Book Creation

What Changed at KDP in 2026?

What changed at KDP in 2026

KDP changed several rules in 2026. The ebook 70% royalty band now runs up to $12.99, new titles are limited to 2 per format each week, pre-orders can be set up 18 months ahead, and the KDP Terms and Conditions were updated on 21-Oct-26. Below is each change with the date KDP gives, a link to its source, and where I say so, what KDP leaves out.

Did the 70% ebook royalty price band change?

Yes. KDP’s page on ebook list prices says the 70% royalty option price band on Amazon.com is $2.99 to $12.99, effective 07-Jul-26. The top of the band used to be $9.99 (KDP: eBook List Price Requirements). If you priced at $9.99 to stay inside the band, you now have room above it. I would still look at what books in your category sell for before moving your price.

Is there a limit on how many titles I can publish?

Yes. KDP says you can create up to 2 titles per book format each week, and the same limit applies to submitting new titles for publication. Drafts count the first time you submit them, updates to a book you already submitted do not, and each format (ebook, paperback, hardcover) is counted separately. The count resets every Sunday at 12:00 AM UTC (KDP: Create a Book). The detail is in KDP title limit: 2 new titles per format each week.

How far ahead can I set a pre-order now?

Up to 18 months, for pre-orders created on or after 02-Sep-26. Earlier pre-orders keep the 12-month window (KDP: Kindle eBook Pre-Order). Postponing changed on the same date. A pre-order created on or after 02-Sep-26 can be postponed up to 2 times, with a new date no more than 6 months after the original. Before that date you could postpone once, by up to 30 days (KDP: postpone or cancel a pre-order). The final file is still due 72 hours before release. I cover what to do about it in KDP pre-order rules.

Do I still have to tell KDP about AI?

Yes, if an AI tool created the text, images or translation. KDP’s content guidelines say, “We require you to inform us of AI-generated content (text, images, or translations) when you publish a new book.” They also say you are not required to disclose AI-assisted content (KDP content guidelines). I cannot tell you when the wording last changed. What counts as which is in KDP AI disclosure rules.

Why is KDP blocking books?

The same content guidelines list what KDP can reject or remove: illegal or infringing content, offensive content, AI content and poor customer experience. They also set out how KDP handles blocked books (KDP content guidelines). The metadata guidelines matter too, because a title or description that breaks them can get a book blocked. If a book of yours has been blocked, start with KDP blocked my book.

Is Kindle Unlimited now called Kindle+?

On KDP’s help pages, yes. The page on royalties is titled “Royalties in Kindle+” and says ebooks and audiobooks enrolled in KDP Select are included in Kindle+. Authors are paid from the KDP Select Global Fund by their share of pages read or listened to (KDP: Royalties in Kindle+). That page does not use the name Kindle Unlimited and does not say when the rename took effect. Written Word Media reported the rename on 22-Oct-26, the day Amazon announced it, and says audiobooks in KDP Select, Virtual Voice ones included, are now part of Kindle+ and paid by the page listened from the same fund (Written Word Media: Kindle+ for authors). I treat them as the same program, and I explain how the pay works in my post on Kindle Unlimited and KENP page reads.

Did the KDP Terms and Conditions change?

KDP’s Terms and Conditions show “Last Updated: October 21, 2026.” They say Amazon can terminate or suspend your account at any time if it has concerns about your account or activity, or if you break the law or the agreement, and that it must notify you of a termination (KDP Terms and Conditions). KDP gives no list of what changed in that update. If you publish with KDP, you agreed to these terms, so read them rather than a summary. I wrote what I know about account closures in my post on why a KDP account closes without notice.

What should I do about all this?

Check three things on your own books. Look at your ebook prices against the new band. Plan new releases around the weekly limit. And before you publish, answer the AI question the way the guidelines describe. None of these rules is complicated, but they decide how you plan a launch.

KDP can change its rules at any time, so check the linked help page before you act on any date here. If you want to talk through how these changes affect your next book, book a free 25-minute discovery call.

Frequently asked questions

Did the KDP 70% ebook royalty price band change?

Yes. On Amazon.com the 70% option now covers prices from $2.99 to $12.99, effective 07-Jul-26. The top of the band used to be $9.99.

How many titles can I publish on KDP each week?

Up to 2 titles per book format each week. Each format is counted separately, and the count resets every Sunday at 12:00 AM UTC.

How far ahead can I set a KDP pre-order?

Up to 18 months for pre-orders created on or after 02-Sep-26. Earlier pre-orders keep the 12-month window.

Do I still have to tell KDP about AI content?

Yes, if an AI tool created the text, images or translation. KDP says you are not required to disclose AI-assisted content.

Is Kindle Unlimited now called Kindle+?

On KDP's help pages, yes. Its royalties page is titled Royalties in Kindle+, but it does not say when the rename took effect.

Chris Baird

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