KDP rejection messages: what each one means and how to fix it

What KDP’s message usually says

Paraphrased: KDP’s exact wording varies.

• Your manuscript has text or images that fall outside the margins.
• Text or objects outside margins: page 4, page 9.
• Some content is outside the live area. Keep all text at least 0.25 in (6.4 mm) from the outside edges.
• Please make sure that all content that isn't intended to bleed is within the margins.
• Previewer found content outside the margins, including invisible spaces or italic text that runs past the margin line.

What it means

KDP trims every page and needs a blank border around everything that isn't meant to bleed: at least 0.25 in on the outside, top and bottom edges (0.375 in when the book has bleed), and an inside margin, the gutter, that grows with the page count: 0.375 in for 24–150 pages, 0.5 in for 151–300 pages, 0.625 in for 301–500 pages, 0.75 in for 501–700 pages, 0.875 in for 701–828 pages. Anything closer to an edge can be cut off, so KDP rejects the file. For example, a 6 × 9 in, 200-page paperback on cream paper needs 0.5 in inside and 0.25 in on the other edges.

Likely cause

• Margins set below KDP's minimum for the page count (the gutter grows at 151, 301, 501 and 701 pages).
• Text boxes, images that don't bleed, page numbers or headers placed near the edge.
• Invisible content past the margin: trailing spaces, empty text boxes, or italic letters that lean out of their box. KDP's Print Previewer counts them as content.

How to fix it

1. Look up the minimum margins for your final page count and set them for the whole document, with mirrored inside and outside margins.
2. Move or shrink anything closer to the edge than the margin: text boxes, images that don't bleed, page numbers, headers and footers.
3. On each flagged page, select all content or show hidden characters to find stray spaces or empty boxes past the margin, and delete them.
4. Leave a little more than the minimum: italic text and some fonts overhang their text box.
5. Export a new PDF, upload it and check the flagged pages in the Print Previewer.

• Word: Layout → Margins → Custom Margins: set Multiple pages to Mirror margins and Apply to Whole document, then enter the inside, outside, top and bottom margins. Home → ¶ shows hidden spaces and empty paragraphs.
• Google Docs: File → Page setup has one set of margins for every page (no mirrored margins), so set both the left and right margins to at least the gutter.
• InDesign: Layout → Margins and Columns on the parent pages: with Facing Pages on, Inside is the gutter and Outside the outer margin.

In kdpbook.io

The book assistant fixes it automatically, at no cost.

The steps the book assistant gives you:

1. Re-export the files and upload the new interior PDF.

KDP margins and bleed · KDP Help: Set Trim Size, Bleed, and Margins (opens in a new tab) · KDP Help: Fix Paperback and Hardcover Formatting Issues (opens in a new tab)

What KDP’s message usually says

Paraphrased: KDP’s exact wording varies.

• The inside margin (gutter) of your book is too small for its page count.
• Books with 151 to 300 pages need an inside margin of at least 0.5 in (12.7 mm).
• Books with 301 to 500 pages need an inside margin of at least 0.625 in (15.9 mm).

What it means

The gutter is the inside margin, next to the spine. KDP makes it wider as books get thicker: 0.375 in for 24–150 pages, 0.5 in for 151–300 pages, 0.625 in for 301–500 pages, 0.75 in for 501–700 pages, 0.875 in for 701–828 pages. Text closer to the spine disappears into the binding. For example, a 6 × 9 in, 200-page paperback on cream paper needs a gutter of at least 0.5 in.

Likely cause

• The page count crossed a gutter step (151, 301, 501 and 701 pages) after the margins were set.
• The same left and right margins on every page, so the inside margin is the narrow one on half the pages.

How to fix it

1. Find the minimum inside margin for your final page count: 0.375 in for 24–150 pages, 0.5 in for 151–300 pages, 0.625 in for 301–500 pages, 0.75 in for 501–700 pages, 0.875 in for 701–828 pages.
2. Set the inside margin to at least that value on every page, with mirrored margins so it always sits on the spine side.
3. Reflow the book, check that the page count didn't cross another step, then export and upload a new PDF.

• Word: Layout → Margins → Custom Margins: set Multiple pages to Mirror margins and Apply to Whole document, then enter the inside, outside, top and bottom margins.
• Google Docs: Set both the left and right margins to at least the gutter value: Docs can't mirror margins.
• InDesign: With Facing Pages on, change Inside in Layout → Margins and Columns on the parent pages so every page follows.

In kdpbook.io

The book assistant fixes it automatically, at no cost.

The steps the book assistant gives you:

1. Re-export the files and upload the new interior PDF.

KDP margins and bleed · KDP Help: Set Trim Size, Bleed, and Margins (opens in a new tab) · KDP Help: Paperback Submission Guidelines (opens in a new tab)

What KDP’s message usually says

Paraphrased: KDP’s exact wording varies.

