How to format a paperback book for Amazon - KDP

In this guide to show you how to format a paperback book for Amazon to publish on KDP. I will show you how to set your margins and page sizes for manuscripts with and without bleed very easily using KDP templates.

INCLUDED IN THIS VIDEO:

00:00 Introduction
00:15 Templates
00:40 Sizes with and without bleed
01:04 Downloading KDP templates
01:37 Customising page sizes for bleed

RESOURCES:

INFORMATION ABOUT TRIM SIZES

TRIM SIZE: Your printed book's width and height. The most common trim size for paperbacks in the U.S. is 6" x 9" (15.24 x 22.86 cm), but you have several other options. In Word, you set your trim size with the Page Size option.

BLEED: Bleed is a printing term that refers to when printed objects on a page, such as images, background colour, or graphics, extend past where the publication will be trimmed. This ensures your printed objects reach all the way to the edge of the page. When a book is printed, all pages are trimmed to the selected trim size by cutting 0.125” (3.2 mm) from the top, bottom, and outside edges. In order for objects on your page to reach all the way to the edge of the page, those objects must extend past where the page will be trimmed by 0.125” (3.2 mm). Accounting for bleed is important because it prevents a white border from appearing at the edge of the page when the book is trimmed. The video and step-by-step instructions explain how to set page size and margins for books with and without bleed. For more information on bleed see our Print Options Help page.

MARGINS: Every page has three outside margins (top, bottom, and side) and one inside margin (also called the gutter). Margins ensure your text isn’t cut off during manufacturing. Set your page size before you set your margins. Why? Margin size depends on page count and on whether you have elements that bleed.

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[TheEvelynWintersAdventure]

If this channel has helped you to publish, you can boost your newly published book by purchasing a Super Thanks. Just hit the 'Thanks' button underneath the video and comment about your book! YOU are an important part of this channel so let's celebrate your achievement with our community!

[karenbruce]

Best information on formatting for KDP I have found thus far! Thank you!

[nightstorm]

Great help, was searching for an hour on what size to make my book.

[mohammadanowarhossain]

Thank You for sharing the process. This is very helpful and informative with the practical examples of Bleed Type Formating in MS Word.

[tasvirmahmood]

Thank you, just what I was looking for

[TomG]

Thanks for the video. I have two questions. 1) Can you use any font?
2) Can you explain “bleeding” more please?

[jamiepaolinetti]

Thank you. I am trying to do a print book in a "custom" size of 4.25 x 7. KDP says it can be done, but no one seems to know how to help me. If you have any thoughts please let me know. "click Select Different Size"
Trim size
You can choose from a variety of trim sizes (see the table below for a list of common trim sizes, as well as minimum and maximum page count by size). The most common trim size for paperbacks in the U.S. is 6" x 9" (15.24 x 22.86 cm). When setting up your book, this is the default in the "Print Options" section of the Paperback Content tab. If you want a different trim size, click Select a different size and choose from standard and non-standard trim sizes. You can also enter your own custom trim size. Width must be within 4"-8.5" (10.16-21.59 cm). Height must be within 6"-11.69" (15.24-29.69 cm).

[WWE-MediaTv]

Hi, questions. What do you do when the kdp manuscript shows errors and won't go to the next page to preview the book

[elimushopresources]

Thank you for this informative video. Does this work for a manuscript in pdf format?

[alihaydartunc]

You explained very well. There is one thing I am wondering about. Are technical books in high demand on the KDP platform ? Do you have any knowledge about this topic ?

[paulad]

Evelyn - thanks so much for this. Your videos are incredibly helpful. You explain things clearly and simply. Perfect!

I am a first time author and right now using your video to guide me in my set-up on Amazon. My question is: when I enter the number of pages in the book, do I use the page numbers in my A4 Word document? Or do I have to calculate the number of pages in the 6x9" format? And if so, how do I do that?

I am asking for two reasons - because I am also designing a cover on Canva and don't know how wide to make the spine. Any advice would be really welcome.

[Yvette]

I really don't understand KDP formatting. It wasn't so bad to upload just the ebook part, but when I uploaded the PAPERBACK part, now my paperback comes in at 600 pages when the ebook part is only 300 pages. How is this possible?