KDP Upload Checklist

PDF preserves exact formatting. If using DOCX, check formatting in KDP's previewer.

A 6×9 interior in a 5.5×8.5 template will be rejected. Double-check in your PDF properties.

KDP requires an even page count. Add a blank page at the end if needed.

Gutter margin increases with page count. Check Amazon's margin table for your book.

Missing fonts cause text to render incorrectly. Flatten or embed all fonts before export.

Low-res images will appear blurry in print. Check each image's actual resolution.

Bleed is required if any content touches the page edge (common in coloring/photo books).

If you edited after creating the TOC, regenerate it. Wrong page numbers are a poor reader experience.

Use Amazon's Cover Calculator or our Spine Width Calculator to get exact dimensions.

A wrong spine width is the #1 cause of cover rejections. Recalculate if you changed page count.

KDP accepts JPEG, TIFF, or PDF. 300 DPI ensures sharp print quality.

The bleed area will be trimmed during production. Keep all text inside the safe zone.

Stay ≥0.25" from trim edges and ≥0.25" from spine edges for paperback.

Spine text is only allowed with 79+ pages. Keep text vertically centered with margin.

Amazon places the barcode in the bottom-right of the back cover. Don't put content there.

Amazon sets the price dynamically. Printed prices will cause rejection.

Even small differences (like subtitle casing) can cause rejection or a mismatch warning.

Use our Book Description Formatter to add bold, bullets, and headings that display on Amazon.

Use specific phrases readers actually search. Don't repeat words from your title.

Choose the most specific categories. Narrow categories are easier to rank in.

Required for children's books. Sets the reading level filter on Amazon.

Amazon requires disclosure if AI tools were used for text or images. Check the box honestly.

You can't receive royalties without completing the tax interview. US authors: W-9. Non-US: W-8BEN.

Add your bank details in KDP Settings → Getting Paid. Payments are made ~60 days after month-end.

Set prices for US, UK, EU, CA, AU, JP individually. Use Amazon's royalty calculator to check earnings.

Select 'All territories' unless your content has regional licensing restrictions.

DRM prevents copying but can't be changed after publishing. Most indie authors skip DRM.