$0 to use KDP
KDP is a free self-publishing service. You do not pay KDP to upload or list the paperback, although you may choose to pay for outside editing, design, or marketing tools.
KDP account and scam guidance
KDP publishing guide
Take your ReadKidz picture book to KDP with Canva.
Follow one Canva-first path to build the interior, make the full cover, check both files, and submit your paperback.
KDP controls its file requirements, policies, and review decisions. Always confirm the current requirements in KDP before you publish.
Official guidance last checked ·
KDP in plain language
Know the cost and royalty before you format.
This guide is for a print-on-demand paperback picture book. KDP Select, Kindle Create, and eBook royalty choices are separate eBook topics and are intentionally not part of this route.
Printed after a customer orders
You do not buy an inventory run. KDP prints each copy on demand and subtracts its printing cost from the sale before your royalty is paid.
How paperback printing costs work(50% or 60% × list price) − printing cost
The rate depends on the list price and marketplace. Page count and ink type affect printing cost, so use the estimate shown in KDP instead of choosing a price by guesswork.
Paperback royalty rules
Your real goal
Finish with two separate upload files.
KDP does not use the cover and interior as one continuous ReadKidz book export. Prepare these two files separately, then upload each one in its own KDP field.
Interior PDF
Start with the ReadKidz PDF or PNG ZIP.
Remove the standalone cover and back-cover pages, rebuild every remaining page at the chosen trim and bleed size, and keep one book page per PDF page.
A single-page-sequence PDF containing only the inside of the book.
Full cover PDF
Start with the ReadKidz cover and back-cover artwork.
Use KDP Cover Creator, or place the artwork into KDP's exact cover template after the interior page count is final.
One PDF containing back cover + spine + front cover, with cover bleed and barcode space.
Do not upload the unedited ReadKidz whole-book PDF as both files. Its cover and back cover are separate book pages, not a KDP full cover wrap.
ReadKidz handoff
ReadKidz gives you source files — Canva makes the KDP files.
ReadKidz exports source material, not upload-ready KDP files. Finish the page size, bleed, margins, image quality, and cover in Canva; use KDP Print Previewer for the final check.
Whole-book PDFs
From ReadKidz
A PDF with page text included and an art-only PDF, both in whole-book reading order with separate cover and back-cover pages.
Do this in Canva / KDP
Split out the cover/back cover and rebuild the interior at the actual KDP page size.
Individual page images
From ReadKidz
A PNG ZIP in reading order, useful for checking pixels and rebuilding the layout.
Do this in Canva / KDP
Place each image on one correctly sized print page and export one interior PDF.
Print guides
From ReadKidz
Optional trim, bleed, and safe-area guides while editing in ReadKidz.
Do this in Canva / KDP
Treat them as visual aids only; they do not set KDP physical page dimensions in the export.
Paperback cover wrap
From ReadKidz
Cover and back-cover artwork as separate book pages.
Do this in Canva / KDP
Build the single back + spine + front cover file in KDP Cover Creator or another layout tool.
300 DPI
From ReadKidzNot supported
ReadKidz does not have a 300 DPI export option.
Do this in Canva / KDP
Do not enlarge the PNG in Canva. Download PDF Print and upload it to KDP. If KDP says Low resolution, choose a smaller book size or upscale the image, then export again.
Print basics
Four terms that decide whether the book prints correctly.
Choose the trim size first. Bleed, margins, required pixels, and the cover template all depend on it.
Trim size
The final width and height of one printed page after the printer cuts it.
An 8.5 × 8.5 in book finishes at that size; the working page may be larger when it includes bleed.
Bleed
Extra artwork beyond the cut line, so small cutting shifts do not leave a white edge.
For KDP interiors, add 0.125 in to the outside width and 0.125 in to both top and bottom. If even one page needs edge-to-edge art, set the entire interior to bleed.
Margins and gutter
The protected area that keeps text and important faces away from cuts and the binding.
For 24–150 pages: inside/gutter at least 0.375 in; outside at least 0.25 in without bleed or 0.375 in with bleed.
Effective DPI
How many real image pixels are available for each printed inch at the size you place the image.
Effective DPI = pixels ÷ printed inches. KDP recommends at least 300 DPI and calls anything below 200 DPI low resolution.
Full-bleed page formula
Page width = trim width + 0.125 in
Page height = trim height + 0.25 in
8.5 × 8.5 in trim with bleed → 8.625 × 8.75 in page → at least 2588 × 2625 px at 300 DPI.
