How to Publish a PDF on Amazon KDP

The 10 steps from .pdf to live Amazon listing

1. Step 1

   Build the PDF at the right trim size

   Your PDF's page size must exactly match the trim size you'll select on KDP. The most common choices are 6×9″ for novels and non-fiction, 5×8″ for poetry and pocket books, and 8.5×11″ for workbooks, large print, and picture books. Set this up in your design tool (InDesign, Affinity Publisher, Canva, Word, Google Docs) before exporting — KDP will reject mismatches.

   • 6×9″ is the safest default for novels and most non-fiction
   • Whole-book PDF must be a single file — not one PDF per chapter
   • Don't add crop marks or printer marks — KDP adds them itself
2. Step 2

   Set correct margins and gutter

   KDP needs at least 0.375″ outside margins and an inside (gutter) margin that grows with page count. For books up to 150 pages use a 0.375″ gutter; up to 300 pages 0.5″; up to 500 pages 0.625″; up to 700 pages 0.75″; over 700 pages 0.875″. Too-tight inner margins make text disappear into the spine when the printed book is opened.

   • Outside margins under 0.25″ trigger a KDP error
   • Page numbers must sit inside the safe area, not in the bleed
   • Mirror the gutter so it's on the inside of every page
3. Step 3

   Add bleed if you have full-page images

   If any image, color block, or design element runs all the way to the edge of the page, you must build the PDF with bleed — 0.125″ extra on the top, bottom, and outside edges of every page. This means a 6×9″ book becomes 6.125″ × 9.25″ in the export. If your interior is text-only and white, you can skip bleed and use the standard trim size.

   • Pick "Bleed" or "No bleed" on KDP — must match what's in the PDF
   • Extend background images 0.125″ beyond the trim line
   • Keep critical content (text, logos) at least 0.25″ from any edge
4. Step 4

   Embed all fonts and flatten transparency

   KDP rejects PDFs where fonts aren't embedded — opening the file on Amazon's server simply won't show the right typeface. When exporting from InDesign, choose the "PDF/X-1a:2001" preset, which embeds fonts and flattens transparency automatically. From Word, tick "PDF/A compliant" in the export options. Verify embedded fonts in Acrobat → File → Properties → Fonts.

   • PDF/X-1a:2001 is the safest export preset for KDP paperbacks
   • Convert all text to outlines as a last resort if a font won't embed
   • Avoid PDF layers — flatten before export
5. Step 5

   Prepare a wraparound cover PDF

   KDP needs the cover as a single PDF that contains back cover + spine + front cover laid out side-by-side. Spine width depends on the final page count and paper type — KDP gives you a free downloadable cover template once you know the page count. Or use KDP's online Cover Creator if you only have a front-cover image. Cover PDFs need 0.125″ bleed on all four outside edges.

   • Download the KDP cover template AFTER you know the final page count
   • 300 DPI minimum, CMYK color space, embedded fonts
   • Leave a 2" × 1.2" blank zone on the back for the barcode
6. Step 6

   Create a paperback (or hardcover) on KDP

   Sign in at kdp.amazon.com and click Create → Paperback or Hardcover. The Details tab asks for title, subtitle, series (optional), author, description, keywords (up to 7), and BISAC categories (up to 2). Pick the same trim size and bleed setting you built the PDF with — these must match exactly or the upload will fail.

   • Use specific keywords ("cozy mystery cat detective" beats "mystery")
   • Both BISAC categories should match the genre exactly
   • Disclose AI-generated content honestly — it's allowed but required
7. Step 7

   Upload the interior and cover PDFs

   On the Content tab, upload the interior PDF first. KDP processes it (1–5 minutes) and either accepts the file or shows red error messages with line-by-line fixes. Then upload the cover PDF. KDP runs a final validation pass on both files together to confirm the spine width matches the page count.

   • Each file must be under KDP's 650 MB cap
   • If KDP flags missing fonts, re-export with fonts embedded
   • Don't tick "page numbers from a print edition" for new books
8. Step 8

   Preview every page and order a proof

   Click Launch Previewer once both files are processed. Click through every single page — this is the only reliable way to spot bad page breaks, runaway widows/orphans, images bleeding wrong, or spine text that's off-center. Order a printed proof copy before publishing publicly; it costs only printing + shipping and catches things the on-screen previewer misses.

   • Wait for the "Print Preview" button to turn blue before clicking
   • Fix anything flagged in red — KDP won't let you publish with errors
   • Proofs ship in 3–7 business days; multiple rounds are cheap insurance
9. Step 9

   Set pricing and royalty

   On the Pricing tab choose your primary marketplace (usually Amazon.com) and enter your list price. KDP shows your printing cost and 60% royalty live as you type. Most indie paperbacks land between $9.99 and $14.99; hardcovers $19.99–$29.99. Enable Expanded Distribution if you want bookstores and libraries to be able to order it (lower per-copy royalty but wider reach).

   • Use the price-other-marketplaces auto-fill for international pricing
   • Aim for at least $2–$3 royalty per copy after printing costs
   • Hardcovers have a higher minimum price than paperbacks
10. Step 10

    Hit Publish and go live

    Click Publish Your Paperback Book. Amazon reviews the file (usually within 72 hours) and your book goes live with its own ASIN and product page. Set up Amazon Author Central afterwards to claim the title, add a bio, and link the paperback to your Kindle eBook edition if you have one — this groups them together on the same product page.

    • Re-uploading an updated PDF takes ~24h to propagate
    • Existing reviews stay intact when you push a new interior file
    • Set up an A+ Content module for richer marketing on the listing

Frequently asked questions