The Ultimate KDP Formatting Checklist

Before you upload your manuscript to Amazon KDP, run it through this 20-point checklist to ensure it won’t be rejected 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/A compliant or 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.