Optional low-resolution check
ReadKidz does not export 300 DPI files.
Most users can skip this calculator. Build the Canva page at the final KDP size, do not enlarge the ReadKidz PNG, and download PDF Print. Only calculate pixels if KDP shows Low resolution.
Print check
- Required PDF page size
- Pixels needed for 300 DPI
- Effective DPI of this image
Recommended for most users
Use Canva to build the print-ready interior
1. Download the ReadKidz PNG ZIP
Use the individual PNG pages as your Canva source. Keep the reading order, but leave the standalone front-cover and back-cover pages out of the interior.
2. Create a custom-size Canva design
Choose Create a design → Custom size, switch the unit to inches, and enter the full-bleed page size from the calculator — for example 8.625 × 8.75 in for an 8.5 × 8.5 in book with bleed.
3. Put one book page on each Canva page
Upload the interior PNGs, add the same number of Canva pages, and place one image on each page in reading order. Do not combine two book pages into one spread.
4. Fill the bleed but protect the important content
Make edge-to-edge artwork fill the whole Canva page. Press Shift + R to show rulers and guides; keep text, faces, and important details at least 0.375 in inside the final trim edge for a typical 24–150 page bleed book.
5. Check pixels only when needed
Canva PDF Print cannot create detail that is missing from the ReadKidz PNG. If KDP reports Low resolution, use the calculator above, choose a smaller print size, or upscale the source as a last resort before rebuilding the Canva PDF.
6. Download PDF Print with crop marks off
Choose Share → Download → PDF Print and select all interior pages. Because this Canva file already uses the exact KDP bleed page size, leave Crop marks and bleed turned off; KDP does not want trim or crop marks in the manuscript.
7. Inspect the downloaded PDF
Confirm the PDF contains only interior pages, one page at a time, at the expected physical size. Check page order and zoom to 100% before uploading it to KDP Print Previewer.
Build file 1
Turn the ReadKidz pages into the interior PDF.
Canva is the recommended route for most users. The workflow above gives it the exact KDP page size before the PNGs are placed, so the final PDF does not depend on a DPI label alone.
Choose the KDP trim size and decide bleed before creating the document.
Create one document page at trim size, or at the larger bleed page size from the formula above.
Import the ReadKidz PNG pages in reading order, but omit the standalone cover and back-cover pages from the interior.
Extend edge-to-edge illustrations through the bleed area; keep text and important details inside the safe margins.
Export one PDF with one book page per PDF page. Do not export spreads, template guides, crop marks, comments, or transparent layers.
Open the PDF and verify its physical page size, page count, order, embedded fonts, and image clarity before KDP upload.
Use Canva unless you already know a publishing tool
Canva
Recommended for most ReadKidz users
Follow the seven steps above: full-bleed custom size, one PNG per page, guides for safe content, then PDF Print with Crop marks and bleed turned off.
Affinity Publisher or Adobe InDesign
Precise multi-page layout
Set physical page size, bleed, facing-page margins, and image placement explicitly, then export a flattened print PDF.
Scribus
Free desktop publishing
Build the pages at exact dimensions, embed fonts, flatten transparency where needed, and export PDF without printer marks.
Build file 2
Make the full paperback cover — not just the front image.
Every KDP paperback cover needs bleed. A custom cover is one file laid out as back cover + spine + front cover, with a protected barcode area.
Back coverBarcode area
Spine
Front cover
0.125 in bleed
Keep text inside safe areas
Most short picture books should have no spine text: a custom KDP cover needs at least 79 pages for spine text, while Cover Creator requires at least 80 pages.
Use Canva with KDP's cover template
- Finish the interior first, then enter its binding, ink, paper, trim size, and final page count in KDP's Cover Calculator.
- Download the PNG template. In Canva, create a custom-size design that exactly matches the full template dimensions and upload the template as a locked guide layer.
- Place the ReadKidz front-cover art on the right panel, design the back on the left, extend backgrounds through the bleed, and keep the barcode and safe zones clear.
- Delete or hide the KDP template layer. Download one PDF Print file with Crop marks and bleed turned off — the template dimensions already include KDP's required bleed.
- Upload the PDF in KDP and inspect the front, back, spine, barcode space, and every outside edge in Print Previewer.
Use KDP Cover Creator
- Upload the finished interior first and wait until KDP has processed it; the page count controls the spine width.