• Images or backgrounds intended to bleed must extend at least 0.125 in (3.2 mm) beyond the trim.
• Your file has objects close to the edge that don't extend into the bleed area.
• A thin white line may appear at the edge of some pages after trimming.
• If even one page of your interior needs bleed, the whole file has to be set up with bleed.

What it means

Pictures that should print to the edge must be a little bigger than the page (0.125 in extra on the outside, top and bottom), because the printer's cut is never perfectly exact. If one page bleeds, the whole interior must be set up with bleed.

Likely cause

• The interior PDF is exactly the trim size, so art can't extend past the trim.
• Backgrounds or pictures stop at the page edge instead of 0.125 in beyond it.
• Bleed is set up on some pages but not on the whole file.

How to fix it

1. Set the whole interior's page size to the trim plus bleed: 0.125 in wider and 0.25 in taller (6 × 9 in becomes 6.125 × 9.25 in).
2. Stretch every picture or background that should touch the edge 0.125 in past the trim on the top, bottom and outside edges.
3. Keep text and anything that mustn't be cut at least 0.375 in from the trim.
4. In KDP's Print options, choose Bleed (PDF only), upload the new PDF (a book with bleed must be a PDF) and check the page edges in the Previewer.

• Word: Layout → Size → More Paper Sizes: enter the trim size, plus the bleed if your art touches the edges. KDP's own example: 6.125 × 9.25 in for a 6 × 9 in book.
• InDesign: File → Document Setup → Bleed and Slug: 0.125 in on the top, bottom and outside, none on the inside. Export with Use Document Bleed Settings and no crop marks.
• Canva: Make the design at the size with bleed (6.125 × 9.25 in for 6 × 9 in) and run backgrounds to the edge of the page.

In kdpbook.io

The book assistant fixes it automatically, at no cost.

The steps the book assistant gives you:

1. In KDP, Paperback Content → Print options → Bleed settings: choose 'Bleed (PDF only)'.
2. Re-export and upload both the new interior and the new cover (the cover doesn't change size, but keep the files from one export).

KDP margins and bleed · KDP Help: Set Trim Size, Bleed, and Margins (opens in a new tab) · KDP Help: Fix Paperback and Hardcover Formatting Issues (opens in a new tab)

What KDP’s message usually says

Paraphrased: KDP’s exact wording varies.

• Your book must have at least 24 pages.
• Standard color books must have between 72 and 600 pages.
• Hardcover books must have at least 75 pages.
• Your manuscript exceeds the maximum page count for this trim size and ink type.

What it means

KDP sets a minimum and a maximum page count for each binding, trim size, ink and paper. Paperbacks start at 24 pages (72 with standard color) and hardcovers at 75; the maximum depends on the trim and the paper. For example, a 6 × 9 in paperback on cream paper can have 24 to 776 pages.

Likely cause

• A short book on an ink with a higher minimum: standard color needs at least 72 pages and hardcovers at least 75.
• A long book on a trim and paper with a lower maximum: cream paper and the 8.5 in wide trims allow fewer pages.
• A different ink or paper picked in KDP than planned.

How to fix it

1. Check the page limits for your trim, ink and paper.
2. Too few pages: add content, or choose an option with a lower minimum (black and white or premium color paperbacks start at 24 pages).
3. Too many pages: choose a larger trim or white paper, or split the book.
4. Make KDP's ink and paper setting match your file, then upload again.

In kdpbook.io

The book assistant fixes it automatically, at no cost.

The steps the book assistant gives you:

1. In KDP, Print options → Ink and paper type: pick the same ink and paper as the book before uploading.

KDP trim sizes · KDP Help: Print Options (opens in a new tab) · KDP Help: Paperback Submission Guidelines (opens in a new tab)

What KDP’s message usually says

Paraphrased: KDP’s exact wording varies.

• Your manuscript contains more than 4 consecutive blank pages.
• Your book has more than 10 blank pages at the end.
• Your book contains unexpected blank pages, which may create a poor reading experience.

What it means

KDP allows at most 4 blank pages in a row at the start or in the middle of a book, and 10 at the end, to protect the reader experience.

Likely cause

• Section breaks that force chapters onto right-hand pages and insert empty pages.
• Empty pages added to reach KDP's minimum or an even page count.
• Leftover empty pages in the layout.

How to fix it

1. Page through the PDF's thumbnails to find runs of empty pages.
2. Delete the extra blank pages.
3. If you need more pages, add real content rather than blank pages.
4. Export and upload the revised file.

• Word: An Odd Page section break adds a blank page whenever the next section would start on the left: use Next Page breaks where you get empty runs.

In kdpbook.io

The book assistant proposes a free fix and applies it once you confirm.

kdpbook.io adds blank pages only to reach KDP's minimum page count and an even page count. The book assistant proposes deleting the extra ones.

