The Ultimate Checklist for Launching Your First KDP Puzzle Book

You've created your interior, designed a cover, and are staring at the "Publish" button. Wait! Before you launch, ensure you've ticked every box on this checklist. One small mistake can cost you sales or even get your book rejected.

KDP is not a "set it and forget it" machine. It rewards precision. This checklist covers everything from file formatting to metadata optimization.

Phase 1: Pre-Creation Strategy (The Foundation)

• Keyword Research: Did you find 7-10 solid keywords?
  Check: Search for them on Amazon. Do they have < 1,000 results but good BSRs (Best Seller Ranks)?
• Competitor Analysis: Did you check the "Look Inside" feature of the top 3 bestsellers?
  Check: Note their page count, difficulty levels, and price point. Your goal is to match or beat their value proposition.
• Trademark Check: Did you run your title through USPTO.gov?
  Check: Ensure you aren't using words like "Disney," "Minecraft," or "Onesie" (yes, that's trademarked). A trademark violation leads to an instant ban.

Phase 2: Interior File (The Product)

• Correct Page Count: Does your page count match the cover template?
  Check: If your cover used a template for 100 pages, but your PDF is 102 pages, the spine text will be misaligned, and KDP might reject it.
• Margins: Is all text at least 0.375" from the edge?
  Check: Open your PDF. Does anything look "tight"? When in doubt, give it more space.
• Resolution: Are all images 300 DPI?
  Check: Zoom in 400%. If edges are blurry, fix it. Blurry puzzles get returns.
• Solutions Included: Do you have the answer key?
  Check: Verify that Puzzle #1 solution actually matches Puzzle #1. A mismatch leads to angry reviews.
• Copyright Page: Is it there?
  Check: "Copyright © 2026 [Your Pen Name]. All Rights Reserved." Simple is fine.
• Bleed Settings:
  Check: If you checked "Bleed" in KDP, is your PDF 0.125" wider/taller? If "No Bleed," is everything inside the margins?

Phase 3: Cover Design (The Salesman)

• Title Legibility:
  Check: Look at your cover at 10% zoom (thumbnail size). Can you read the title instantly? If not, make the font bigger/bolder.
• Genre Match:
  Check: Does it look like other puzzle books? Use bright oranges, yellows, or harsh contrasts. Do not use a soft, pastel floral cover for a logic puzzle book (unless it's specifically for that niche).
• Barcode Space:
  Check: Did you leave the bottom right corner (2" x 1.2") of the back cover clear? Amazon will print a barcode there over whatever you designed.
• Spine Text:
  Check: If < 80 pages, NO spine text allowed. If> 80 pages, make sure text is centered.

Use our Free Cover Calculator to get precise dimensions.

Phase 4: Uploading & Metadata (The Algorithm)

• Title: Does your title strictly match the text on the cover?
  Check: Amazon's #1 rejection reason. If cover says "Sudoku for Kids," title field cannot say "Sudoku for Kids Vol 1."
• Subtitle: Is it descriptive but not spammy?
  Check: Good: "100 Easy Puzzles for Ages 8-12". Bad: "Puzzle game toy activity gift best fun book."
• Author Name: Is it a human name or a plausible brand?
  Check: "John Doe" or "PuzzlePress". Bad: "Best Sudoku Books." KDP is banning keyword-stuffed author names.
• Description: HTML Formatted?
  Check: Use <b>bold tags</b> for emphasis. Use lists. A wall of text kills conversion.
• Categories:
  Check: Did you find the specific "Games > Puzzles" category? Don't just stick it in "Non-Fiction > General."

Phase 5: Post-Launch (The Grind)

Don't just set it and forget it. KDP is competitive.

• Order a Proof Copy: Always verify physical quality. Sometimes the "cream" paper feels different than you expected.
• A+ Content: Once published, create A+ Content (rich images on the product page). It increases conversion by ~10%.
• Run Ads (Optional): Start small. $2-5/day. Targeting your own ASIN (to defend your page) or similar books.

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