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Free proof checklist

Review the printed proof before ordering author copies.

Most reprint causes are visible on the proof: faint ink, blank pages, wrong margins, a blurry cover. This checklist catches them before the copies ship.

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Proof review checklist

Work through the printed proof before ordering author copies. Every item below is a common rejection or reprint cause from KDP community reports.

0/21checked0/21
Cover
Interior pages
Text
Print quality
Metadata
Fix issues with the formatter

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What the checklist covers

The 22 checks span the cover, interior pages, text, print quality, and metadata. Each maps to a cause authors report on the KDP community after receiving damaged or misprinted copies.

Next release checks

KDP publishing help

Author copies: order at print cost, wait for the print queue, and check the marketplace list.

"Where are my author copies?" is a constant KDP community thread. The ordering is easy; the delivery time and marketplace gaps are the surprises.Open check

Free DOCX preflight

KDP book formatter preflight for your Word manuscript.

Open the DOCX you intend to publish. Find hidden comments, tracked changes, missing heading structure, and suspiciously short content without uploading the manuscript.Open check

Browser-only print PDF preflight

Check a print-ready book PDF before the upload fails.

Inspect the actual interior file locally for readable page objects, dimensions, encryption, font-embedding signals, and a complete ending—without uploading the manuscript.Open check

Free book image DPI checker

Book image DPI checker for the size you will actually print.

A 3,000-pixel image may be sharp at four inches and soft at twelve. Check the effective resolution at its intended width and height before placing it in the interior.Open check

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a proof and an author copy?

A proof is ordered before release to verify printing. Author copies are ordered after release for personal use.

How long do proofs take to arrive?

Days to weeks depending on the print location and your country. Order early if the release date is fixed.

What do I do if the proof fails a check?

Fix the source file and re-export. Reordering a proof after the fix is cheaper than reprinting author copies.

Fix every finding before the next print run.

The formatter rebuilds the interior from a clean manuscript.

Open the book formatter