The steps the book assistant gives you:

1. Re-export the files and upload both of them.

KDP Help: Fix Paperback and Hardcover Formatting Issues (opens in a new tab)

What KDP’s message usually says

Paraphrased: KDP’s exact wording varies.

• Your file contains text smaller than 7 pt, which may not be legible when printed.
• Some text on your cover is too small to be printed clearly.

What it means

KDP requires text of at least 7 pt everywhere in the book, including captions, footnotes, text inside images and the cover. Smaller type may not be legible when printed.

Likely cause

• Captions, footnotes, table text or the copyright page set below 7 pt.
• A text box that auto-fitted or was scaled down.
• Text inside an image (a chart or a scan) that prints below 7 pt at its placed size.

How to fix it

1. Raise every style below 7 pt, including captions, footnotes, headers and the copyright page.
2. Enlarge images that contain text, or set that text as real text.
3. On the cover, check small print such as series names and back-cover text.
4. Export and upload again.

In kdpbook.io

The book assistant fixes it automatically, at no cost.

The steps the book assistant gives you:

1. Re-export the files.

KDP Help: Paperback Fonts (opens in a new tab) · KDP Help: Fix Paperback and Hardcover Formatting Issues (opens in a new tab)

What KDP’s message usually says

Paraphrased: KDP’s exact wording varies.

• Your file contains images with a resolution lower than 300 DPI. These images may print blurry or pixelated.
• Low resolution images: page 6, page 11.
• The image on your cover has low resolution.
• Images below 200 DPI are considered low resolution and may look blurry in print.

What it means

KDP recommends images of at least 300 DPI at the size they print, and calls anything under 200 DPI low resolution: it can print blurry or pixelated.

Likely cause

• An image enlarged after it was placed.
• An image downloaded or exported small (web images often are).
• Images compressed or downsampled when the PDF was exported.

How to fix it

1. Work out each image's DPI: its pixels divided by its printed size in inches (1,800 pixels across 6 in is 300 DPI).
2. Replace small images with larger originals, or print them smaller. Changing an image's DPI setting without adding pixels doesn't improve it.
3. Turn off image compression or downsampling when you export the PDF.
4. A full-page picture on a 6 × 9 in page with bleed needs about 1838 × 2775 pixels.

• Word: File → Options → Advanced → Image Size and Quality: tick Do not compress images in file.
• InDesign: The Links panel's Link Info shows each image's Effective PPI at its placed size.
• Canva: Download as PDF Print, not PDF Standard.

In kdpbook.io

The fix redraws images, which costs credits; you can also keep the images and approve KDP's warning.

The steps the book assistant gives you:

1. If you keep the images: in KDP's Print Previewer, approve the image-resolution warning.

KDP cover size calculator · KDP Help: Format Images in Your Book (opens in a new tab) · KDP Help: Fix Paperback and Hardcover Formatting Issues (opens in a new tab)

What KDP’s message usually says

Paraphrased: KDP’s exact wording varies.

• Some text in your book doesn't have enough contrast with the background color.
• Text on page 12 blends into the background and may not be readable in print.
• Make sure all text stands out from the page color or image behind it.

What it means

Text has to stand out from what is behind it: dark text on a light page or light text on a dark page. KDP rejects text that blends into its background because it can't be read once printed.

Likely cause

• Dark text on a dark picture, or light text on a light page.
• Colored text that turns into a similar gray in black-and-white printing.

How to fix it

1. Check every page with text over pictures or colored backgrounds.
2. Change the text or background color, add a solid panel behind the text, or move the text to a calmer part of the picture.
3. For black-and-white books, check the pages in grayscale.
4. Upload the revised file.

In kdpbook.io

The book assistant fixes it automatically, at no cost.

The steps the book assistant gives you:

1. Re-export the files and upload the new interior PDF.

KDP Help: Fix Paperback and Hardcover Formatting Issues (opens in a new tab)

What KDP’s message usually says

Paraphrased: KDP’s exact wording varies.

• Your book doesn't have enough pages for spine text. Books need at least 79 pages to include text on the spine.
• Please remove the text from the spine of your cover.
• Your book needs at least 79 pages to include spine text.

What it means

KDP only puts text on the spine of books with at least 79 pages (its cover guide also says “more than 79 pages”: 80 or more, since page counts are even): a thinner spine is too narrow for text to stay on it when the cover is folded. A cover with spine text on a shorter book is rejected.

Likely cause

• Spine text on a book under 79 pages (often a picture book or a short workbook).
• A cover template reused from a thicker book.

How to fix it

1. Remove all text from the spine (title, author, logo) and keep it plain color or art.
2. Or, if the book needs more pages anyway, reach 79 pages and recalculate the spine.
3. Export the cover again and upload it. (In KDP's Cover Creator, the minimum for spine text is 80 pages.)

