Guide · 7 min read

KDP paperback publishing checklist

Every step from a finished PDF to a live paperback on Amazon, in order, with the settings that trip people up.

Uploading a paperback to KDP takes about half an hour once your files are ready. Most problems come from a handful of settings that don't match the files. Work through this list in order and you'll catch them before KDP does.

Before you open KDP

1. Decide the trim size and paper. 8.5 × 11 in is the usual size for puzzle and coloring books; 6 × 9 in suits travel and pocket books. White paper shows black ink best. Cream looks warmer for text-heavy books.
2. Finish the interior first. The cover depends on the final page count, because the spine width comes from it. If you add or remove pages later, the cover has to be made again.
3. Check the page count. KDP needs at least 24 pages and an even number. Our builders add blank pages at the end when needed.
4. Check bleed. If anything on a page (a pattern, a background, a picture) runs to the edge, the interior needs bleed. If everything sits inside the margins, it doesn't. You'll tell KDP which one you chose, and the choice has to match the file.
5. Read the Preflight tab. Fix anything red. Warnings are worth reading too: low-resolution images and text too close to the edge are the usual reasons KDP rejects a file.
6. Export the interior PDF and the cover PDF for exactly this page count.
7. Try your own puzzles. Solve a few of each type with a pencil. A word search with a missing word or a maze with no way out gets one-star reviews quickly.

Paperback details

1. Title and subtitle must match what's printed on the cover. KDP checks this and rejects books where they differ.
2. Author name: a pen name is fine. Use the same one on the cover.
3. Description: say what's inside, how many puzzles, who it's for, and whether solutions are included. The Listing SEO Studio writes a draft for you.
4. Keywords: KDP gives you seven boxes. Use phrases buyers actually type, such as "large print word search for adults". Don't repeat words from your title, don't use other authors' names or brand names, and don't add claims like "best seller".
5. Categories: choose the most specific ones that fit. A small, exact category beats a huge general one.
6. AI-generated content: KDP asks whether any text, images or translations were made with AI tools. Answer honestly. It doesn't show on your listing, but KDP can remove books that hide it.

Paperback content

1. ISBN: KDP gives you a free one. It only works for this book on KDP. If you want the same edition in other stores or with your own imprint name, buy your own ISBN instead.
2. Print options: choose the same ink, paper, trim size and bleed setting you used in the builder. Our Preflight tab lists them for you to copy.
3. Cover finish: matte or glossy. Matte suits most coloring and puzzle books; glossy makes bright covers pop. It doesn't change the price.
4. Manuscript: upload the interior PDF.
5. Book cover: choose "Upload a cover you already have" and upload the cover PDF.
6. Previewer: open the print previewer and look at every page. Red marks mean something is outside the printable area.
7. Proof copy: order one. A printed copy shows problems you won't see on screen, like grey shades that print too dark or puzzles that are too small to write in.

Pricing

1. Use the royalty calculator to see what each price earns you.
2. On Amazon.com, a list price of $9.99 or more earns 60% before printing costs, and below that it's 50%. A price just under the line often earns noticeably less than $9.99 would.
3. Set prices for the other marketplaces too. KDP suggests them from your US price, but round numbers in each currency look better.

After you publish

• Review usually takes up to 72 hours. KDP emails you if anything needs fixing.
• Add A+ Content once the book is live. Pictures of real pages help buyers decide.
• If you change the page count later, export a new cover too. The spine width changes with it.

KDP's rules change from time to time. When something here differs from what KDP shows you, follow KDP.