KDP Rejected My Print Cover: Why, and How Do I Check It Before I Upload?

When KDP rejects a paperback cover, it is almost always something measurable: the file, the spine, the margins or the bleed. Below are the causes KDP’s own pages list, and how to check each one before you upload again.

Why does KDP reject a print cover?

KDP’s paperback cover page names the causes. A cover is rejected for spine text on a book under 79 pages, and a locked or encrypted PDF fails review. If you use a white border narrower than KDP’s minimum, KDP may reject the file. A file over 650MB won’t convert at all. The same page also warns about text that blends into the background and is hard to read, so check that while you are there. The notice does not always say which one applied, so go through the list below in order.

What file does KDP want?

One PDF that holds the back cover, spine and front cover as a single image. Save it as a PDF, flatten all transparencies, embed all fonts, and remove crop marks, color bars and template text. Remove any file security as well. KDP recommends 40MB or less. Images should be at least 300 DPI, and text at least 7 points.

How wide should the cover file be, and what is bleed?

Bleed is artwork that runs past the trim line so there is no white edge after cutting. KDP says to add 0.125 inch (3.2 mm) to the top, bottom and outside edges. The full width is bleed plus back cover plus spine plus front cover plus bleed, and the height is bleed plus trim height plus bleed.

The spine depends on your page count and paper. KDP gives a rate per page for each paper type, for example 0.002252 inch per page for black and white on white paper, and 0.0025 inch on cream. I don’t calculate this by hand. Use KDP’s cover calculator and template generator, which works it out from your trim size, page count and paper.

What are the spine text rules?

KDP says your book must have at least 79 pages to include text on the spine. Keep at least 0.0625 inch (1.6 mm) between the spine text and the spine edge. Every book varies slightly when bound, so KDP says to allow 0.0625 inch (1.6 mm) of variance on either side of the fold lines. KDP also warns against hard edges on the spine, because the spine can shift a little in printing.

One wording trap: KDP’s cover help says in most places that a book needs “at least 79 pages” for spine text, but in one place it says KDP only prints spine text on books with “more than 79 pages”, and for Cover Creator the minimum is 80. A book of exactly 79 pages is the edge case, so leave its spine blank to be safe.

Where should text and the barcode go?

Keep front and back cover text at least 0.125 inch (3.2 mm) inside the trim lines, and keep text and images out of the spine margin. The template shows a barcode margin, which keeps the barcode from shifting and lets it scan. You can upload a cover with or without a barcode. If you leave it out, KDP puts one on your back cover. Don’t put your own artwork or blurb in the barcode area. KDP’s page gives no size for the barcode on a paperback, so use the template. If you need an ISBN of your own, see where to get an ISBN.

How do I check the cover before I upload?

1. Build the cover from KDP’s cover calculator and template for your exact trim size, page count and paper.
2. Delete the template text and guides, then save a flattened PDF with fonts embedded and no security.
3. Check the page count is 79 or more if you want spine text.
4. Check that nothing important sits inside the margins or the spine margin.
5. After upload, look at the cover in KDP’s Print Previewer. KDP says to review the cover there when you change details on a published book, so it is the same tool to use before you publish.
6. To see it printed, KDP suggests ordering a proof copy.

If KDP blocks the book itself rather than the cover, see what to do when KDP blocks a book. Your trim size also decides the cover width, so see how to choose a KDP trim size.

What about IngramSpark and hardcovers?

IngramSpark wants a print-ready wrap cover too, and it has its own cover template generator and cover file pages in its help center. Don’t reuse KDP’s template for it, because the numbers depend on the trim size, page count and paper you choose. A hardcover is different again: KDP’s hardcover cover page asks for a 0.51 inch (15 mm) wrap and a 0.4 inch (10 mm) spine hinge. If you plan to use both platforms, I cover the differences in using KDP and IngramSpark together.

Can you do this for me?

I don’t fix covers that KDP has rejected. What I do is turn a finished Kindle cover into a print-ready IngramSpark wrap cover for a paperback or hardback, with the artwork, barcode, back-cover blurb and spine text, delivered as a PDF. It is $20, and you order it on my publishing services page.

KDP can change its cover rules, so check the linked help pages before you rely on a number here.