Prefer an interactive version?
This is the explainer. For a tick-as-you-go version you can work through, use our free interactive KDP upload checklist tool.1. Manuscript & interior
- Trim size chosen and applied consistently — see trim sizes.
- Inside (gutter) margin correct for the page count, with safe outer margins — see bleed & margins.
- Bleed set up if any art runs to the edge; otherwise no bleed needed.
- Text and page numbers inside the safe zone.
- Even page count (add a blank final page if needed).
- Exported as a PDF with all fonts embedded.
2. Cover
- Full wrap sized to your trim, page count and spine — use the cover size calculator.
- Spine width recalculated against the final page count — use the spine width calculator.
- Designed at 300 DPI; background art extended into the bleed/wrap.
- Spine text only if the spine is wide enough (roughly 80+ pages).
- Lower-right back cover kept clear for the barcode.
- Submitted as one print-ready PDF — not separate front/back images.
Quick legibility check
Run your cover through the cover self-assessment to make sure the title still reads at thumbnail size.3. Metadata
- Title and subtitle finalised and spelled correctly.
- Author / contributor names set.
- Description written and formatted — our description generator and formatter can help.
- All seven keyword slots used — plan them with the keyword research tool.
- Categories selected; ISBN decided (free KDP ISBN or your own).
4. Final preview
Use Amazon's online previewer to inspect every interior page and the full cover, then confirm pricing and territories. Amazon's complete submission guidance is in the KDP Help Center. If a cover is flagged, our rejection guide covers the fixes.
How KDPBuilder helps
KDPBuilder helps you prepare each item on this list — a correctly formatted interior, a full wrap cover sized to your book, and the metadata you need — packaged together so your files arrive at Amazon KDP ready to review. It helps you submit upload-ready files; it doesn't promise Amazon's decision. Start with a sample package or create your free account.