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KDP Content Guidelines

This article provides a comprehensive checklist and guidelines for Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) users.

landon.mccaig avatar
Written by landon.mccaig
Updated this week

Amazon KDP offers excellent opportunities for students and publishers. However, success requires strict adherence to content guidelines and platform policies. Follow these guidelines to maintain compliance, avoid account termination, and publish content confidently.

Why KDP Accounts Get Terminated

Content Violations Lead to Account Actions

KDP enforces strict content guidelines for two primary reasons:

  • Maintain positive customer experience

  • Protect intellectual property rights

Common Violation Types

Amazon uses both human reviewers and AI systems to detect noncompliance in these areas:

  • Unintentional copyright infringement

  • Trademark violations

  • Offensive content publication

  • Misleading descriptions

  • Low-quality content

Consequences of Violations

When violations occur, Amazon may take these actions:

  • Individual book removal

  • Content warnings

  • Account suspension

  • Complete account termination

Key Content Guidelines

1. Avoid Trademarked Terms

What to Avoid

Never use trademarked names in your book titles or content, including:

  • Brand names (Pokémon, Nintendo, InstantPot)

  • Product names (CrossFit)

  • Company names

  • Trademarked phrases

How to Check for Trademarks

  1. Visit the USPTO Trademark Search website: https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/search

  2. Search for your intended terms

  3. Verify the trademark status is LIVE

  4. Confirm the trademark applies to your book's category

  5. Avoid any terms with active trademark protection

Important Note

Even using trademarked terms in summaries or guides can result in content removal or account action.

2. Stay Away From High-Risk Topics

Content Types to Avoid

Do not publish books that:

  • Reference existing authority figures (celebrities, influencers, public personalities)

  • Imitate popular brands or media franchises

  • Function as companion books to copyrighted materials

  • Appear to be study guides based on copyrighted content

Why These Topics Are Risky

Amazon flags this content as potentially infringing because it may:

  • Violate intellectual property rights

  • Confuse customers about official endorsements

  • Create liability issues for the platform

3. Respect Amazon's Content Policies

Prohibited Content Types

Books must not contain:

  • Hate speech

  • Pornographic material

  • Graphic violence

  • Content promoting abuse

  • Terrorist-related material

  • Exploitation of minors

  • Misleading descriptions

  • Low-quality or nonsensical content

Customer Experience Standard

Even legally acceptable content may be removed if it creates a poor customer experience or violates platform standards.

4. Disclose AI-Generated Content

When Disclosure Is Required

You must explicitly disclose AI involvement when publishing or editing books that include:

  • AI-generated text

  • AI-generated images

  • AI-generated translations

AI-Generated vs. AI-Assisted Content

AI-Generated Content:

  • Created entirely by AI tools (ChatGPT, etc.)

  • Requires disclosure

AI-Assisted Content:

  • You create the original content

  • AI helps with improvements or brainstorming

  • No disclosure required

Your Responsibility

Regardless of AI involvement, you remain responsible for ensuring your book adheres to all content policies.

5. Verify Public Domain Claims

Public Domain Requirements

KDP accepts public domain books but expects:

  • Unique formatting

  • Added commentary

  • Value-added content

What to Avoid

Do not republish undifferentiated versions of public domain works, especially when:

  • Free versions are readily available

  • No unique value is added

  • Content is identical to existing versions

Potential Consequences

Publishing undifferentiated public domain content may lead to book rejection or account review.

6. Prioritize Customer Experience

Core Principle

Focus on providing customers with a pleasant experience by:

  • Creating high-quality content

  • Writing accurate descriptions

  • Ensuring content matches customer expectations

What Detracts From Customer Experience

  • Offensive content

  • Misleading descriptions

  • Poor formatting

  • Nonsensical or low-quality text

  • Duplicate content

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do you get through automated messaging and reach a real person?

A: Draft a thoughtful, detailed response when dealing with account flags or termination emails.

Best Practices for Appeals

  1. Take time to think before responding

  2. Avoid panic responses that may be easily rejected

  3. Provide a clear backstory for your book

  4. Explain your situation thoroughly

  5. Be professional and respectful

Why This Matters

Account flags are often generated by algorithms that don't understand the context of your book. A well-crafted response can help human reviewers understand your situation.

Q: What if you cannot leave book reviews?

A: Follow the same thoughtful appeal process as account termination cases.

Why Review Ability Is Restricted

Review restrictions occur when accounts are flagged for violating one or more guidelines.

What to Avoid

  • Do not use Pubby links in your communications

  • Amazon can detect these links and may flag your account further

Additional Support Options

If your account remains blocked after human review, consider professional legal assistance:

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