How to Self-Publish a Paperback on Amazon KDP

Getting started · By · Published · Last updated · 3 min read

Quick answer

To self-publish a paperback on KDP, prepare an interior PDF and a full wrap cover, enter your title, description, categories and keywords, set a price that still pays you after printing cost, order a proof copy, then press publish. Plan on a few days for review.

Quick facts

  • Title and subtitle together must be fewer than 200 characters.
  • You can pick up to three categories for a book.
  • The interior PDF and the cover are separate files that must match your trim size and page count.
  • Ordering a proof copy lets you check print quality before readers see the book.
  • Print royalty is a percentage of list price minus the printing cost.

Publishing a paperback on KDP is free to start, but the order you do things in matters. The cover depends on the page count, the price depends on the printing cost, and the printing cost depends on the trim size. Work in the order below and you will not redo files.

Before you open KDP

Finish editing first. Changing the text after you have built the cover can alter the page count, and a different page count changes the spine width and the printing cost. Settle your trim size next. The trim size guide explains how the choice affects cost and reading comfort.

Prepare the two files

KDP needs an interior file and a cover file. Set the interior page size to your trim size, add the margins KDP requires for your page count and export a PDF. Then build the cover as one wrapped image that covers back, spine and front with bleed. Our guides on the interior PDF and the cover and spine give the exact sizes.

Enter the book details

The details page holds your title, subtitle, series, author name, description, categories and keywords. These fields decide how readers find the book, so write them with care. Check the length of each field with the metadata checker before you paste it into KDP.

Set the price

KDP shows the printing cost for your page count and trim size. Choose a list price that leaves a royalty you accept. A book that earns less than a dollar per copy rarely makes sense. The pricing guide walks through the arithmetic.

Order a proof and publish

Use the previewer to catch layout errors, then order a printed proof. Read it on paper. Look at the margins near the spine, the cover colours and the back cover barcode area. When you are happy, publish. KDP reviews the book before it goes live, which can take a few days.

Common reasons for a rejected upload

  • Interior page size does not match the trim size you chose.
  • Text sits inside the margin or bleed area.
  • The cover file is the wrong size for the page count.
  • The description or keywords break KDP's content rules.

Most of these are easy to catch with the interior PDF checker before you upload.

Step by step (about 20 minutes)

  1. Finish editing and choose a trim size. Lock the text so the page count stays fixed, then pick the trim size that suits the genre and the budget.
  2. Export the interior PDF. Set the page size to the trim size, apply the required margins and export a PDF with embedded fonts.
  3. Build the full wrap cover. Calculate the spine width from your page count, add bleed and export the cover as a single PDF.
  4. Enter the book details. Fill in title, description, categories and keywords, checking each against KDP length rules.
  5. Upload both files. Upload the interior and cover, then fix any errors the previewer shows.
  6. Set the price. Check the printing cost and choose a list price that leaves an acceptable royalty.
  7. Order a proof copy. Read the printed proof for margin, colour and layout problems before you publish.
  8. Publish. Press publish and wait for KDP review. The book goes live when review finishes.

Frequently asked questions

Is it free to publish a paperback on KDP?

Yes. KDP charges no setup fee. It deducts the printing cost from each sale, and you pay for any proof copies you order.

How long does KDP take to review a paperback?

Review commonly takes a few days, though KDP can take longer. Check the status in your Bookshelf rather than resubmitting.

Do I need an ISBN?

KDP can assign a free ISBN, which limits where that edition can be sold. You can use your own ISBN if you want to control the imprint and sell the same edition elsewhere.

Can I change the book after it is published?

Yes. You can upload a new interior or cover and update the details. Changes go through review again.

Sources

This guide is reviewed and updated at least every six months. Last updated 2026-10-16. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.

Figures in this guide are estimates for planning. Confirm prices, fees and rules on the platform's own screen before you publish. See the disclaimer.

More guides

Pricing

How to Price a Book and Work Out Your Royalty

The royalty formulas for paperback, hardcover and ebook, with worked examples you can repeat.

Read the guide Formatting

How to Prepare Your Interior PDF for KDP

Page size, margins, bleed, fonts and a pre-upload test, so the first upload is the only one.

Read the guide Cover design

How to Size a Paperback Cover and Calculate the Spine

The spine and cover size formulas, a worked 6 x 9 example and a briefing checklist for designers.

Read the guide

See all guides

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