How to Publish a Children's Book on Amazon KDP (2026)

KDP facts last checked: October 15, 2026. KDP changes its rules and costs. Check the linked KDP help pages before you publish.

In this guide: Before you start · 1 Account · 2 Book details · 3 ISBN · 4 Trim, ink and bleed · 5 Interior file · 6 Cover · 7 Price and royalty · 8 Preview and proof · 9 Publish · Kindle eBook · AI art · Common mistakes · FAQ

Before you start: what you need

Have these ready before you open KDP:

• Final, edited text. The title, subtitle and author name in your file must match what you enter in KDP.
• Final illustrations at print quality. KDP says: "All images (both cover and manuscript) should be at least 300 DPI." (Paperback Submission Guidelines)
• A format decision: paperback, hardcover or Kindle eBook. Each format is a separate setup.
• Your page count. The paperback minimum is 24 pages. The hardcover minimum is 75 pages.

Source: KDP Print Options and Set Trim Size, Bleed, and Margins.

This guide covers the paperback, from step 1 to publish. The Kindle eBook has its own short section below.

If you still need illustrations, see how to illustrate a children's book or how to hire a children's book illustrator.

Step 1: Set up your KDP account and tax information

Answer: Sign in at kdp.amazon.com with an Amazon account, or create one. Then add your author, payment and tax information. KDP does not charge you to publish: "Kindle Direct Publishing is free to use." (KDP Earn)

KDP lists what you need (Set Up Your KDP Account):

• your name, address and phone number
• your bank account and routing number information (depends on your country)
• your tax information / TIN (for non-US authors)

Two rules to know:

• KDP says: "Don't enter your pen name in your account details." Payments and tax forms use the account name. Add a pen name later, in title setup.
• "Amazon requires all account holders ... to provide valid taxpayer identification information."

Step 2: Enter your book details

Answer: On the Paperback Details page, enter the language, title, author, description, publishing rights, reading age, marketplace, categories and keywords. Take care: KDP says "some of these fields can't be modified once your book is published." (Enter Book Details)

• Title and author. "The title, subtitle, author name, series information, and ISBN in your manuscript file must match the details you enter during title setup."
• Reading age. It is optional, but set it for a children's book. Without it, KDP says your book "may not be eligible for your selected Children's or Teen & Young Adult categories and it will not appear in age-specific search results." (Book Details)
• Categories. Choose categories under Children's Books.
• Linked formats. KDP links the eBook, paperback and hardcover "if the author name and book title of both editions match exactly."

Step 3: Choose your ISBN

Answer: A paperback needs an ISBN. You can get a free ISBN from KDP or use your own. KDP says: "Each format of your book (paperback vs hardcover) needs its own ISBN," and "eBooks and low-content books are the only formats where an ISBN is optional." (ISBNs)

Step 4: Choose trim size, ink and bleed

Answer: For a picture book, choose a common square or large trim (for example 8.5" x 8.5" or 8" x 10"), premium color ink, and bleed if any art runs to the page edge. Standard color needs at least 72 pages, so it does not fit most picture books.

Common picture-book trim sizes on KDP

Paperback page ranges with premium color ink and white paper (Set Trim Size, Bleed, and Margins):

All five are large trims. KDP says: "A large trim size is either more than 6.12 inches (155.5 mm) in width or more than 9 inches (228.6 mm) in height." Large trims cost more to print. For paperbacks you can also enter a custom trim size: "Width must be within 4"-8.5" ... Height must be within 6"-11.69"." (Print Options)

Premium color or standard color?

Choose premium color. KDP calls it "ideal for image-heavy color interiors, like children's books." Its minimum page count is 24. Standard color has a minimum of 72 pages. (Color Ink Options)

Bleed explained

Bleed lets art reach the page edge. KDP trims each page "by cutting 0.125" (3.2 mm) from the top, bottom, and outside edges." So art that should touch the edge must extend 0.125" past the trim line.

• "All book covers on KDP require bleed. However, you can choose whether your interior has bleed or not."
• "Even if just one page in your interior requires bleed, then your entire file should be set up with bleed."
• "Format your PDF manuscript at 0.25" (6.4 mm) higher and 0.125" (3.2 mm) wider than your selected trim size." (Paperback Submission Guidelines)

There is no bleed at the gutter (the inside edge). That is why the bleed page is 0.125" wider, not 0.25". For 8.5" x 8.5", the page size with bleed is 8.625" x 8.75".

Margins and the safe area

For 24 to 150 pages, KDP's margins are (Set Trim Size, Bleed, and Margins):

Keep all text and faces inside these margins. Art can run into the bleed.

