Amazon KDP Common Mistakes

Summary

The meeting covered the top 10 common mistakes Amazon KDP sellers frequently make, with each issue illustrated by real examples and practical solutions.
Key discussion topics included compliance with Amazon’s book title and subtitle requirements, cover margin design, author name pitfalls, copyright/trademark concerns, and misconceptions about paid ads and niche strategies.
The speaker emphasized focusing on underserved niches, creating low/medium content books, and taking action without overanalyzing.
No critical decisions or follow-up items with owners and deadlines were mentioned, as the session was instructional.

(No dated or owner-assigned action items were discussed in the transcript.)

Ensure the title entered in Amazon KDP exactly matches the text on the book’s cover.
If your book is not approved, try using different combinations of the exact words from the cover.

Do not include words like “Free” or “Best Seller” in the subtitle, even in harmless contexts, as Amazon may reject the book.
Avoid repeating keywords from the title in the subtitle to prevent being flagged for keyword stuffing.

Background colors or images must extend beyond the cover’s edge to avoid unintended white borders after printing.
Keep important content within the designated “safe area” to prevent cut-off issues.

Rejections often occur if an author/contributor name is already in use or is protected (trademarked or copyrighted).
If rejected, select a completely different author name; you do not have to use the same name for every book.

Do not use copyrighted images, logos, or identifiable people (e.g., celebrities, athletes) on your cover.
Avoid referencing protected brands, characters, or names to prevent takedowns for infringement.

It is not necessary to run paid ads to achieve sales; organic visibility is possible by targeting specific/niche book categories.
Creating books in smaller, less competitive niches enables organic ranking on Amazon’s first page.

Do not solely pursue high-competition, top-selling book categories.
Focus on identifying and filling smaller, underserved niches with multiple book offerings.

Producing high content books (e.g., full novels, long nonfiction) is less effective for new sellers.
Concentrate on low and medium content books where author reputation is less significant and function is the buyer’s priority.

Further refine your book’s niche (e.g., not just word searches, but horse-themed word searches).
Drilling down to sub-niches helps find unmet demand with low competition.

Avoid overthinking or endlessly researching before starting; taking action is the most important step.
Leverage available free tutorials and resources to start with Amazon KDP.

Avoid using “Free” and “Best Seller” in subtitles — Rationale: Prevents misleading or non-compliant listings per Amazon’s requirements.
Focus on low/medium content and underserved niches, not bestsellers — Rationale: Easier for new sellers to gain traction and organic sales without heavy competition.