E-book Submissions
Why are submission guidelines different for e-books?
I’ve published with you before and you didn’t have these guidelines. What has changed?
Can I submit a PDF for you to use when formatting my e-book?
Can I distribute my e-book for free?
Is it possible to advertise a special price on my cover?
I’d like to embed a video file in my e-book. Can you?
What are vendor requirements?
Amazon doesn’t require some of the guidelines written in your policy. Why have you implemented them?
Why are submission guidelines different for e-books?
We will distribute your e-book to retail outlets which means your e-book must meet specific standards required by each retailer. These standards are often defined by proprietary technology or presentation requirements on behalf of the retailer.
I’ve published with you before and you didn’t have these guidelines. What has changed?
As with all technology, enhancements and updates are critical to a platform’s success. As this segment of the book market evolves, devices and standards of retailing will influence new developments.
Can I submit a PDF for you to use when formatting my e-book?
You can submit a PDF, but we discourage it because it will limit your book’s distribution.
Can I distribute my e-book for free?
A “free e-book” promotion can be an effective way to market your title. This can be accomplished using our Book Stub service. Your publishing package may include Book Stubs.
Is it possible to advertise a special price on my cover?
Though we are unable to display promotional prices on cover art, we recommend your e-book cover be eye-catching to stand out among other titles in your category.
I’d like to embed a video file in my e-book. Can you?
At this time we are unable to embed video or audio files. We are able to link to files hosted by you. If you decide to link to a file, be sure that it remains active so your e-book won’t be rejected for inactive hyperlinks.
What are specific vendor requirements?
Our vendors will not accept:
- Content designed to be interactive (e.g., puzzles, coloring books, journals, etc.)
- Non-English content that has not been proofed
- Low-resolution images
- Content displaying multiple font sizes
- Content with references to pages numbers
- Content references to physical materials (e.g., CDs, posters, audio books, etc.)
- Books with “exclusive” as part of the title or subtitle
- Nonstandard capitalization for a title or subtitle
- Books without cover art
- Covers with art less than the 1,400-pixel minimum
- Covers with unnecessary borders
- Cover art designed to intentionally confuse readers
- URL that does not go to a current live site
- Links or statements of where to buy an e-book from a competing vendor
- Pen names with additional designations (e.g., illustrated by, translated by, etc.)
Amazon doesn’t require some of the guidelines written in your policy. Why have you implemented them?
In order to maximize the potential reach for your e-book, we submit your final e-book to multiple retailers. Our standards ensure the files we deliver meet or exceed the retailer requirements for all of our vendors.