- Launch Cover Creator from the Book Cover section and upload the ReadKidz front-cover artwork.
- Choose a layout, add the back-cover description and author text, clear every warning, then preview and save.
Before you start
Have these details and files ready.
A few decisions made now will prevent most upload problems later.
- Your KDP account details, tax profile, and payment information
- Your final title, author name, description, reading age, and publishing rights
- A page-by-page review of the story text and illustrations in ReadKidz
- The ReadKidz PDF and PNG ZIP as source files — not as guaranteed KDP-ready files
- The cover and back-cover artwork from your ReadKidz book for a separate print cover
- Permission to publish every piece of text, artwork, character, font, and other material
File handoff
What ReadKidz gives you — and what KDP still needs.
Treat the ReadKidz export as your source material. Your final KDP files must match the trim size, bleed, page count, and cover dimensions selected for the paperback.
| From ReadKidz | Use it for | Check in KDP |
|---|---|---|
| PDF with text | A visual reference or starting PDF for the finished book | Remove separate cover/back-cover pages and rebuild physical trim, bleed, margins, and effective resolution |
| PDF without text | An alternate art-only interior or a layout source | Add and proof all text before uploading a final interior |
| PNG ZIP | Individual pages for layout changes or another design tool | Rebuild a single print PDF at the selected physical size |
| Front-cover artwork | Artwork for the front panel in Cover Creator or a cover template | It is not the cover file by itself; KDP still needs back cover, spine area, bleed, safe areas, and barcode space |
ReadKidz does not currently generate a KDP-ready interior or full cover wrap for a selected physical trim. Use the source exports in the preparation routes above.
Step 1
Complete your KDP account
Sign in to KDP and finish the account information required to publish and receive payments.
- Enter your legal or business details directly in KDP.
- Complete the tax interview and add the payment method KDP supports for your location.
- Never send tax, banking, identity, or password information to ReadKidz.
Step 2
Prepare your ReadKidz book files
Finish the story in ReadKidz, then build the separate interior and cover files KDP expects.
- Read every page and confirm that text, page order, and illustrations are final.
- Export the PDF and PNG ZIP as source material; separate the ReadKidz cover/back-cover pages from the interior sequence.
- Rebuild the interior at the chosen trim, bleed, margins, and pixel dimensions, then create a separate full cover wrap.
Step 3
Create a paperback title
From your KDP Bookshelf, start a new paperback and work through Details, Content, then Rights & Pricing.
- Choose Paperback for this guide; eBook and Hardcover have different setup paths.
- Save each section as you go so you can return before submitting.
- Keep your ReadKidz book open in another tab for consistent names and descriptions.
Step 4
Enter the book details carefully
Fill in the language, title, author, description, publishing rights, audience, categories, and keywords.
- Make the title and author name match the cover and interior exactly.
- Choose a reading age that reflects the actual language, themes, and complexity of the book.
- Use an accurate description, relevant categories, and honest keywords rather than unrelated search terms.
Step 5
Disclose AI-generated content
Answer KDP's AI-content questions truthfully for text, images, and translations generated with ReadKidz.
- KDP requires disclosure of AI-generated text, images, and translations when you publish or republish a title.
- Content you created yourself and only refined with AI is treated differently from content generated by AI.
- You remain responsible for intellectual-property rights, quality, and compliance, regardless of the tools used.
Step 6
Choose print settings and upload
Set the ISBN and print options, then upload the interior and a cover made for those exact settings.
- Choose a free KDP ISBN when eligible, or use an ISBN you own.
- Set ink and paper, trim size, bleed, and cover finish before finalizing your files.
- Upload the interior PDF, then use KDP Cover Creator or upload a compliant full cover PDF.
Step 7
Inspect every page in Print Previewer
Launch KDP Print Previewer and treat every warning or visible layout problem as something to resolve before publishing.
- Check trim, bleed, safe areas, blank pages, page order, fonts, and image clarity.
- Inspect the cover edges, barcode area, spine, and the alignment between front and back.
- If anything looks wrong, correct the source file and upload it again; do not rely on the printed copy fixing it.
Step 8
Set pricing, submit, and order a proof
Choose your territories, primary marketplace, and list price, then review the summary before submitting the paperback.
- Check the printing cost and estimated royalty shown by KDP before confirming the price.
- After submission, the title enters review and some fields cannot be edited until that review finishes.
