# Self-Publishing Platform Metadata and File Specification Matrix Last verified: 2026-10-07 Version: 1.0 Maintainer: Frontlist by Aunesty, LLC Canonical page: https://www.frontlistpro.com/resources/publishing-specs Machine-readable JSON: https://www.frontlistpro.com/publishing-specs.json This ungated reference compares the metadata, identifier, manuscript, cover, and preflight requirements for Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, Draft2Digital, Apple Books, Google Play Books, Kobo Writing Life, Barnes & Noble Press, and ACX. Platform rules change. This page records the official guidance checked on the date above. Always open the linked first-party source before a final upload. ## Quick answer When the same book is published on several platforms: 1. Keep the title, subtitle, author, contributor, series, language, description, and publication history consistent. 2. Create a separate product record for each format: ebook, paperback, hardcover, large print, or audiobook. 3. Give each format its own identifier when the destination requires one. Never reuse one ISBN for different formats or editions. 4. Export a platform-ready content file and cover file for each format. A print wrap is not an ebook cover. A rectangular ebook cover is not an audiobook cover. 5. Recheck categories, keywords, rights, territories, prices, release dates, and retailer links at every destination. 6. Preview the actual uploaded files. Do not assume the file on your drive matches the live edition. ## Universal metadata checklist | Field | Cross-platform rule | | --- | --- | | Title | Use the title printed on the cover and title page. Do not add promotional text or keyword stuffing. | | Subtitle | Use only the real subtitle. Match the cover exactly. | | Author and contributors | Keep spelling, initials, pen names, roles, and contributor order consistent. | | Series | Store series name and series number in separate fields when the platform provides them. | | Description | Maintain a clean master description, then adapt only for platform-specific markup or content rules. | | Publisher or imprint | Use the same publishing identity unless a platform-issued identifier requires the platform to be the publisher of record. | | Language | Match the language selected in metadata to the actual book file. | | Categories | Choose the most specific truthful subjects. Do not mix incompatible audiences or unrelated genres. | | Keywords | Use accurate reader-language phrases. Do not include competitor names, misleading claims, or promotional terms. | | Audience | Record adult, young adult, juvenile, reading age, grade range, and explicit-content status where applicable. | | Publication dates | Keep original publication date separate from the new platform release date. | | Rights and territories | Select only the territories and formats for which you control rights. | | Price | Confirm currency, list price, royalty constraints, and effective date at every destination. | | ISBN or platform ID | Keep one identifier per format and edition. Record whether it is author-owned or platform-issued. | | Files | Keep the approved source, export date, checksum or version, and destination-specific upload file with the edition. | | Retailer URL | Save the live product URL and platform product ID after publication. | ## Cross-platform matrix | Platform | Content file | Cover file | Identifier | Categories and search | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Amazon KDP | Ebook: EPUB, KPF, DOC/DOCX and other supported formats. Print: print-ready manuscript, commonly PDF. | Ebook: front only, recommended 2560 x 1600 px JPEG, RGB, 300 DPI/PPI, 5 MB or less. Print: single PDF wrap. | Ebook ISBN not required. Paperback and hardcover require separate ISBNs, except eligible low-content cases. | Up to 7 keyword fields and up to 3 categories. | | IngramSpark | Ebook: EPUB. Print: separate complete interior PDF. | Ebook: front-only JPG, RGB, 2560 px longest side and at least 1600 px shortest side. Print: separate CMYK PDF wrap. | Unique ISBN required for every distributed format. | 2 to 3 BISAC subjects, up to 3 Thema subjects, at least 7 useful keywords. | | Draft2Digital | Ebook: EPUB or a supported manuscript for conversion. Print: print-ready interior or D2D-generated file. | Ebook: front cover. Print: generated wrap or custom PDF/PNG full wrap. | D2D can assign a free ISBN. A D2D-issued ISBN cannot be used to publish through another service. | Search terms and ordered BISAC subjects are shared across