20-Point KDP Pre-Launch Checklist

This checklist picks up where EPUB validation leaves off. It assumes your file is already structurally valid and covers the Amazon-specific layer: Kindle navigation requirements, KDP metadata, content review, and publishing setup decisions that don't apply to other platforms. Complete the EPUB formatting checklist first if you haven't already, then work through these KDP-specific steps before hitting Publish.

File Preparation

Kindle TOC structure verified: navPoints in toc.ncx reference valid chapter files and match the inline TOC
Spine order confirmed as correct reading order — no missing or duplicate idrefs in content.opf
Cover image is JPG or TIFF, minimum 1000px on the short side, with a 2:3 aspect ratio (1600×2560px recommended)
EPUB file size under 650MB compressed — strip unused fonts, resize oversized images if needed

KDP Metadata

Book title in KDP dashboard matches the title on the cover image exactly — KDP flags discrepancies during review
Author name matches your existing Amazon Author Page (if one exists) to consolidate your author profile
7 keyword slots populated with long-tail phrases (3-5 words each), not single keywords
2 BISAC category paths selected — choose the most specific subcategory available, not top-level categories
Book description formatted in KDP's HTML editor: bold opening sentence, short paragraphs, no raw HTML tags visible to readers

Content Review

AI-generated content declaration completed in KDP's content guidelines section if any AI tools were used in writing or editing
No URLs linking to Amazon competitor storefronts embedded in the book content
Content is sufficiently differentiated from any existing ASIN on Amazon, including your own prior editions
Back matter "Also by" links point to your Amazon Author Page or Amazon ASINs, not external sites

Publishing Setup

KDP Select enrollment decision made — KDP Select requires 90-day exclusivity to Amazon, blocking D2D and direct distribution
Pricing reviewed using KDP's Pricing Support tool to confirm royalty rate (70% royalty requires $2.99–$9.99 list price in most markets)
Territory rights set correctly: Worldwide if you own global rights, specific territories if rights are limited
Print edition (paperback/hardcover) set up separately if applicable — print interiors require a PDF, not an EPUB

Pre-Publish Preview

Book previewed in Kindle Previewer desktop app after uploading — confirms the Kindle conversion, not just the raw EPUB
Table of contents accessible from the Kindle menu navigation (Go To > Table of Contents), not just the inline page
Enhanced Typesetting compatibility confirmed: justified text, drop caps, and image positioning render correctly on newer Kindle devices

Common questions

Do I need to run this checklist every time I update my book?

For full re-uploads (new EPUB or cover file), yes — work through the File Preparation and Pre-Publish Preview sections. For metadata-only updates (price change, description edit, keyword swap), skip File Preparation and focus on the KDP Metadata and Publishing Setup sections.

What's the difference between this checklist and the general EPUB formatting checklist?

The EPUB formatting checklist covers structural validity that applies to all platforms — EPUBCheck compliance, manifest completeness, cover dimensions. This KDP checklist covers the Amazon-specific layer: Kindle TOC format differences, KDP keyword and category mechanics, KDP Select enrollment, and Kindle Previewer testing. These steps don't apply to Apple Books or Draft2Digital uploads.

Will my book be rejected if I don't declare AI-generated content?

KDP's AI-generated content policy requires disclosure when AI tools were used to create text, images, or translations. KDP reserves the right to remove undisclosed AI content, and repeated violations can result in account suspension. If any AI tools were involved in writing or editing — including AI writing assistants, not just full-generation tools — complete the disclosure.

Validate your EPUB before uploading

The free EPUB Validator catches structural, metadata, and navigation errors — the same issues this checklist covers — before they become platform rejections. No signup required.

Validate Your EPUB Free →

For a complete guide to EPUB structure and common errors, see the EPUB formatting guide and the EPUB errors reference.

Platform rejection guides: Why Amazon KDP rejects ebooks

Common EPUB errors: Missing NCX navigation table, Broken spine order errors, Cover image not declared in OPF manifest

Tool comparisons: Scrivener alternative for ebook production

Common formatting mistakes: 7 KDP formatting mistakes indie authors make