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Requirements for Amazon KDP What Authors Must Know

KDP rules cheat sheet: requirements for amazon kdp

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

  • Amazon KDP enforces content, formatting, and metadata rules — avoid the common pitfalls that trigger automatic rejection.
  • Clean file structure (validated EPUBs, embedded fonts, correct margins) and honest AI disclosures are required for review.
  • Use publishing tools that produce KDP-ready outputs to reduce errors and speed approval.

What KDP looks for during review

Amazon KDP reviews every new upload and update against content policies and technical rules. The review checks three broad areas: content eligibility, metadata and rights, and file integrity. Understanding each area reduces delays.

Content eligibility

KDP expects books to be original or properly licensed. That means you must have rights for all text and images.

  • No copyright infringement: full rights to text and images or appropriate licenses.
  • No illegal content: material that violates laws or promotes criminal activity can be removed.
  • No prohibited sexual or hate content: content must fall within Amazon’s allowed levels.

Starting in 2026, KDP requires a clear disclosure when substantial portions of text, images, or translations are AI-generated. Add a short line in the front matter and description to avoid surprises.

Metadata and rights

Titles, subtitles, descriptions, and keywords must be accurate and not misleading. Proper author attribution and correct category selection matter.

  • No keyword stuffing or deceptive claims.
  • Don’t list another person as the author unless you have permission.
  • Choose categories that honestly reflect the book’s content.

File integrity and technical checks

KDP runs automated checks on manuscripts and covers. Common issues include broken EPUBs, fonts that aren’t embedded, and incorrect cover bleed or resolution.

If you want a step-by-step walkthrough of how to upload and publish, see Publish Book Amazon Kdp for the upload flow, required metadata fields, and the previews to check before submitting.

Top reasons KDP rejects books (and how to fix them)

Knowing common rejection reasons lets you fix issues before publishing. Below are the usual pitfalls and practical fixes.

1. Non-compliant content or rights issues

Why it fails: KDP rejects books when the author cannot demonstrate publishing rights — unlicensed images, undisclosed ghostwriting, or unauthorized translations are common causes.

How to fix it:

  • Keep image and content licenses with dates and attribution.
  • Replace unlicensed images with licensed stock or original artwork.
  • For translations, store proof of rights and include proper credits.

2. Missing AI disclosure or inconsistent labeling

Why it fails: KDP requires disclosure when significant portions are AI-generated; omission risks removal or a soft ban.

How to fix it:

  • Add a short disclosure in both the book description and the front matter (for example, This book contains text generated or assisted by AI.).
  • Keep records of prompts and edits in case Amazon requests details.
  • When you heavily edit AI drafts, describe the human editing effort to clarify authorship.

3. Poor EPUB structure and broken navigation

Why it fails: EPUBs that don’t open, lack TOC navigation, or contain corrupted HTML will fail KDP checks.

How to fix it:

  • Use a trusted EPUB converter that generates a clean, validated EPUB.
  • Check the table of contents and test the file in Kindle Previewer or an EPUB reader.
  • Avoid manual zip-and-edit tricks unless you understand EPUB internals.

4. Bad cover design, low resolution, or missing bleed

Why it fails: Covers must meet print specs and be legible at thumbnail size; low-res images and incorrect bleed cause rejections.

How to fix it:

  • Use a cover generator or design tool trained for book covers, not generic art.
  • Ensure title and author typography remain readable at small sizes.
  • For print, match trim size and include correct bleed and spine calculations.

5. Formatting errors (fonts, images, or spacing)

Why it fails: Missing embedded fonts, oversized images, or incorrect margins can cause rendering problems.

How to fix it:

  • Embed fonts for print PDFs or use system fonts that don’t require embedding.
  • Compress and resize images to appropriate DPI (300dpi for print; 72–150dpi for ebook graphics).
  • Follow KDP margin and gutter recommendations for print books.

6. Incorrect metadata and pricing strategies

Why it fails: Violative metadata or price points that don’t match royalty rules can delay publication.

How to fix it:

  • Review KDP pricing rules and set prices within the correct ranges for the desired royalty tier.
  • Avoid deceptive subtitles and keywords.
  • Choose categories that honestly reflect your book’s content.

Files, formatting, covers, and EPUB conversion

Technical compliance is where most rejections happen. Below are practical requirements and reliable ways to meet them.

