$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 guidanceUpload, preview, price, and publish the paperback
Complete the KDP details, disclose AI-generated content, upload both PDFs, fix Previewer warnings, and submit the book.
You will leave with a checked paperback submission and a clear plan for review and proof copies.
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
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
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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
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.
Ready for the next book?
Trim size, bleed and the cover template are solved now. Start the next story in ReadKidz and come back to this guide when the files are ready.
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