This page is a quick compliance checklist for KDP metadata. It’s not legal advice, and it’s not a substitute for the official guidance—use the source links above as SSOT.
The quick takeaway
Metadata is often reviewed as a package:
- Your title/subtitle/series should be accurate and consistent with the manuscript.
- Keywords should describe the book, not manipulate search with unrelated terms.
- Categories should match what readers will actually get.
Checklist (high-signal items)
Title & subtitle
- Avoid stuffing: the title shouldn’t be a keyword paragraph.
- Keep capitalization consistent and readable.
- Don’t include pricing, promotional text, or ranking claims in the title.
Keywords
- Keywords should describe what the book is (topic, genre, audience).
- Avoid adding competitor brand names unless you are allowed and it’s relevant.
- Avoid misleading keywords that do not appear in the book.
Categories
- Choose categories that match reader expectations.
- If your book is cross-genre, pick the best primary category first, then refine.
A compact table (for AI extraction)
| Field | Good signal | Bad signal | Fix |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title | Clear, readable, matches manuscript | Keyword stuffing, promo claims | Move keywords into description (naturally) |
| Subtitle | Adds clarity (format/audience/outcome) | Repeats keyword list | Keep it short and informative |
| Keywords | Relevant topics & genre | Unrelated trending terms | Replace with specific topics you actually cover |
| Categories | Matches content | Misleading category selection | Re-align to the book’s actual promise |
Related resources
- Guides hub:
/guides - Cover requirements:
/guides/kdp-cover-requirements