mendoza’s background in writing about emotional intelligence, mental health, and personal development infuses her teaching with deeper meaning. Her poetry course, for example, uses journaling exercises to help students explore their emotions and experiences. This transforms publishing from a purely commercial endeavor into a personal growth journey, making it more fulfilling and sustainable.

5. Relatability and Authenticity

As a homeschooling mother and person of faith, Mendoza connects with a specific demographic that often feels underserved in the online business space. Her authenticity shines through in her course descriptions and teaching philosophy. She is not promising overnight riches or easy money. Instead, she is offering practical skills and realistic pathways to creating supplementary income while maintaining family commitments.

6. Passive Income Philosophy

Mendoza consistently frames her teaching around the concept of “turning content into passive income.” This is particularly helpful because it sets realistic expectations. She positions publishing as a way to create income-generating assets that can continue earning money long after the initial work is done, rather than trading time for money in a traditional job.

Her Unique Edge in Content Creation

Maritza Mendoza possesses several distinctive advantages that differentiate her from other Amazon KDP educators:

Faith-Based and Family-First Approach

In an industry dominated by “hustle culture” and aggressive marketing tactics, Mendoza’s faith-based, family-first approach offers a refreshing alternative. She demonstrates that it is possible to build a publishing business without sacrificing personal values or family time. This resonates deeply with Christian audiences and parents who want to earn income without compromising their priorities.

Experience as a Full-Time Ghostwriter

Unlike many KDP coaches who only publish their own books, Mendoza works as a full-time ghostwriter. This means she understands professional writing from multiple angles: creating content for clients, meeting deadlines, and producing quality work consistently. This practical, hands-on experience informs her teaching in ways that pure theory cannot.

Focus on Ultra-Fast Publishing

While many KDP courses teach publishing over weeks or months, Mendoza’s “one day” approach is revolutionary. This is not about cutting corners but about identifying the most efficient path to publication. For people who have been putting off their publishing dreams for years, the promise of completing a book in a single day can be the motivation they need to finally take action.

Niche Selection Wisdom

By focusing on low-content books and poetry, Mendoza has identified niches where competition is based more on execution and marketing than on creative genius. This levels the playing field and makes success more attainable for ordinary people. Her emphasis on word search puzzles, for example, taps into a market with consistent demand and straightforward production requirements.

Affordable Education Model

By teaching on Udemy rather than creating expensive multi-thousand-dollar courses, Mendoza makes her education accessible to people with limited budgets. This aligns with her mission of empowering everyday people and demonstrates her genuine commitment to helping others rather than maximizing personal profit.

The Amazon KDP Industry: A Field Worth Pursuing

Maritza Mendoza’s decision to focus on Amazon KDP education comes at a perfect time. The self-publishing industry is experiencing explosive growth, and the data overwhelmingly supports that this is a field with substantial opportunity for those who approach it with the right knowledge and strategies.

Explosive Market Growth

The self-publishing industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the global economy:

The global self-publishing market reached approximately $1.85 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 16.7% from 2025 to 2033, reaching $6.16 billion by 2033. This represents more than triple the current market size, demonstrating incredible long-term potential for authors and service providers.

By 2025, the global self-publishing market is projected to exceed $20 billion in annual revenue when including related services, reflecting its status as a powerhouse in the literary world. The self-publishing services market alone, including cover design, editing, formatting, and distribution services, is valued at around $268.6 million in 2025 and is growing at a CAGR of 6.4% through 2033.

The online self-publishing services market was valued at $12.4 billion in 2024 and is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 8.9% from 2026 to 2033, reaching $25.6 billion by 2033.

Massive Output Increase

The volume of self-published books has exploded, fundamentally changing the publishing landscape:

Approximately 500,000 new self-published works were released in 2023 in the United States alone, compared to just 10,000 from traditional publishers. That is a 50:1 ratio. Roughly 1.7 million books were self-published in the U.S. alone in 2023, a number that has more than doubled since 2018.

The self-publishing sector has more than doubled its output in the past ten years, showcasing the rapid democratization of the publishing industry.

Amazon KDP Dominance

Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing platform has become the undisputed leader in self-publishing:

Amazon’s market share of self-published print books in the US increased from 6% in 2007 to 92% as of 2018. This dominance means that authors who learn to navigate Amazon KDP effectively have access to the largest marketplace for books in the world.

In the 10 years that Kindle Unlimited has been active, KDP authors have earned more than $3.5 billion in royalties, with more than $650 million of that coming in just the past 12 months. In October 2025 alone, KDP Select author earnings totaled $64.6 million, demonstrating the ongoing earning potential for authors enrolled in the program.

Strong Earning Potential

For self-published authors who understand the system, the financial rewards can be substantial:

Self-published authors captured 51% of overall e-book unit sales and more than 34% of e-book retail revenue, which translated into e-book sales of $874 million in 2022 for self-published authors.

Authors on Amazon KDP can earn up to 70% royalty on ebooks priced between $2.99 and $9.99, and up to 60% royalty on paperback and hardcover books sold through KDP. This represents significantly higher royalty rates than traditional publishing, where authors typically earn 10% to 15% of the list price.