Step 5: Prepare and upload the interior file

Answer: Export one PDF at the page size with bleed, with an even page count of at least 24 pages. KDP says: "If your book has images or elements that bleed to the edges of your pages, you must upload your manuscript as a PDF."

Checklist from KDP's Paperback Submission Guidelines:

• Page count: "The minimum page count is 24 pages." KDP rounds up "to an even number if necessary."
• Images: at least 300 DPI. KDP recommends "a maximum resolution of 600 DPI, to keep your total file size under 650MB."
• File size: "Ensure file size is not more than 650MB."
• Fonts: minimum font size 7 points. Embed all fonts.
• No-bleed books only: other file formats are accepted for books without bleed. A picture book with full-page art needs a PDF.

For how the pages of a 32-page book are planned, see how many illustrations a 32-page picture book needs.

Step 6: Create the cover

Answer: Upload one print-ready PDF that holds the back cover, spine and front cover as one image, or use KDP's free Cover Creator. Get the exact size from KDP's cover calculator. KDP says: "Your cover must be a single PDF file that includes the back cover, spine, and front cover as one image." (Create a Paperback Cover)

• Size: use the KDP cover calculator and templates. KDP's formula is: Cover Width = Bleed + Back Cover Width + Spine Width + Front Cover Width + Bleed. Cover Height = Bleed + Trim Height + Bleed. Bleed is 0.125" (3.2 mm).
• Spine text: KDP's two pages word this differently. The cover page says "To include spine text, your book must have at least 79 pages." The submission guidelines say "We only print spine text on books with more than 79 pages." A 32-page picture book gets no spine text. If your book is close to 79 pages, check the cover calculator and keep the spine blank to be safe. KDP warns that a short book with spine text "will be rejected and require adjustment."
• Barcode: keep text out of the barcode area on the back cover.

Step 7: Set your price and see your royalty

Answer: Paperback royalty = (royalty rate x list price) − printing cost. On Amazon.com the rate is 50% at a list price of 9.98 USD or below, and 60% at 9.99 USD or above. (Paperback Royalty)

Printing cost

KDP's formula is "Fixed cost + (page count * per page cost) = printing cost." For premium color paperbacks on Amazon.com (Paperback Printing Cost):

"Bleed settings and cover finish don't affect printing cost."

Example (estimate only)

A 32-page, 8.5" x 8.5" (large trim), premium color paperback, sold on Amazon.com:

• List price 9.99 USD: 0.60 x 9.99 − 4.20 = about 1.79 USD per copy.
• List price 9.98 USD: 0.50 x 9.98 − 4.20 = about 0.79 USD per copy.

This is example math from KDP's published formula. It is not a promise of earnings. Use KDP's Printing Cost & Royalty Calculator for your book.

• Expanded Distribution: the royalty is "40% of the book's list price ... minus printing costs."
• Maximum list price: "250 USD (Amazon.com)". (Pricing)

Step 8: Preview and order a proof copy

Answer: Launch the Print Previewer and check every page. KDP says this step "is required." Then order a printed proof before you publish.

• Previewer. "Click the Launch Previewer button to review your file to check for formatting or print quality issues. This step is required." (Paperback Content)
• Bleed mismatch. If your manuscript is not sized for the bleed setting you chose, "it will be rejected during quality review."
• Proof copy. In the "Request a book proof" section, KDP says: "You can get a physical copy of your book to check for printing errors" (Paperback Content). Proof and author copies cost the print cost "multiplied by the number of copies ordered," plus shipping. (Proof and Author Copies)

Step 9: Publish, and what happens next

Answer: When the Rights & Pricing page is complete, click the publish button. KDP says it takes 3 business days for a book to go live. The paperback detail page can take up to 72 hours to appear on Amazon.com. (Timelines)

• KDP's eBook timelines also list "Up to 72 hours" for the eBook detail page to appear. These times are estimates.
• After it is live, check the Amazon detail page, the categories and the reading age.

Kindle eBook version of a picture book

Answer: Use Kindle Create. KDP says: "When you import your PDF, PNG, or JPEG files into Kindle Create, your file is converted to an illustrated, comic, or kids' eBook." Then export the file and upload it as a separate eBook. (Prepare Comic and Kids' eBooks)

An eBook does not need an ISBN. eBook royalties have two options: 35% and 70%. The 70% option is paid "less delivery costs" and only for sales in the 70% territories. (eBook Royalties)

Using AI art? Tell KDP

KDP says: "We require you to inform us of AI-generated content (text, images, or translations) when you publish a new book." This "include[s] cover and interior images and artwork." "You are not required to disclose AI-assisted content." (Content Guidelines) The question is on the Paperback Content page (see the AI-Generated Content screenshot above). For the full rules and the copyright side, read Can you use AI illustrations in a children's book on KDP?

