Common Formatting Errors That Get Books Rejected (And How to Avoid Them)

Publishing a book—whether on Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, or any other platform—requires more than compelling writing and beautiful illustrations. One of the most common reasons books get rejected during the upload or review process is formatting errors. These mistakes can delay publishing, increase costs, and frustrate authors who are excited to see their work in print.

In this guide, we’ll break down the most frequent formatting issues, why they happen, and how you can avoid them. If you're an author looking for professional formatting help, Whimsy Studios is here to assist.

1. Incorrect Trim Size or Mismatched Layout

Many new authors choose a trim size without adjusting their interior file to match it. When the PDF size doesn’t match the selected trim size exactly, the platform rejects the file.

Common mistakes:

• Uploading an 8.5" x 11" interior for a 8" x 10" book

• Changing trim size mid-project

• Cropped content due to size mismatch

How to avoid:

• Set the trim size before designing your pages.

• Export final PDFs using exact dimensions.

2. Missing or Incorrect Bleed Settings

If your illustrations or backgrounds reach the edge of the page, you MUST include bleed. Without it, your book gets rejected for “content too close to the edge.”

Typical problems:

• Uploading a no-bleed file for a full-bleed book

• Missing the 0.125" bleed on all sides

• Objects touching the trim line

Tip:
For full bleed:

• Add 0.125” on all sides for KDP and most POD platforms.

• Ensure important text is within the safe margin (0.25"–0.5").

3. Poor Margin and Safe-Zone Setup

Margins exist to prevent text or illustrations from being cut off during printing. Books get rejected when text sits too close to the trim line or gutter.

Errors include:

• Narrow margins

• Gutter not increased for thicker books

• Page numbers falling outside safe areas

Rule:
For books over 150–200 pages, increase the gutter to avoid losing content in the spine.

4. Low-Resolution Images

Print platforms will reject files with pixelated or low-quality images.

Common issues:

• Images exported at 72 DPI

• Using screenshots instead of original artwork

• Scaling small images to large sizes (causes blur)

Recommendation:
Use 300 DPI images for ALL print interiors and covers.

5. Incorrect Color Mode

Interior files and covers must be in the correct color space.

Typical mistakes:

• Using RGB images for print (platform rejects or auto-converts, causing dull colors)

• Wrong black levels (e.g., pure black causing ink issues)

Always use:

• CMYK for print

• RGB only for Kindle eBooks

6. Fonts Not Embedded

If fonts aren’t properly embedded in the PDF, they may not display correctly or cause rejections.

Signs of this issue:

• Text looks different in preview

• KDP rejects with “font not embedded” error

Make sure when exporting, Embed All Fonts is enabled.

7. Incorrect Page Numbering

Messed up page numbering is one of the most common interior mistakes.

Problems include:

• Missing page numbers

• Page numbers restarting randomly

• Page numbers placed outside margin

• Using odd numbers on left pages or vice versa

Rule to remember:
Odd numbers = right-hand pages
Even numbers = left-hand pages

8. Blank Pages in the Wrong Places

Some blank pages are normal (e.g., after the copyright page), but too many or misplaced blank pages get flagged.

Avoid:

• Random blank pages due to section breaks

• Empty pages after images

• Unintentional whitespace

Always review your exported PDF page by page.

9. Cover Size Errors

Cover files get rejected more often than interiors—especially on KDP.

Common issues:

• Wrong spine width

• Spine text on thin books

• Elements too close to the barcode area

• Uploading a non-PDF cover

• RGB color mode instead of CMYK

Tip:
Use the official KDP or IngramSpark cover calculator for perfect dimensions.

10. Inconsistent Formatting Styles

Readers and platforms expect consistency.

Examples:

• Random font size changes

• Different style of chapter headings

• Misaligned illustrations

• Uneven spacing

Consistency improves quality and reduces rejection risk.

Final Thoughts

Formatting can make or break a book’s success. Avoiding these common errors ensures your upload process is smooth, your book meets professional standards, and your readers enjoy a polished, high-quality product.

If you want your book formatted perfectly—with the right bleed, margins, fonts, cover setup, and print-ready files—Whimsy Studios can help.
We specialize in:

• Children’s book formatting

• Picture books

• eBook + Print layouts

• KDP & IngramSpark compliance

Visit whimsystudios.net to get started.