Why Did Amazon KDP Block My Book?

It is so frustrating to discover your book is blocked by Amazon KDP. You spent so much of your time and energy writing and preparing your manuscript and its listing, only to run into a wall. Let’s go over some common reasons why Amazon KDP might say “no”, and what to do about it. 

Mystery Solved

One of the most common reasons a book gets blocked is because it violates their content guidelines. Amazon has strict rules on what it will allow to be published. If your book contains explicit content. Specifically, this includes:

• Pornography
• Explicit sexual acts described in gratuitous detail
• Incest
• Non-consensual sexual content
• Sexual content involving minors
• Bestiality
• Extreme graphic violence
• Hate speech or hate propaganda
• Promoting terrorism or extremism
• Encouraging illegal activities

Another issue could be copyright/trademark violations and plagiarism. This could be a rejection point of a violation in your book title, subtitle, or inside your book. KDP requires original works that you have the right to publish, or if AI then you need to make that known as part of your book uploading process. 

Amazon also pays attention to pricing and distribution. If you have your book listed on another platform at a different price, or if you signed up for KDP Select but then offer the book somewhere else, that could lead to a block. Publishing the same material in differently named books could also be blocked. 

Misleading or inaccurate information about your book, such as an incorrect genre or false advertising can also result in the book being blocked.

For a complete overview of Amazon KDP content policies, follow this link: https://kdp.amazon.com/help/topic/G200672390

How to Keep from Getting Blocked

The key to staying in the game on KDP is simple: know and follow their guidelines. Make sure your content is original, appropriate, and accurately described. Avoid violating any terms regarding distribution. You’ll find that by just remaining honest with your readers will allow you the pleasure of a smooth and winning experience on KDP.