Amazon KDP Checklist: Upload-Ready Files and Listing QA
A practical Amazon KDP checklist covering interior PDF, wrap cover, EPUB, listing fields, and pre-upload QA — mapped to Book Wizard Export Studio and Publish Studio.
Use a checklist, not memory
Amazon KDP rejects uploads for predictable reasons: wrong trim, low-resolution cover, broken EPUB, or incomplete listing metadata. Book Wizard Export Studio generates checklist.md and manifest.json from your project so the checklist is tied to your page count and trim — not a generic blog PDF.
Manuscript and interior PDF
- Trim size matches your genre expectations (6×9, 5×8, etc.)
- Margins and gutter suit page count (KDP Cover Editor uses the same page total for spine)
- Front matter complete (title, copyright, TOC if applicable)
- No placeholder underscores or draft watermarks
- PDF fonts embedded; images ≥ 300 DPI where required
Run Fix-manifest autofix if reviews flagged continuity or clarity issues — do not upload with known FM-* items open.
Cover wrap
- Full-wrap PDF includes front, spine, and back
- Spine width calculated from actual interior page count
- Barcode area left clear on back cover per KDP template
- 3D mockup reviewed in Cover Studio before export
Kindle / EPUB
- EPUB exported from the same canonical manuscript as print
- Chapter breaks sensible for reflow
- Metadata title matches paperback listing
Listing fields (KDP Publish Studio)
Book Wizard tracks 17+ fields including:
- Title, subtitle, author, description (HTML-safe)
- Seven keyword slots (not seven copies of the same phrase)
- Categories and publishing rights notes
- Print ISBN options if applicable
Export the listing pack and keep it next to your manifest when uploading.
Day-of-upload workflow
- Download Export Studio bundle (PDF, EPUB, checklist, manifest)
- Open kdp.amazon.com → create or edit title
- Upload interior → wait for KDP previewer
- Upload wrap cover → verify spine text legibility
- Paste listing fields from Publish Studio export
- Use the Chrome extension for remaining metadata steps (preview each apply)
- Human review → publish
Static checklist page
We also maintain a structured KDP checklist page in the marketing site for quick reference.
Ship your next title with QA built in
Register free and generate checklist-backed exports from your first project.