How to Publish an eBook on Amazon KDP: A Review Checklist (2026)

Publishing a Kindle eBook involves preparing a readable manuscript, supplying a separate cover image, entering title information, and checking the converted preview. Processing time and store requirements can vary, so use this as a preparation checklist and follow the current instructions shown in your KDP account.

Prepare your manuscript

• Use a file type currently accepted for Kindle eBook manuscripts; EPUB, DOCX, and KPF are among the commonly used choices.
• Use consistent heading styles and create a navigable table of contents where appropriate.
• Remove tracked changes, placeholder text, and notes meant for the author.
• Check current language and content requirements if you plan to upload a PDF or a book with complex layout.

Supply the cover separately

Prepare a marketing cover image that follows the current Kindle eBook cover specifications. Confirm the title, subtitle, and author name match the manuscript and the details you enter in KDP. Keep a copy of any image licenses or permissions associated with the design.

Complete the book details

Enter the title, author, description, language, publishing rights, keywords, and categories carefully. Use wording that accurately describes the book. Choose search terms and categories that fit its contents, and avoid promising a result the book cannot support.

Review pricing and distribution choices

KDP offers 35% and 70% eBook royalty options. For eligible 70% sales, the royalty calculation uses the list price excluding VAT and subtracts delivery costs; territory, price requirements, and other conditions also apply. As of July 7, 2026, KDP's U.S. price band for the 70% option is $2.99–$12.99, changed from the former $2.99–$9.99 band. Other marketplaces have their own rules, and terms can change, so confirm the current requirements for your title.

KDP Select is optional. Enrolling places the Kindle eBook under digital exclusivity during the 90-day term and makes it eligible for program benefits, including Kindle+ page-read royalties and promotions. Review the terms and your other distribution plans before you enroll.

Preview the converted eBook

• Check chapter starts, headings, links, images, and the table of contents.
• Review the book at more than one screen size or font setting.
• Make sure the cover appears correctly and is not duplicated in the manuscript.
• Correct layout and content issues, then generate and inspect a fresh preview.

Final pre-submit check

Confirm you own or have permission to publish the text, images, and other material. Verify that the description and categories match the finished book. Save your source files and the final exported copy so you can correct the listing or upload a revised edition later.