Common mistakes that get files rejected

1. Bleed setting does not match the file. KDP rejects it during quality review.
2. Spine text on a thin book. Under 79 pages, the cover is rejected.
3. Text in the margins or the gutter. Keep text at least 0.375" from the inside and outside edges on a bleed book of 24–150 pages.
4. Wrong page size. With bleed, add 0.125" to the width and 0.25" to the height.
5. Front and back covers as separate files. The cover must be one PDF.
6. Low-resolution images. Use at least 300 DPI.
7. Planning a 32-page hardcover. KDP hardcovers need at least 75 pages.

FAQ

1. Is it free to publish a children's book on KDP? Yes. "Kindle Direct Publishing is free to use." KDP takes the printing cost from each paperback sale. You pay only for proof or author copies you order, plus shipping.

2. What do I need to set up a KDP account? An Amazon sign-in (optional), your name, address and phone number, bank details, and tax information.

3. Do I need an ISBN for a children's book on KDP? Yes, for a paperback or hardcover. You can use a free KDP ISBN (KDP only) or your own. An eBook does not need one.

4. What trim size is best for a picture book on KDP? There is no single best size. Square 8.5" x 8.5" and 8.25" x 8.25", portrait 8" x 10", and landscape 8.25" x 6" all work with premium color from 24 pages.

5. What is bleed, and what page size do I use with bleed? Bleed is art that runs past the trim line so it reaches the page edge. Make each page 0.125" wider and 0.25" taller than the trim. For 8.5" x 8.5", use 8.625" x 8.75".

6. What is the minimum page count for a KDP children's book? 24 pages for a paperback. 72 pages for standard color. 75 pages for a hardcover.

7. What file format does KDP need? A PDF for an interior with bleed. A single print-ready PDF for the cover, or KDP's Cover Creator.

8. Can a 32-page book have spine text? No. KDP needs about 79 pages or more for spine text (its two help pages say "at least 79" and "more than 79").

9. Premium color or standard color? Premium color. Standard color needs at least 72 pages.

10. How much does it cost to print a children's book on KDP? For a 24–40 page premium color paperback on Amazon.com, KDP lists 3.60 USD (regular trim) or 4.20 USD (large trim) per book.

11. How much royalty do I make on a children's paperback? (Royalty rate x list price) − printing cost. The rate is 60% at 9.99 USD or above on Amazon.com, and 50% below. Example: a 32-page 8.5" x 8.5" book at 9.99 USD earns about 1.79 USD per copy (estimate).

12. Can I publish a hardcover children's book on KDP? Only if it has at least 75 pages. A 32-page picture book cannot be a KDP hardcover.

13. How do I make a Kindle eBook of a picture book? Import your PDF, PNG or JPEG files into Kindle Create. It converts them to a kids' eBook.

14. How long does KDP review take? KDP says it takes 3 business days for a book to go live. The paperback detail page can take up to 72 hours to appear on Amazon.com.

15. How do I order a proof copy? Use "Request a book proof" on the Paperback Content page. You pay the print cost per copy, plus shipping.

16. Must I disclose AI illustrations? Yes, if the images are AI-generated. AI-assisted edits do not need to be disclosed. See our AI and KDP guide.

Related guides

• The business of publishing a children's book
• How to hire a children's book illustrator
• What to send an illustrator for a quote

Sources (kdp.amazon.com, all opened October 15, 2026)

1. Set Up Your KDP Account: https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G202187760
2. KDP Earn: https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/earn
3. Enter Book Details: https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G202172740
4. Book Details (reading age): https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G201506310
5. ISBNs: https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G201834170
6. Print Options: https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G201834180
7. Set Trim Size, Bleed, and Margins: https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/GVBQ3CMEQW3W2VL6
8. Color Ink Options: https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/GX56BFPW4BKNPGFW
9. Paperback Submission Guidelines: https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G201857950
10. Create a Paperback Cover: https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G201953020
11. Cover Calculator and Templates: https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/cover-templates
12. Hardcover Cover: https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/GDTKFJPNQCBTMRV6
13. Hardcover: https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/GKYZRXFBZH2LDXAK
14. Paperback Royalty: https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G201834330
15. Pricing (list price): https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G8BKPU9AGVZSF9QF
16. eBook Royalties: https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G200644210
17. Paperback Printing Cost: https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G201834340
18. Paperback Content (previewer): https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G73MVSZ5P69VVCN6
19. Timelines: https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G202173620
20. Proof and Author Copies: https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G2MYNEKHT443C2H2
21. Prepare Comic and Kids' eBooks with Kindle Create: https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G201217140
22. Content Guidelines (AI): https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G200672390