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Book Launch Checklist

Work through a practical KDP launch checklist, from final manuscript to post-launch, with progress saved in your browser.

Launch Progress

Overall0 of 60 tasks done

Your progress is saved in this browser only.

Manuscript progress0 of 8 done

  • A fresh reader catches errors you will skip over. Proofread after formatting too, because formatting can introduce new problems.

  • Kindle eBooks do not need an ISBN. Use a different ISBN for paperback and hardcover.

  • The inside margin (gutter) grows with page count. Check yours with a margin calculator before exporting.

  • Your final page count also sets your spine width and printing cost, so lock it before the cover is finished.

Cover progress0 of 8 done

  • Spine width changes with every page, so recalculate if the interior changes.

  • Below that page count the spine is too narrow for reliable text placement, so KDP will not accept spine text.

Metadata progress0 of 9 done

  • Lead with a hook in the first two lines, since that is what shows before the "Read more" link.

  • Do not repeat words already in your title, and avoid other authors' names, trademarks and claims like "bestseller".

Proof progress0 of 6 done

  • Proof copies carry a "Not for Resale" mark. Ordering one early gives you time to fix problems before launch.

  • Spine folds can vary slightly in printing (about 0.0625"), so avoid hard lines that must sit exactly on the fold.

Publishing progress0 of 8 done

  • KDP Select requires the eBook to be exclusive to Amazon for each 90-day enrollment period. Print editions are not affected.

  • Check that each price falls inside the range that qualifies for your chosen royalty rate.

  • The DRM setting cannot be changed after the eBook is published.

  • Missing the final file deadline can cancel the pre-order and limit your ability to use pre-orders for a time.

Marketing progress0 of 7 done

  • A+ Content is reviewed separately after submission, so prepare the images early.

  • Never pay for reviews or offer rewards for positive ones. Amazon's review policies apply.

Launch progress0 of 7 done

  • If formats have not linked after a few days, contact KDP support and ask them to link the editions.

Post-launch progress0 of 7 done

  • Updated files go through review again, and print changes may require new proof checks.

About the Book Launch Checklist

Publishing on KDP involves dozens of small steps, and the ones that get missed (a proof copy, spine text on a thin book, a pre-order file deadline) are often the ones that cost the most time. This checklist groups those steps into eight stages: Manuscript, Cover, Metadata, Proof, Publishing, Marketing, Launch and Post-launch.

Tick tasks as you complete them. Each section shows its own progress, and the overall bar tracks the whole launch. Sections can be collapsed when finished, and the full list prints cleanly for a desk copy. Your ticks are saved in this browser, so you can close the page and pick up where you left off.

Several tasks have a matching tool on this site: size your cover with the cover size calculator, check your spine with the spine width calculator, prepare keywords with the keyword formatter and set a price with the pricing calculator.

How It Works

Each task has an optional tip that explains why it matters or what to watch for.

Section progress is tasks checked in that section divided by its total. Overall progress is all tasks checked divided by all tasks.

Reset progress unchecks everything after an inline confirmation. Print shows every section, including collapsed ones.

Formula

Progress
Progress = Tasks checked ÷ Total tasks

Example

Midway through preparing a paperback

  1. Check all 8 Manuscript tasks and 3 of the 8 Cover tasks.
  2. Manuscript shows 8 of 8 done and a Complete label; Cover shows 3 of 8 done.
  3. Overall: 11 of 60 tasks done, about 18%.

Collapse the finished Manuscript section and focus on the remaining cover tasks.

Important Notes

  • The checklist reflects common KDP requirements. KDP's rules change, so confirm details in KDP Help before you publish.
  • Not every task applies to every book. Skip what does not fit, such as reading age for adult fiction.
  • Progress is saved only in this browser.
  • This site is not affiliated with Amazon. Checking every task does not guarantee your book will pass review.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need to order a proof copy?

It is optional, but strongly recommended. Margins, colors and spine placement often look different in print than on screen, and a proof lets you fix problems before readers see them.

Why can't I put text on my spine?

Very thin books do not have enough spine width for text to print reliably, so KDP only allows spine text above a minimum page count. The checklist shows the current minimum from our KDP settings.

When must my pre-order manuscript be final?

KDP requires the final file a few days before the release date (the checklist shows the current deadline). Missing it can cancel the pre-order, so upload early.

How many keywords can I enter?

KDP provides a set number of keyword fields, shown in the Metadata section. Use phrases readers actually search for, and avoid repeating words that are already in your title.

Is A+ Content worth doing?

A+ Content adds images and comparison charts to your product page, which can help readers understand the book. It is free to create in KDP and goes through its own review.

Can I use this checklist for an eBook-only launch?

Yes. Skip the print-specific tasks such as spine text and proof copies, and focus on the eBook items.

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