Authors: Kindle Direct Publishing Changes

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing made some changes recently. I haven’t set up a pre-order this year so there are some things I don’t yet know.

Remember, you can go to the KDP Help Page and read all of their latest requirements.

Here’s a summary I read of the changes.

Draft File

Previously, KDP users had to upload a draft manuscript because, according to Amazon, they needed to preview the content for compliance with its policies before creating the pre-order detail page.

Now, an “asset-less” pre-order—meaning one without a manuscript file uploaded—will be accepted.

Deadline for Final Manuscript

As always, the deadline to submit your final content will be displayed on a timer on your KDP Bookshelf. (They used to send emails about it every week. I don’t know if they will still do that.)

For new and existing pre-orders, you will continue to have until the deadline displayed on your book’s set-up page to make changes to your title and provide the file you want customers to receive.

Here’s a tip. Always upload your file early to give yourself leeway in case you suddenly realized something needs to be changed.

Other Pre-Order Facts

Pre-orders do count toward your book’s sales rank even before it’s released.

You can make an ebook available for pre-order in all Kindle Stores except in India (Amazon.in).

You can set up a pre-order up to 90 days before you want your book to be published.

Think carefully when setting up your pre-order release date because the penalties are severe for postponing the release, cancelling a pre-order, and failing to meet the manuscript deadline.

Penalties for Failure to Comply

1. You can postpone the release date only 1 time for up to 30 days past the initial release date. Customers who pre-ordered will receive an email alerting them of the delayed release.

2. If you postpone a release date, you will NOT be able to postpone release dates for other existing pre-order ebooks plus you will NOT be able to set up a pre-order for any ebook for 1 year.

3. If you cancel the release of your pre-order, for whatever reason, you can unpublish your pre-order ebook just like you would unpublish any other book on KDP. If you do cancel a pre-order, you will NOT be able to set up a pre-order for any ebook for 1 year.

4. If you do NOT upload your file on time, your pre-order will be cancelled plus you will NOT be able to set up a pre-order for 1 year.

Takeaway Truth

In other words, follow the rules, Authors, or reap the wrath of Amazon.