Before you upload your manuscript to Amazon KDP, run it through this 21-point checklist to reduce the risk of rejection by the automated review system.
The Checklist
1. File & Format Basics
- Final file is exported as a PDF (for print) and EPUB (for digital).
- Print PDF is saved as PDF/X-1a:2001.
- All fonts are embedded in the PDF.
2. Page Setup & Margins
- Trim size matches your KDP setup selection (e.g., 6" x 9").
- Gutter margin is correct for your final page count.
- Top, bottom, and outside margins are at least 0.25" (0.5" recommended).
- If using bleed, 0.125" is added to the top, bottom, and outside edges.
3. Front Matter
- Title page matches the metadata entered in KDP exactly.
- Copyright page includes year and author name.
- Table of Contents is generated automatically (not typed manually).
- Print TOC uses dot leaders and page numbers.
- Digital TOC uses hyperlinks and no page numbers.
4. Typography & Layout
- Chapter titles use a consistent Heading style.
- First paragraphs of chapters are NOT indented.
- Subsequent paragraphs are indented consistently (e.g., 0.3").
- Scene breaks use a consistent visual marker (e.g., ***).
- No more than 3 consecutive hyphens are used (replace with an em-dash).
5. Images & Graphics
- All interior images are at least 300 DPI.
- Color images are converted to CMYK (for print).
- Images intended to bleed extend fully to the edge of the bleed zone.
- No text overlays on images extend into the 0.25" safe zone.
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