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KDP metadata guide

ISBN and metadata: the fields readers find you through.

Metadata is the title, subtitle, keywords, categories, and ISBN that position your book in search.

Checked:

Seven keyword slots on KDPCategories drive bestseller visibilityISBN ties formats to the listing

Check one KDP metadata set against the cover

Paste the metadata you plan to publish. This browser check does not upload or save the text.

The metadata that moves discovery

KDP search reads your title, subtitle, and seven keyword slots. Categories control which bestseller lists your book can appear on.

  • Put genre words in the subtitle
  • Fill all seven keyword slots
  • Match print and ebook metadata

Checking the full set before publishing

The metadata checklist walks every field, including ISBN placement and imprint naming, so the listing is complete on the first submit.

Next release checks

Free KDP metadata checklist

Check KDP book metadata against the cover before upload.

A clean interior can still be delayed by mismatched title or author text, excessive fields, URLs, or promotional claims. Review one release set locally before copying it into KDP.Open check

Publishing glossary

What an ISBN is and when your book needs one.

An ISBN is a 13-digit book identifier that retailers, libraries, and distributors use to catalog your title.Open check

Publishing glossary

Imprint: the publisher name on your book.

An imprint is the publisher brand shown on the title page, copyright page, and store listing.Open check

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Can I change KDP metadata after publishing?

Most fields can be edited, but the ISBN and format cannot. Get those right the first time.

Do keywords need commas or spaces?

KDP accepts phrases separated by spaces or commas. Use complete phrases readers actually search.

Why is my book not in the category I picked?

Categories can change after publishing: Amazon re-shelves titles, picks the best-fit category, and applies marketplace rules. Check both category slots, give the listing a day or two to settle, and improve the keywords and description to align with the category you want — Amazon's classifier reads them.

Confirm every metadata field before you publish.

Run the free metadata checklist and close the gaps before KDP reviews the book.

Check your metadata