Manuscript basics

  • Accepted file types: DOC/DOCX, EPUB, KPF for ebooks; PDF for print interiors in many cases.
  • File size limits apply (optimize images; avoid embedding unnecessary large files).
  • Embed fonts in print-ready PDFs; for EPUBs verify font licensing.

EPUB conversion and validation

A properly structured EPUB is the cleanest way to pass KDP’s ebook checks. Ensure correct metadata, an embedded front cover, valid chapter headings, and a working NCX/TOC.

If you’re not a formatting expert, use a dedicated converter. For example, the EPUB Converter automates metadata embedding, covers, and clean chapter structure so you get a store-ready EPUB without trial-and-error.

Cover requirements: what matters

Covers must sell in thumbnail view and meet print technical specs. Test legibility at very small sizes.

  • Thumbnail legibility: strong contrast and clean typography work best.
  • Resolution and bleed: design at trim size with bleed and correct spine width.
  • Hierarchy: a market-appropriate layout signals genre to readers.

For automated cover production, see the book cover generator that produces market-ready covers with readable typography and correct bleed settings.

Paperback and hardcover specifics

  • Choose a standard trim size (for example, 6×9 in) and set interior margins and gutter correctly.
  • Spine width depends on page count and paper type — compute this automatically when possible.
  • Export print-ready PDFs with embedded fonts and correct color settings to avoid rejections.

If you generate both ebook and print from the same source, verify each preview carefully. Many tools, including BookAutoAI, support generating both formats to reduce errors and speed approval.

Handling images and illustrations

  • Use only licensed or original images and keep proofs of license or creation.
  • Use 300dpi for print; resize and compress images for ebooks.
  • Test color profiles — some printers prefer RGB while others require CMYK.

AI-generated images

KDP requires disclosure when AI images are used, and marketplaces may have additional rules about training data and attribution. Disclose AI-generated images in credits or front matter and keep prompt records.

Humanization, editing, and AI disclosure

AI can speed writing, but clarity on authorship is expected. Best practice: add a short disclosure in front matter and description, and keep records of prompts and edits.

Heavily edit and humanize AI output — this improves quality and long-term reader trust.

For advanced upload capabilities or batch publishing tools when you prepare files for stores, consider specialized book upload tools that support retailer requirements and bulk submissions.

Learn more about publishing steps and previews in the Publish Book Amazon Kdp guide referenced earlier.

Learn more at Bookautoai.

Wrap-up and next steps

Publishing on KDP is straightforward when you follow the rules: clear rights and disclosures, clean files, and a professional presentation.

Preflight checks, validated EPUBs, readable covers at thumbnail size, and honest AI disclosures prevent most holds and rejections.

Final thoughts

This cheat sheet covers the practical requirements that cause the majority of KDP reviews, holds, and rejections. Focus on accurate rights documentation, honest AI disclosure, and clean files for the fastest path to publication.

For non-fiction authors who want an end-to-end production system, specialized tools can generate, humanize, format, and export store-ready files to reduce risk and speed time to market.

FAQ

Do I have to disclose that my book used AI?

Yes. KDP requires a short, clear disclosure when significant portions of text, images, or translations are AI-generated. Place the disclosure in front matter and the book description.

Which file should I upload for an ebook—DOCX or EPUB?

EPUB is preferred for most stores and offers better control over structure and navigation. DOCX uploads are accepted but can introduce formatting changes during conversion.

How do I make sure my cover looks good as a thumbnail?

Test covers at very small sizes; use strong contrast, clean typography, and avoid fine details that vanish at thumbnail scale. Consider a cover tool trained for book thumbnails.

What causes the longest delays in KDP review?

Rights disputes, corrupted or complex files (especially EPUBs), and missing AI disclosures cause the longest delays. Preflight checks help prevent these holds.

Can BookAutoAI help with creating both ebook and print files?

Yes. BookAutoAI can produce fully formatted ebooks and print-ready files, including cover generation and EPUB conversion, to reduce formatting errors.

Sources

KDP rules cheat sheet: requirements for amazon kdp Estimated reading time: 7 minutes Amazon KDP enforces content, formatting, and metadata rules — avoid the common pitfalls that trigger automatic rejection. Clean file structure (validated EPUBs, embedded fonts, correct margins) and honest AI disclosures are required for review. Use publishing tools that produce KDP-ready outputs to…