Last Updated on May 25, 2026 by NEK Editing

Before you upload book files to your KDP Bookshelf, ensure you have all the needed information about your book to enter into Amazon’s platform and that your files are properly formatted. Do this by gathering your book’s description and your about the author information, having your files meet KDP guidelines, and selecting effective keywords and categories. Keep in mind that consistent information across multiple formats and marketplaces will help ensure a smooth publishing experience.

Continue reading to learn how to upload your book files to KDP and why it’s important to choose the right keywords and categories for getting your book in front of the right Amazon audience.

What Information Do I Need to Upload KDP Files?

When you are ready to upload your book’s files to KDP, log in to your KDP account, go to your Bookshelf tab, and click the “+Create” button. The “Title Setup” page will appear. This is where you need to enter the book’s details:

Amazon uses this information to create the book’s listing detail page.

To publish your book in multiple formats (eBook, paperback, hardcover), you must complete the Title Setup by entering the same information for each (except for the ISBN).

Note: Adding the ISBN and Imprint for eBooks is optional. However, if you include them in your eBook’s setup, you won’t be able to complete updates after publishing or deleting the title.

eBook details can be updated for pre-orders until the submission deadline. For more information, visit KDP’s eBook pre-orders page.

To learn more about the difference between “Schedule a Release” (print books only) and “Pre-Order” (eBooks only), review KDP’s Release Date Options page.

How Do I Use Keywords and Categories?

Use keywords and categories that accurately portray your book’s content to make your book easier to find. In other words, enter the words customers use when using Amazon’s search feature.

Keywords

Before uploading files, search for keywords on Amazon by looking at the suggestions in the “Search” field drop-down menu. Think like a reader and imagine how you’d search if you were a customer. Using relevant keywords can help raise your book’s placement on the search results page.

In the seven keyword boxes, enter keywords and phrases by combining them in the most logical order, and keep an eye on the character limit in the text field.

Some useful keyword types include:

• Character Types (single mom, teacher)
• Character Roles (hero, lover, explorer)
• Setting (outer space, the ocean, a city)
• Plot Theme (love, revenge)
• Story Tone (feel-good, humorous, nostalgic)

Note: Avoid keyword terms you used in the book’s title, description, category, spelling errors, brand names, and HTML tags.

You can change your keywords and book description as often as you like. However, if your book is available in different formats, keep your keywords and descriptions consistent across all formats.

Categories

Categories are the genres (mystery, romance, science fiction) that customers search for on Amazon to locate your book.

Each category has three sections:

• Category: This is typically the broad classification, for example, Romance.
• Subcategory: This is a more descriptive classification of the main category, for example, Young Adult.
• Placement: This is where the book is placed in the Amazon Store, for example, 21^st Century.

The category path for the above example would look like this:

Romance > Young Adult > 21^st Century

Amazon allows you to choose up to three categories based on your primary marketplace (for example, Amazon.com, Amazon.ca) for each title during setup. Each format needs at least one category chosen. Categories may differ for each format type. For instance, a category available in the Book Store may not be available in the Kindle Store.

Since you can choose your own categories, KDP is no longer accepting requests to add or update categories. KDP may also change the book’s categories or add categories to ensure a positive customer experience.

Upload Your Files to KDP Successfully

The KDP file uploading process can be overwhelming if you’re having trouble getting your book seen on Amazon or struggle with figuring out how to format your book files properly and selecting the right keywords and categories for a print or eBook.

First, try implementing the techniques listed above to see if you get better results. However, if you’re still having issues, allow us to help you avoid book formatting errors and refine your book descriptions to improve your book’s chances of being seen on Amazon. With these services, you’ll be better prepared to upload your files smoothly and maximize your book’s success on KDP.

If you have questions or need help with your KDP files, contact NEK Editing.