One of my clients had their ebook had been blocked by KDP, even though the paperback version had already been approved (it’s not their book in the image).
It’s more common than you’d think. Amazon KDP is stricter about eBooks (due to abuse of the platform in the past); but that’s not all. Due to the digital format, the Bot is able to analyze every word in your book. That’s why Amazon is able to pick up typos in an ebook!
What gets your ebook blocked…
Misleading Metadata
You added the keywords “Harry Potter” to your youth romance novel, hoping fans will click. You tried to game the algorithm by using keywords like “bestseller” in the title.
Amazon KDP raises a red flag if the book’s title, subtitle, or keywords include trending names or phrases that aren’t actually related to the book. KDP expects metadata to accurately describe the book, not to try to outsmart the algorithm.
Undisclosed AI Content
You used ChatGPT or Sudowrite to outline chapters (even though you edited them) but clicked “no” on the AI disclosure screen. You uploaded an children’s book with one AI-generated illustration, but claimed it was all original.
You’re allowed to use AI, but you must be transparent about it.
Even AI-assisted books (where you revised or rewrote the AI output) should still be disclosed, just to be safe.
Low-Quality Content
The words Lorum Ipsum ANYWHERE – even just one caption. A notebooks with no theme or design, A 10 page short story.
Your ebook needs to be presented professionally—with an introduction, clear structure, and thoughtful design.
Copyright and Trademark Violations
It sounds straightforward, but do you realize what this REALLY means…
- Your character quotes lyrics from a pop song
- You write a romance novel, that includes addendum of a classic book in the public domain
- You mention companies like LEGO, Marvel, Harley-Davidson or Netflix in your title or blurb.
Allowed: nominative use
You can mention brand names like LEGO®, Marvel®, Harley-Davidson® or Netflix® in these situations:
- Dialogue: A character says, “Let’s binge something on Netflix tonight.”
- Comparisons: “He built a LEGO-style fortress in his backyard.”
- Cultural reference: “She had Marvel posters all over her room growing up.”
- Case study: A non-fiction business book includes a well-researched section about Harley-Davidson’s marketing strategy.
These are generally considered nominative use by KDP—you’re referring to a brand to identify it, not pretending you represent it. KDP allows this as long as it’s clear you’re not claiming affiliation or endorsement.
Not allowed: misleading, promotional, or trademark misuse
Amazon will block your book if you:
- Use brand names in your title, subtitle, or series name to attract attention (e.g., The LEGO Mindset, Netflix-Style Productivity).
- Use copyrighted brand logos or images in your cover or interior illustrations.
- Present fictional or branded characters (e.g., Spider-Man, Elsa, Baby Yoda) as part of your own storyline, illustrations, or merchandise.
- Write fan fiction and try to publish it commercially (e.g., using Marvel characters without a license).
Even using the brand name too frequently or in a way that implies a commercial connection can trigger a take-down.
More about copyright [not just KDP]
KDP isn’t the only one who might have a problem–you might attract the ire of the company itself.
Copyright infringement occurs when someone uses, reproduces, distributes, displays, or performs a copyrighted work without the legal right to do so—typically without the creator’s permission, license, or legal exception (like fair use).
This applies whether you’re self-publishing a book, posting on social media, building a website, or teaching a course.
- Quoting more than a few lines from a book, song, poem, screenplay, or article—especially if it’s central to your content.
- Using entire passages or republishing articles (even if you cite the author).
- Publishing fan fiction or unauthorized sequels using protected characters or storylines.
- Copying blog posts, recipes, or how-to guides verbatim.
- Designing merchandise with characters, quotes, or artwork from existing brands (Marvel, Disney, LEGO, Pokémon, etc.).
- Selling reproductions or reprints of copyrighted materials, even if they’re “homemade” or retyped.
Inappropriate or graphic content
KDP has strict rules around violence, sexuality, and explicit content—especially in ebooks.
Erotica that includes taboo themes like incest or non-consensual scenes is not allowed. The same goes for overly graphic covers or blurbs that describe violent or disturbing acts, even if the content itself is mild.
Writers in adult genres should review Amazon’s specific guidelines to avoid crossing the line.
What to do instead
- Keep your metadata clear and honest. Avoid trying to grab attention with keywords that don’t reflect your book.
- If you’ve used AI to help create your content, just disclose it—that doesn’t disqualify you.
- Make sure your book looks professional, even if it’s short.
- If you’re using content from ANY another source—whether text, lyrics, or images—make sure you have the rights to use it.
- Finally, double-check that your cover and blurb are appropriate for your category and won’t trigger any red flags.
If you’ve had a book blocked, or you’re not sure if your current project meets the guidelines, feel free to reach out. I’m happy to help authors navigate the process and avoid the most common pitfalls.
