0 of 35 items checked 0%
Free Tool

Book Formatting Checklist

Work through the last-mile checks that matter before you upload to KDP or IngramSpark. Your progress saves automatically so you can come back without losing your place.

I'm publishing to:

Page Setup

0/7

Cambric calculates page setup automatically. Choose your trim size and platform — margins, bleed, mirroring, and PDF dimensions are handled for you.

Typography

0/6

Cambric embeds fonts, controls widows and orphans, and sets professional spacing automatically. No checklist needed.

Chapter Layout

0/5

Cambric handles chapter layout with templates. Page breaks, drop caps, consistent headings, and scene break ornaments are applied automatically from your chosen template.

Front Matter

0/5

Keep front matter in the maintained production source. Cambric’s structured manuscript and interior workflow make those pages part of the same reviewable book rather than a PDF-only patch. Confirm every required page and its order before export.

Back Matter

0/4

Cambric structures back matter in the binder. Also-By, About the Author, and Acknowledgments sections are built in, and blank pages are inserted automatically for even page counts.

Pre-Upload Checks

0/5

Cambric exports the print PDF from the live typeset interior. Preflight that actual file for font, image, color, page-size, and compliance requirements; no application can guarantee first-pass acceptance for every printer and manuscript.

Cover File

0/3

Build the cover after the interior is stable. Use Cambric’s final PDF page count with the printer’s official cover template. The free Cambric calculators are planning aids, not a replacement for that product-specific template.

Common Questions

Formatting Checklist FAQ

What do I need to check before uploading my book to KDP?
Before uploading to KDP, verify: trim size and margins meet KDP specs for your page count, fonts are embedded in the PDF, images are at least 300 DPI, page count is even, front matter is in the correct order (half title, title, copyright, dedication, TOC), back matter includes about the author and also-by pages, and your PDF passes a preflight check. The checklist above covers all 35 items.
What are the most common KDP file rejection reasons?
The most common KDP rejections are: interior margins too narrow for the page count, fonts not embedded in the PDF, images below 300 DPI, content extending into the bleed or gutter area, odd total page count (must be even), and mismatched trim size between file and KDP settings. For a detailed walkthrough of every rejection cause and fix, read our guide on fixing KDP file rejections.
Do I need a copyright page in my book?
Yes. While not legally required for copyright protection (your work is copyrighted when you write it), a copyright page is expected by readers and retailers. It should include: copyright notice (© Year Author Name), rights statement, ISBN (if you have one), edition information, and publisher name. It's typically page iv (the back of the title page).
What front matter does a book need?
Standard front matter order: half title page (book title only), title page (title, author, publisher), copyright page, dedication (optional), table of contents (required for nonfiction, optional for fiction), foreword or preface (if applicable). Front matter pages use Roman numerals (i, ii, iii) and should not have headers or page numbers visible to the reader. Our complete KDP formatting guide covers front and back matter in detail.
How do I know if my book formatting is correct?
Check these key indicators: margins meet minimum requirements for your page count and retailer, text is consistently formatted throughout (same font, size, and leading), chapter openings start on recto (right-hand) pages, widows and orphans are controlled, front and back matter follow standard order, and your PDF passes the retailer's file review without errors. Use the checklist above to verify all 35 formatting requirements.

You'll need this checklist for every book.

Each of these 35 items has to be verified manually — and re-verified every time you make a change. New edition? Check again. Different trim size? Many items change. Publishing to a second platform? Different rules.

Items Cambric handles
~25 of 35
Manual checks remaining
~10
Time saved per book
Hours

Margins, gutter widths, page numbering, chapter opener formatting, front matter order, widow/orphan control, trim-safe zones — these aren't things you should be checking by hand. They're things your formatting tool should guarantee.

Cambric eliminates most of this checklist.

Professional templates with correct margins, gutters, and page numbering built in. Chapter openers that follow industry conventions. Front matter in the right order. Export a print-ready PDF that passes KDP and IngramSpark file review — without a 35-item manual check.

Get Cambric — $199 One-time purchase. Your files stay on your machine.
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How to Format for KDP

Step-by-step formatting guide for Amazon KDP print-ready PDFs.

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Common Formatting Mistakes

The most frequent formatting errors and how to avoid them.

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KDP Requirements

Complete file specifications and margin rules for Amazon KDP.

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IngramSpark Requirements

PDF/X-1a specs and submission guidelines for IngramSpark.

Read guide →
Stop Checking, Start Publishing

35 items to verify by hand.
Or one tool that builds them in.

Cambric turns the structured manuscript into live typeset pages and reusable print-and-ebook output, reducing manual layout drift. The checklist still matters: inspect the entire book, validate the exported files, and review each retailer preview.

Get Cambric — $199

One-time purchase · macOS & Windows · Your files never leave your machine

Frequently Asked Questions

What format should my interior file be in?

Both KDP and IngramSpark accept PDF. This is the recommended format because it preserves your exact layout, fonts, and formatting. KDP also accepts .docx, but PDF gives you far more control over how the final product looks. Export as PDF/A or press-quality PDF for best results.

Do I need bleed for my fiction book?

Almost certainly no. Bleed is only needed when images, backgrounds, or design elements extend all the way to the edge of the page. Standard fiction with text-only interiors should use the "no bleed" option. Enabling bleed when you don't need it complicates your layout and can cause unnecessary rejections.

What's the most common formatting mistake?

Incorrect margins — specifically, gutter margins that are too narrow for the page count. When the inside margin is too small, text disappears into the binding and the book is uncomfortable to read. The second most common mistake is inconsistent chapter headings, followed by missing page breaks between chapters.

How do I embed fonts in my PDF?

In Microsoft Word: File > Save As > PDF > Options > check "ISO 19005-1 compliant (PDF/A)" which forces font embedding. In Adobe InDesign: Export > Adobe PDF (Print) > ensure "Subset fonts when percent of characters used is less than: 100%" is set. In Google Docs: fonts are embedded automatically when you download as PDF. After exporting, verify in Adobe Acrobat: File > Properties > Fonts tab.