In kdpbook.io

The book assistant fixes it automatically, at no cost.

kdpbook.io only prints spine text once the spine is wide enough to hold legible type: from 90 to 100 pages on a paperback, depending on the paper, above KDP's 79-page minimum. Thinner books get a plain spine.

The steps the book assistant gives you:

1. Re-export and upload the new cover together with the interior from the same export.

KDP spine width calculator · KDP Help: Create a Paperback Cover (opens in a new tab) · KDP Help: Fix Paperback and Hardcover Formatting Issues (opens in a new tab)

What KDP’s message usually says

Paraphrased: KDP’s exact wording varies.

• The text on your spine is too close to the edge of the spine.
• Spine text wraps onto the front or back cover.
• Leave at least 0.0625 in (1.6 mm) between the spine text and the spine edges.

What it means

Spine text needs at least 0.0625 in of space between it and each fold, because the fold can shift slightly. The spine's width comes from the page count and the paper: for example, a 6 × 9 in, 200-page paperback on cream paper has a 0.5 in spine, which leaves 0.375 in for the text.

Likely cause

• Spine text too large for the spine width.
• A spine sized for another paper or page count, so the folds moved.
• Text that isn't centered on the spine.

How to fix it

1. Recalculate the spine width for the exact page count and paper.
2. Keep spine text at least 0.0625 in from each fold: a 0.5 in spine, for example, leaves 0.375 in for the type.
3. Center the text on the spine and reduce its size until it fits, then export the cover again.

In kdpbook.io

The book assistant fixes it automatically, at no cost.

The steps the book assistant gives you:

1. In KDP, check that Print options → Ink and paper type matches the book's ink and paper.
2. Re-export and upload both files.

KDP spine width calculator · KDP Help: Create a Paperback Cover (opens in a new tab)

What KDP’s message usually says

Paraphrased: KDP’s exact wording varies.

• Your cover has text or images in the barcode area. Leave a 2 x 1.2 in (50.8 x 30.5 mm) space in the lower right of the back cover.
• Content in barcode area.
• KDP prints the barcode in a white box at the lower right of the back cover, so anything placed there will be covered.

What it means

When you don't supply your own barcode, KDP prints one in a 2 × 1.2 in white box at the lower right of the back cover. Anything under that box is hidden, so KDP rejects covers with text or images there.

Likely cause

• Back-cover text, an author photo or a logo running into the lower right corner.
• Artwork placed where KDP puts the barcode.

How to fix it

1. Keep a 2 × 1.2 in area at the lower right of the back cover clear, with some room around it.
2. Move text and important art out of it; a plain part of the background is the safest.
3. Or add your own barcode there, following KDP's barcode requirements.
4. Export and upload the cover again.

In kdpbook.io

The book assistant proposes a free fix and applies it once you confirm.

kdpbook.io's back-cover layout keeps text out of the barcode box. When the back-cover picture runs under it, the book assistant proposes clearing that area.

The steps the book assistant gives you:

1. Re-export and upload the new cover.

KDP cover size calculator · KDP Help: Barcodes (opens in a new tab) · KDP Help: Create a Paperback Cover (opens in a new tab)

What KDP’s message usually says

Paraphrased: KDP’s exact wording varies.

• The manuscript you uploaded appears to include bleed, but you selected 'No Bleed'.
• Your file doesn't include bleed, but you selected 'Bleed (PDF only)'.
• Your interior page size is 8.625 x 8.75 in; for the trim size you selected without bleed it should be 8.5 x 8.5 in.

What it means

KDP reads the page size of your PDF and compares it with the Bleed setting you chose. A 6 × 9 in book is 6 × 9 in without bleed and 6.125 × 9.25 in with bleed; when the file and the setting disagree, the page size looks wrong.

Likely cause

• The Bleed option in KDP's Print options was left on its default.
• The PDF was exported at the trim size for a book set to Bleed, or at the bleed size for a book set to No Bleed.

How to fix it

1. Check your PDF's page size in its document properties.
2. If it's the trim size plus 0.125 × 0.25 in, choose Bleed (PDF only) in KDP; if it's exactly the trim size, choose No Bleed.
3. Upload the same file again and check it in the Previewer.

In kdpbook.io

Usually a setting to change in KDP, not the book: the book assistant tells you which one and what to upload.

kdpbook.io builds a book with bleed when its art reaches the page edges, and without bleed otherwise.

The steps the book assistant gives you:

1. In KDP, Paperback Content → Print options → Bleed settings: choose the option that matches your files, 'Bleed (PDF only)' for a book with bleed or 'No Bleed' for one without.
2. Upload the same interior again: nothing needs to change in the book.

KDP margins and bleed · KDP Help: Set Trim Size, Bleed, and Margins (opens in a new tab) · KDP Help: Fix Paperback and Hardcover Formatting Issues (opens in a new tab)

What KDP’s message usually says

Paraphrased: KDP’s exact wording varies.

