KDP paperback preparation guides
Use these guides in the order you prepare a book: plan the interior, calculate the cover from the final page count, then review the exported files.
Plan your page count
Estimate how text and images affect the length of a paperback. Front matter, blank pages and full-page illustrations all count toward the physical page total. A word-based estimate is a planning aid; the exported PDF supplies the final count.
Estimate your book’s physical page countChoose trim, bleed and margins
Trim describes the finished page. Bleed extends artwork beyond the cut edge, while the gutter keeps text away from the binding. These settings affect the interior layout and must agree with the choices you make during upload.
Understand paperback bleedCalculate the full wrap cover
A paperback cover contains the back, spine and front in one file. Spine width depends on page count and paper. Calculate it after finishing the interior, keep the barcode area clear and regenerate the cover when the page total changes.
Calculate cover dimensions and download a layout templateReview files before publishing
Open both PDFs, inspect page order and text wrapping, and resolve missing assets or low-resolution warnings. Match the file geometry to the print settings in your KDP account. Review AI-content disclosure, use the upload previewer and order a printed proof before releasing the book.
Review the picture-book export specificationsQuel fichier préparer en premier ?
Terminez l’intérieur avant de fixer les dimensions de couverture. Vérifiez l’ordre des pages, les pages liminaires, les blancs intentionnels et la dernière page. Exportez l’intérieur, relevez son nombre de pages, puis saisissez-le avec le format et le papier dans le calculateur de couverture.
Conservez ensemble l’intérieur et la couverture de la même révision. Si vous ajoutez des pages, recalculez le dos et exportez à nouveau la couverture. Le nombre de mots aide à planifier, mais ne remplace pas le nombre final de pages du PDF.