- When possible, order a proof copy and check color, cropping, binding, and text readability in the physical book.
If KDP flags a file
Match the warning to the source you need to fix.
Do not keep clicking through the same warning. Correct the Canva document, source image, or cover template that caused it, export a new PDF, and run Print Previewer again.
| What KDP shows | Likely cause | Direct fix |
|---|---|---|
| Text or important content is outside the margins | The Canva guides do not match the selected trim and bleed settings, or an important element sits too close to a cut or gutter edge. | Confirm the KDP trim and bleed choice, then move text, faces, and essential details inside the safe area before downloading a new PDF Print file. |
| Bleed is missing, or a white edge appears | Artwork stops at the trim line, the whole interior was not set to bleed, or the Canva page uses trim dimensions instead of full-bleed dimensions. | Use the calculator's full-bleed page size, extend artwork to every outer page edge, keep Crop marks and bleed off at download, and make the KDP bleed setting match. |
| An image is low resolution | The placed PNG does not have enough real pixels for its printed width or height. | Check the PNG above. Re-export a larger source or reduce the print size; changing only a 72/300 DPI label will not create detail. |
| The cover size or spine does not match | The cover template was generated before the final page count, paper, ink, binding, or trim settings were locked. | Finish the interior, generate a fresh KDP cover template, rebuild the Canva cover at that exact full size, hide the template layer, and upload a new cover PDF. |
| The title returns to Draft after review | KDP found a formatting or content issue and sent the reason to the email attached to the account. | Read the KDP email, change the original Canva/source file, upload the corrected PDF, inspect it again, and resubmit. Do not patch only the exported PDF if the source remains wrong. |
Final check
Before you press Publish
- The title and author match across KDP, the cover, and the interior
- You have the rights to publish every text and image element
- AI-generated text, images, and translations are disclosed accurately
- Trim size and bleed settings match the uploaded interior
- The full cover was made for the current page count and print settings
- Print Previewer shows no unresolved errors or visible layout problems
- The price still makes sense after printing cost and estimated royalty
- You have reviewed the current KDP guidance linked from this page
KDP publishing questions
Can I upload the ReadKidz PDF directly to KDP?
No. Treat the ReadKidz PDF and PNG files as source material. ReadKidz currently does not export a KDP-sized 300 DPI interior or a full cover. Rebuild the interior at the final page size in Canva, create the full cover separately, and check both files in KDP Print Previewer.
Does ReadKidz create the complete KDP cover file?
Not currently. A print cover can require the back cover, spine, front cover, bleed, and barcode space in one file. Use KDP Cover Creator or build a separate cover from KDP's template for your selected trim size, paper, and page count.
Can I turn a 72 DPI image into 300 DPI by changing one setting?
No. Changing the DPI label does not create new pixels. Check the image's pixel width and height against its printed size. If there are not enough pixels, re-export a larger source, print the image smaller, or carefully upscale it and inspect the result at 100%.
Can I prepare both KDP files in Canva?
Yes. Use a custom-size Canva document for the interior and a separate Canva document that matches KDP's exact full-cover template. Download both as PDF Print with Crop marks and bleed turned off when your document dimensions already include the required KDP bleed. Canva does not fix a low-resolution source, so check the PNG pixels first.
What should I select for AI-generated content?
Answer KDP's disclosure questions based on how your text, images, and translations were made. Content generated by ReadKidz should be disclosed as AI-generated where KDP asks for it; you remain responsible for rights and compliance.
Do I need to buy an ISBN?
KDP offers a free ISBN for eligible paperback publishing, or you can use an ISBN that you own. Read KDP's current ISBN and imprint guidance before choosing because the choice affects how publisher information appears.
Does following this guide guarantee KDP approval?
No. KDP reviews the files, metadata, rights, and content under its current policies. This guide helps you prepare, but Amazon makes the final review and distribution decisions.
What happens after I click Publish?
The paperback enters In Review, and KDP does not let you edit or cancel that review. Standard titles can take up to three business days to become Live. If the book returns to Draft, check the KDP email for the issue, correct the source files, and resubmit.
Does this guide cover eBooks and hardcovers?
No. This first guide focuses on a printed paperback picture book. eBooks and hardcovers have different file and setup requirements.
Still finishing the book?
Create and review every page in ReadKidz, then return to this checklist when your paperback files are ready.
Export PDF and page imagesReview every page before KDPKeep creative control