• The page size of your manuscript doesn't match the trim size you selected.
• Your manuscript is 6 x 9 in, but you selected a trim size of 5.5 x 8.5 in.
• All pages in your file must be the same size as the selected trim size (plus bleed, if applicable).

What it means

KDP compares every page of your PDF with the trim size you picked. For a 6 × 9 in book, every page must be 6 × 9 in, or 6.125 × 9.25 in with bleed.

Likely cause

• A different trim size picked in KDP than the one the file was made for.
• A document left on Letter or A4 paper instead of the trim size.
• Some pages (inserted images or scans) with a different size from the rest.

How to fix it

1. Pick the trim size and choose the same one in KDP's Print options.
2. Set the whole document's page size to that trim, plus bleed if art touches the edges.
3. Reflow the book: the page count changes, so check the margins for the new count.
4. Export a new PDF and upload it.

• Word: Layout → Size → More Paper Sizes: enter the trim size, plus the bleed if your art touches the edges.
• InDesign: File → Document Setup: set the width and height to the trim size.
• Canva: Create the design with custom dimensions in inches, at the trim size (or trim plus bleed).

In kdpbook.io

Usually a setting to change in KDP, not the book: the book assistant tells you which one and what to upload.

Every page of a kdpbook.io PDF has the book's trim size, plus the bleed when the art reaches the edges, so this message usually means KDP's Trim size setting differs from the book's.

The steps the book assistant gives you:

1. In KDP, Paperback Content → Print options → Trim size: choose the book's trim size.
2. To use a different trim size, ask the book assistant to change the book to it: every page is laid out again.

KDP trim sizes · KDP Help: Set Trim Size, Bleed, and Margins (opens in a new tab) · KDP Help: Fix Paperback and Hardcover Formatting Issues (opens in a new tab)

What KDP’s message usually says

Paraphrased: KDP’s exact wording varies.

• The spine width of your cover doesn't match the page count of your manuscript.
• Your cover was created for a different page count than your manuscript.
• The cover you uploaded was built for 98 pages, but your interior has 100 pages.

What it means

The spine width comes from the page count and the paper, so the cover must be made for the exact interior you upload. A paperback cover is two trim widths plus the spine, plus 0.125 in of bleed on every outer edge. For example, a 6 × 9 in, 200-page paperback on cream paper has a 0.5 in spine and a 12.75 × 9.25 in cover; a few pages more, or another paper, changes both.

Likely cause

• The interior changed after the cover was made (pages added or removed).
• The cover was sized for a different paper than the one chosen in KDP (cream paper makes a wider spine than white).

How to fix it

1. Note the page count KDP shows for your uploaded interior.
2. Recalculate the spine and the full cover size for that count and paper, and resize the cover: spine width and front-panel position.
3. Export a new cover PDF and upload it with the same interior.

In kdpbook.io

The assistant explains the message and what to check; there is nothing to change in the book itself.

Each kdpbook.io export builds the cover for that interior's page count and paper, so an interior and a cover from the same export always match.

The steps the book assistant gives you:

1. Upload the interior and the cover from the same export (download the zip).
2. In KDP, check that Print options → Ink and paper type matches the book's ink and paper.

KDP cover size calculator · KDP Help: Create a Paperback Cover (opens in a new tab) · KDP Cover Calculator (opens in a new tab)

What KDP’s message usually says

Paraphrased: KDP’s exact wording varies.

• Fonts not embedded: all fonts in your file must be embedded.
• Your file uses fonts that aren't embedded: Arial, Helvetica.

What it means

A printer can only reproduce fonts that travel inside the PDF. KDP needs every font in the interior and the cover embedded; some fonts can't be embedded because of technical or license restrictions.

Likely cause

• Export settings that don't embed fonts, or skip common system fonts.
• A font whose license blocks embedding (some free fonts).
• A PDF opened and saved again in another program.

How to fix it

1. Check the PDF: every font must show Embedded or Embedded Subset.
2. Turn on font embedding in your layout program and export again.
3. Replace any font that still won't embed.
4. Upload the new PDF without re-saving it in another app.

• Adobe Acrobat: File → Properties → Fonts lists every font and whether it is embedded.
• Word: File → Options → Save: tick Embed fonts in the file, and untick Embed only the characters used in the document and Do not embed common system fonts.
• InDesign: Export with File → Export → Adobe PDF (Print) and the PDF/X-1a preset, which embeds every font and flattens transparency.

In kdpbook.io

The assistant explains the message and what to check; there is nothing to change in the book itself.

kdpbook.io's exports embed every font, so this message usually means the PDF was opened and saved again in another program, or a font failed to load during the export.