Low Barriers to Entry

One of the most compelling aspects of Amazon KDP is its accessibility:

KDP allows independent authors to release their print or electronic material whenever they want, without waiting for publisher approval or scheduling. Previously, authors had to wait up to 18 months for publication through traditional channels.

There are virtually no upfront costs required. Authors can publish ebooks with zero investment, and paperback publishing through print-on-demand means no need for inventory or large printing runs.

Diverse Publishing Opportunities

The Amazon KDP ecosystem supports multiple types of content:

Low-content books like journals, planners, notebooks, and puzzle books represent a massive opportunity for creators who want to publish without extensive writing. These products consistently generate sales and require minimal ongoing effort once created.

Poetry collections, short story compilations, and niche non-fiction books allow authors to publish shorter works that would never find a home in traditional publishing but can thrive in the digital marketplace.

Technology Acceleration

Emerging technologies are making self-publishing even more accessible:

AI-powered editing and cover design tools saw a 45% jump in user adoption in 2023, helping first-time authors cut costs and time spent in the early production stages. Tools like ChatGPT and Jasper are helping authors draft content quickly and efficiently.

Print-on-demand technologies mean that self-published authors do not need significant capital to produce paperback versions of their books. Books are printed individually as orders come in, eliminating inventory risk.

Growing Reader Demand

Reader behavior continues to favor self-published content:

Self-published authors are driving what is new, exciting, and trending in literature. Indie authors have pioneered popular genres like romantasy (romance plus fantasy), which has become a major force in the publishing industry.

The growing number of traditional publishers signing major deals in 2024 for previously self-published books and series, particularly in hot genres such as romance, horror, and romantasy, demonstrates that self-published work is achieving mainstream recognition and quality.

Resilient Business Model

Self-publishing offers unusual stability in an uncertain economy:

The COVID-19 pandemic actually boosted the self-publishing market as people turned to books during lockdowns, and demand has remained strong post-pandemic. The shift to digital consumption brought about by the pandemic led to strong growth in e-books and audiobooks.

86% of self-published authors surveyed said they would recommend the experience to other writers, with 58% citing that they liked retaining control over their material and 50% wanting higher royalties.

The Challenges Maritza’s Teaching Addresses

While the self-publishing market offers tremendous opportunity, it also presents challenges that Mendoza’s teaching directly addresses:

Visibility and Discoverability Issues

Around 64% of self-published authors struggle with visibility and discoverability, often citing limited marketing tools and algorithm biases on platforms like Amazon KDP. By focusing on low-content books and efficient publishing methods, Mendoza helps her students create multiple books quickly, which increases their overall visibility on the platform.

Time Investment Concerns

Many aspiring authors never publish because they believe it will take months or years to complete a book. Mendoza’s one-day poetry book and quick puzzle book methods eliminate this barrier, making publishing achievable even for the busiest individuals.

Technical Overwhelm

The Amazon KDP platform can be intimidating for beginners. Mendoza’s step-by-step approach demystifies the technical aspects, walking students through formatting, cover design, and platform navigation in clear, accessible language.

Need for Multiple Books

Research shows that successful self-published authors typically need between 8 to 10 books before they can consider themselves established. Mendoza’s focus on quick-to-produce formats like puzzle books and poetry collections makes it feasible to build this catalog without dedicating years to the endeavor.

The Future is Bright for Educated Self-Publishers

The self-publishing industry is at an inflection point where technology, consumer behavior, and market dynamics are all aligning to create unprecedented opportunities for independent authors. By 2033, the market is expected to triple in size, and platforms like Amazon KDP will continue to dominate the landscape.

Maritza Mendoza is positioning her students to capitalize on this growth by teaching them practical skills they can implement immediately. Her focus on low-content books, rapid publishing, and passive income creation provides a realistic pathway for ordinary people to participate in this booming industry.

The beauty of Mendoza’s approach is that it does not require quitting your job, abandoning your family, or making massive financial investments. Instead, it offers a sensible way to build a supplementary income stream that aligns with your values and fits into your existing life.

Conclusion

Maritza Mendoza represents a refreshing voice in the Amazon KDP education space. Her content is helpful because it is practical, accessible, and designed for real people with real constraints. Unlike courses that promise overnight success or require massive time commitments, Mendoza offers a realistic path to self-publishing that can be completed in days rather than months.

Her unique edge comes from her faith-based approach, her experience as a working ghostwriter, her focus on ultra-fast publishing methods, and her genuine commitment to making publishing accessible to everyone. She is not teaching theory; she is teaching practical skills that she uses in her own life as a full-time writer, homeschooling parent, and published author.

Most importantly, she is teaching in an industry with tremendous opportunity. With billions in market size, explosive growth rates, high author royalties, low barriers to entry, and increasing reader demand, self-publishing through Amazon KDP offers a viable path to creating passive income and achieving creative fulfillment.

For aspiring authors who are willing to learn, take action, and apply Mendoza’s streamlined methods, the future is remarkably bright. The self-publishing revolution is just beginning, and educators like Maritza Mendoza are ensuring that everyday people can participate in this historic transformation of the publishing industry.


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