3 KDP Back Office No-No's Every Self-Published Author Should Avoid

Publishing your book on KDP can feel empowering. You upload the files, click a few buttons, and suddenly—you’re an author with a book for sale! But what many self-published authors don’t realize is this: the KDP back office matters just as much as the manuscript itself.

A few small decisions behind the scenes can quietly limit your book’s reach, lock you into unnecessary restrictions, or create problems you can’t undo later.

Here are three KDP back office no-no's I see authors make all the time—and how to avoid them.

❌ No-No #1: Leaving the Keywords Field Blank (or Rushing It)

The keywords section in KDP is not optional fluff. It’s how Amazon knows who to show your book to. When you skip the keyword field—or treat it like an afterthought—you’re essentially saying:

“I don’t mind if my book stays hidden.”

Why this matters

Keywords help your book:

• Appear in Amazon search results

• Show up in “Customers also bought” sections

• Reach parents, teachers, librarians, and readers who are already looking for books like yours

If you don’t tell Amazon what your book is about, Amazon guesses—and it doesn’t always guess well.

What to do instead

• Use all available keyword slots

• Think like your reader (What would they type into Amazon?)

• Focus on phrases, not single words

  • Example: “picture books about careers”

Your keywords are quiet workers. Let them work.

❌ No-No #2: Clicking “Expanded Distribution” If You Plan to Use IngramSpark

This one trips authors up constantly. When KDP asks about Expanded Distribution (ED), many authors click “yes” without fully understanding what it means—especially if they also plan to use IngramSpark. But here’s the issue: KDP Expanded Distribution and IngramSpark do not play nicely together.

Why this matters

If you plan to:

• Distribute to bookstores

• Sell to libraries

• Offer school or bulk orders

• Appear in Ingram’s catalog

Then IngramSpark should be your primary distributor outside of Amazon.

Checking Expanded Distribution in KDP can:

• Create distribution conflicts

• Confuse retailers

• Limit where and how your book is available

What to do instead

• Use KDP for Amazon only

• Use IngramSpark for bookstores, libraries, schools, and bulk buyers

• Leave Expanded Distribution unchecked if IngramSpark is part of your strategy

More control = fewer headaches later.

❌ No-No #3: Skipping the Proof Copy (No Matter How Tempting It Is)

I get it. You’re excited. You’re ready to hit publish. You’ve looked at the PDF a hundred times. Still—do not skip the proof copy. Once you press publish, some things cannot be changed, including:

• Title

• Subtitle

• Author name

• Contributor names

• Edition details

• Trim size

Even small errors in these fields can:

• Live forever in retailer metadata

• Cause confusion with ISBNs

• Create credibility issues with schools and libraries

What to do instead

• Always order a physical proof copy

• Check:

  • Title and subtitle spelling

  • Author name(s)

  • Copyright page

  • Edition language

  • Trim size and margins

• Read it like a buyer, not just an author

Yes, it adds a few days to your timeline. No, it’s not wasted time. It’s protection.

Final Thoughts

KDP makes publishing accessible—but it does not replace strategy. The back office is where:

• Visibility is decided

• Distribution paths are locked in

• Metadata lives long after launch day excitement fades

Slow down. Be intentional. And remember: publishing is not just about clicking "publish”—it’s about building something that lasts.

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