The steps the book assistant gives you:

1. Re-export and upload the new PDF exactly as downloaded: don't open and save it in another app.

KDP Help: Paperback Fonts (opens in a new tab) · KDP Help: Fix Paperback and Hardcover Formatting Issues (opens in a new tab)

What KDP’s message usually says

Paraphrased: KDP’s exact wording varies.

• Your file contains transparency that must be flattened.
• Unflattened transparent objects were found in your file.

What it means

Semi-transparent objects, shadows and stacked layers have to be flattened into plain artwork before printing. KDP asks for transparency and layers to be flattened in the file you upload.

Likely cause

• Drop shadows, soft edges or opacity below 100% in the design.
• Images with transparent backgrounds placed over color.
• A PDF exported with live transparency or layers.

How to fix it

1. Export the PDF with a print preset that flattens transparency, such as PDF/X-1a.
2. Or flatten the artwork in the design program first (merge layers, rasterize effects).
3. Upload the new PDF and check the pages in the Previewer.

• InDesign: Export with File → Export → Adobe PDF (Print) and the PDF/X-1a preset, which embeds every font and flattens transparency.

In kdpbook.io

The book assistant proposes a free fix and applies it once you confirm.

In kdpbook.io books, the usual cause is the soft, semi-transparent panel behind text on a picture. The book assistant can make those panels solid.

The steps the book assistant gives you:

1. Re-export after the change.

KDP Help: Paperback Submission Guidelines (opens in a new tab) · KDP Help: Fix Paperback and Hardcover Formatting Issues (opens in a new tab)

What KDP’s message usually says

Paraphrased: KDP’s exact wording varies.

• Remove bookmarks, annotations, comments, form fields and hyperlinks from your PDF.
• Your file contains interactive elements that can't be printed.
• Your PDF contains bookmarks, comments or annotations that must be removed before printing.

What it means

Print PDFs must contain flat pages only. KDP asks you to remove crop and trim marks, bookmarks, comments, annotations, invisible objects and similar objects before you upload.

Likely cause

• A PDF exported with bookmarks or links (common when the document has a table of contents).
• Comments or annotations added while reviewing the PDF.
• Crop or trim marks turned on at export.

How to fix it

1. Export again with bookmarks, hyperlinks, comments and printer's marks turned off.
2. Or remove them in a PDF editor and save a flattened copy.
3. Upload the new PDF.

• Word: When saving as PDF, open Options and untick Create bookmarks using.
• InDesign: In Export Adobe PDF, untick Bookmarks and Hyperlinks (General) and All Printer's Marks (Marks and Bleeds).

In kdpbook.io

The assistant explains the message and what to check; there is nothing to change in the book itself.

kdpbook.io's print PDFs contain no links, bookmarks or comments, so upload the file exactly as downloaded.

The steps the book assistant gives you:

1. Re-export and upload the new PDF exactly as downloaded.

KDP Help: Paperback Submission Guidelines (opens in a new tab)

What KDP’s message usually says

Paraphrased: KDP’s exact wording varies.

• Your cover's dimensions are incorrect. Based on the trim size, page count and paper type you selected, your cover should be 12.35 x 9.25 in (including bleed).
• The cover file you uploaded is 12.3 x 9.25 in.
• Your cover must match the size from the cover calculator for your trim size, page count and paper type.

What it means

KDP computes the exact cover size from the trim size, the page count and the paper, and your PDF must match it. A paperback cover is bleed, back cover, spine, front cover and bleed side by side: two trim widths plus the spine plus 0.25 in wide, and the trim height plus 0.25 in tall. For example, a 6 × 9 in, 200-page paperback on cream paper needs a 12.75 × 9.25 in cover with a 0.5 in spine.

Likely cause

• A cover made before the page count was final, or for another paper.
• A file that is only the front cover, or that has white space or crop marks around it.
• Missing bleed around the edges.

How to fix it

1. Calculate the full-wrap size for your trim, paper and final page count.
2. Resize the cover document to exactly that size, with the art running to every edge.
3. Export a single-page PDF without crop marks or white space, and upload it.

• Canva: Create a custom-size design at the full cover width and height in inches, not the front-cover size.
• InDesign: Set the document to the full cover width and height, and place the calculator's template on a guide layer.

In kdpbook.io

Usually a setting to change in KDP, not the book: the book assistant tells you which one and what to upload.

Each kdpbook.io export sizes the cover for the book's trim size, page count and paper, so this message usually means KDP's Ink and paper setting differs from the paper the book was made for.

The steps the book assistant gives you:

1. In KDP, set Ink and paper type to the book's ink and paper, or ask the book assistant to switch the book to the paper you picked in KDP, then re-export.
2. Upload the interior and cover from the same export.

KDP cover size calculator · KDP Help: Create a Paperback Cover (opens in a new tab) · KDP Cover Calculator (opens in a new tab) · KDP Help: Fix Paperback and Hardcover Formatting Issues (opens in a new tab)

What KDP’s message usually says

Paraphrased: KDP’s exact wording varies.

• Your cover or interior contains a watermark or 'sample' text.
• Remove watermarks from your files.

What it means

KDP rejects files that carry watermarks, sample or preview marks, or PDF-creator logos: the printed book may only contain your content.

Likely cause

• A file exported from a free or trial version of a design or PDF tool that stamps its name.
• A sample or draft mark left on the pages or the cover.

How to fix it

1. Export again from a version or setting that produces clean files.
2. Check every page and the cover for faint text or logos.
3. Upload the clean files.

In kdpbook.io

Usually a setting to change in KDP, not the book: the book assistant tells you which one and what to upload.

Free-plan files carry a 'kdpbook.io preview' mark, which KDP rejects.

The steps the book assistant gives you:

1. Subscribe to a paid plan, then re-export clean files from the export page and upload them.

KDP Help: Paperback Submission Guidelines (opens in a new tab)

What KDP’s message usually says

Paraphrased: KDP’s exact wording varies.

• The title on your cover doesn't match the title you entered in your book's details.
• The author name on your cover must match the author or contributor names you entered.
• Book cover and book details mismatch: "Little Wolf and the Night Lantern" / "Little Wolf and the Night Lanterns".
• The title, subtitle and author on your cover must exactly match your book details.

What it means

The title, subtitle and author on the cover and on the title page must be letter-for-letter the same as what you typed into KDP.

Likely cause

• The title or subtitle changed in KDP's form but not on the cover, or the reverse.
• The author name written differently (J.T. Smith on the cover, John T. Smith in the details).
• A subtitle or series name on the cover that isn't in the book details.

How to fix it

1. Compare the cover with KDP's Details page letter by letter: title, subtitle, author and series.
2. Fix whichever side is wrong: the cover and the details must match exactly.
3. Upload the corrected cover, and the interior too if its title page changed.

In kdpbook.io

The book assistant fixes it automatically, at no cost.

The steps the book assistant gives you:

1. In KDP's Details page, type the title, subtitle and author exactly as they appear on the cover.
2. Re-export and upload both files.

KDP Help: Metadata Guidelines for Books (opens in a new tab) · KDP Help: Fix Paperback and Hardcover Formatting Issues (opens in a new tab)

What KDP’s message usually says

Paraphrased: KDP’s exact wording varies.

• The title in your manuscript doesn't match the title in your book details.
• The author name in your interior file must match the author name you entered.
• The title, author and ISBN in your manuscript must match your book details exactly.

What it means

The title page inside the book must show the same title and author as KDP's details.

Likely cause

• A title page, copyright page or running header that kept an older title.
• An author name or ISBN in the manuscript that differs from KDP's details.

How to fix it

1. Check every place the book details appear: title page, copyright page, headers and the ISBN line.
2. Make them match KDP's Details page exactly, or update the details.
3. Upload the revised interior.

In kdpbook.io

The book assistant fixes it automatically, at no cost.

The steps the book assistant gives you:

1. Re-export and upload the new interior.

KDP Help: Fix Paperback and Hardcover Formatting Issues (opens in a new tab) · KDP Help: Metadata Guidelines for Books (opens in a new tab)

What KDP’s message usually says

Paraphrased: KDP’s exact wording varies.

• Your title or subtitle contains keywords or descriptions that aren't part of the book's actual title.
• Metadata can't include terms such as 'bestselling', 'free' or references to other authors, brands or trademarks.
• We found keyword stuffing in your book's metadata.
• Titles can't include sales-rank claims such as '#1' or promotional words like 'sale'.

What it means

The title and subtitle must be only the book's name, as printed on the cover. Search words go in the 7 keyword boxes, never in the title.

Likely cause

• Search terms added to the title or subtitle.
• Words such as bestselling, free or #1, or another author's or brand's name.

How to fix it

1. Make the title field exactly the title on the cover, and keep the subtitle short and descriptive (title and subtitle together must be under 200 characters).
2. Move search terms to the 7 keyword boxes.
3. Remove sales claims, promotions and trademarks you don't own.
4. If the old subtitle is printed on the cover, update the cover too.

In kdpbook.io

The book assistant fixes it automatically, at no cost.

The steps the book assistant gives you:

1. Copy the new title, subtitle and keywords into KDP's Details page.
2. If the subtitle changed and it's on the cover: re-export and upload both files.

KDP Help: Metadata Guidelines for Books (opens in a new tab) · KDP Help: Make Your Book More Discoverable with Keywords (opens in a new tab)

What KDP’s message usually says

Paraphrased: KDP’s exact wording varies.

• Low-content books aren't eligible for a free KDP ISBN.
• Your book appears to be low-content; select the low-content option.
• Low-content books must be published without an ISBN or with your own ISBN.

What it means

KDP treats books meant to be filled in (notebooks, planners, journals, log books) as low-content. They must be marked as low-content in the book details and can't use a free KDP ISBN: you publish without an ISBN or with your own. Puzzle, coloring and children's books are generally not low-content.

Likely cause

• The Low-content box under Categories left unticked for a notebook or planner, or ticked for a book that isn't low-content.
• A free KDP ISBN requested for a low-content book.

How to fix it

1. Decide whether the book is low-content using KDP's examples.
2. Tick or untick Low-content under Categories on the Details page.
3. For a low-content book, choose Publish without an ISBN or Use my own ISBN. The ISBN choice can't be changed after publishing.

In kdpbook.io

Usually a setting to change in KDP, not the book: the book assistant tells you which one and what to upload.

For KDP, notebooks, journals, planners and log books are low-content; story, coloring and activity books aren't.

The steps the book assistant gives you:

1. For a notebook, journal, planner or log book: on KDP's Details page, tick Low-content book under Categories, then choose Publish without an ISBN or Use my own ISBN.
2. For any other book: leave Low-content book unticked; the free KDP ISBN is available.

KDP Help: Low-content Books (opens in a new tab)

What KDP’s message usually says

Paraphrased: KDP’s exact wording varies.

• Your book contains links to external websites. Remove links that send customers to other retailers or ask for personal information.
• Your book description contains a web address, email address or contact information, which isn't allowed.
• Descriptions can't include phone numbers, email addresses or URLs.

What it means

KDP doesn't allow the description to contain web or email addresses, and books may not send readers to other stores or sign-up forms.

Likely cause

• A website, email address or phone number typed into the book description.
• Links in the book that send readers to other eBook stores or to forms that collect personal information.

How to fix it

1. Remove web addresses, email addresses and phone numbers from the description.
2. In the book, keep links that add to the reading (earlier books in a series, printable extras) and remove links to other stores and sign-up forms.
3. Update the description in KDP's Details page and upload the revised files if the book changed.

In kdpbook.io

The book assistant fixes it automatically, at no cost.

The steps the book assistant gives you:

1. Paste the new description into KDP (Details page), re-export and upload the new files.

KDP Help: Metadata Guidelines for Books (opens in a new tab) · KDP Help: Hyperlink Guidelines (opens in a new tab)

What KDP’s message usually says

Paraphrased: KDP’s exact wording varies.

• Your book contains placeholder text (for example 'Lorem ipsum' or '[Insert name]').
• Your cover contains template text such as 'Your Title Here'.
• Remove text left over from a template.

What it means

Leftover filler text ('Lorem ipsum', '[Insert name]', notes meant for the writer) tells KDP the book isn't finished.

Likely cause

• Template sample text left in the front matter, headers or footers (Book title, Author name, Insert text here).
• Notes to yourself or bracketed fill-ins left in the text ([Insert name]).

How to fix it

1. Search the manuscript for brackets, insert, lorem, type here and title.
2. Check the copyright page, table of contents, headers and footers.
3. Replace or delete every placeholder, then upload the revised file.

In kdpbook.io

The book assistant fixes it automatically, at no cost.

The steps the book assistant gives you:

1. Re-export and upload the new files.

KDP Help: Fix Paperback and Hardcover Formatting Issues (opens in a new tab) · KDP Help: Paperback Submission Guidelines (opens in a new tab)

What KDP’s message usually says

Paraphrased: KDP’s exact wording varies.

• We've found content in your book that might result in a disappointing customer experience.
• Your book appears to contain content that is freely available (public domain) and isn't differentiated.
• We need more information to verify that you hold the necessary publishing rights.

What it means

This is a review of the book as a whole, not a file problem. KDP asks for more information when a book may disappoint readers (thin or repetitive content, or freely available public-domain text without additions), or to confirm that you hold the publishing rights.

Likely cause

• Very short, repetitive or template-like content.
• Public-domain or freely available text without meaningful additions.
• Content that looks close to another book.

How to fix it

1. Reply to KDP's email specifically: what the book is, what you created yourself, and how you hold the rights.
2. If AI tools generated text, images or translations, make sure you declared it when publishing: KDP requires it for AI-generated content.
3. If the concern is quality, improve the book before you resubmit.

In kdpbook.io

The assistant explains the message and what to check; there is nothing to change in the book itself.

The steps the book assistant gives you:

1. Reply to KDP's email: say what the book is, that you hold the rights to it, which parts kdpbook.io's AI tools generated, and what you wrote or edited yourself.
2. In KDP's Content tab, answer 'Yes' to the AI-generated content questions for the text and images kdpbook.io generated.

KDP Help: Content Guidelines (AI-generated content) (opens in a new tab) · KDP Help: Guide to Kindle Content Quality (opens in a new tab)