ebook and print metadata. | | Apple Books | EPUB that passes the latest EPUBCheck, plus sample. | High-quality JPEG or PNG, RGB, at least 1400 px on the shorter axis. | EPUB package needs a unique identifier. Confirm the identifier shown in your Apple Books account before delivery. | Primary category, optional additional categories, language, interest age, and explicit-content status. | | Google Play Books | EPUB or PDF. Providing both is recommended. | JPEG, PNG, TIFF, or PDF. Minimum 640 px, maximum 7200 px in either dimension. | ISBN is optional. Google assigns a GGKEY when no ISBN is supplied. | Title, genre, and an identifier are required; richer metadata is recommended. | | Kobo Writing Life | EPUB, DOC/DOCX, ODT, or MOBI. Non-EPUB files are converted. | JPG or PNG, recommended 300 DPI, 5 MB or less; 1448 x 1072 px is a useful target. | A unique ebook ISBN may be supplied. Kobo assigns one if none is provided. | Select all 3 available subject categories when relevant. | | Barnes & Noble Press | Ebook: EPUB. Print: print-ready PDF or Word interior. | Print: separate print-ready PDF cover. Remove your barcode because B&N Press adds it. | Ebook ISBN optional. Each print format needs a unique ISBN; free B&N ISBNs are platform-limited. | Complete the title, contributor, description, category, audience, rights, release, and pricing fields in the project flow. | | ACX | Finished audiobook files that pass current ACX audio submission requirements; manuscript may be Word, PDF, or TXT during production. | Square JPG, PNG, or TIF, at least 2400 x 2400 px, RGB, at least 72 DPI, 8 MB or less. | Claim the eligible Kindle ebook with its ASIN before creating the ACX title. | Match title, subtitle, author, series, narrator, description, category, language, copyright, and credits. | ## Simultaneous KDP, IngramSpark, and Draft2Digital checklist Use this sequence when preparing one title for all three services. - [ ] Freeze the exact title, subtitle, author, contributors, series name, and series number. - [ ] Freeze the master description, author bio, audience, language, original publication date, and imprint. - [ ] Choose 2 to 3 accurate BISAC subjects and at least 7 useful search phrases. - [ ] Assign a unique ISBN to each print binding and to the ebook if using an ISBN for wide distribution. - [ ] Decide which service controls each channel. Do not send the same print edition to the same retailer through overlapping distributors. - [ ] Export and validate the EPUB. - [ ] Export the print interior PDF at the final trim size with the correct bleed and embedded fonts. - [ ] Generate separate KDP and IngramSpark cover templates from final trim size, paper, binding, and page count. - [ ] Export each print cover as a separate PDF using that destination's template. - [ ] Export the ebook cover as a front-only RGB image. - [ ] Preview the EPUB and every print file in each destination's previewer. - [ ] Recheck price, territories, release date, distribution options, and final retailer destinations before approval. - [ ] Record the uploaded file version, identifier, submission date, status, and eventual live URL for every format. ## Amazon KDP ### Metadata - Title must contain only the actual book title and must match the cover. - Title plus subtitle must be fewer than 200 characters. - Contributor names and series information should match the cover and manuscript. - The primary marketplace is required before selecting categories and affects list-price setup. - Use up to 7 accurate keyword words or phrases. - Choose up to 3 relevant categories for the primary audience and marketplace. - Set reading age for children's or teen books when applicable. - Confirm the sexually explicit content question. ### Kindle ebook files - Preferred manuscript paths: EPUB, KPF, or DOC/DOCX. KDP also lists additional supported formats. - Validate and preview the converted book before publishing. - Supply a separate marketing cover. - Recommended cover: 2560 px high by 1600 px wide, 300 DPI/PPI minimum, JPEG preferred, RGB, 5 MB or less. - Cover must show the correct title and contributor information. - Do not include a spine, barcode, back cover, pricing, or temporary promotion on the ebook cover. ### Paperback and hardcover files - Use a final interior sized to the selected trim and bleed settings. - Supply the cover as one PDF containing back cover, spine, and front cover. - Add 0.125 in bleed to the top, bottom, and outside cover edges. - KDP cover width formula: bleed + back width + spine width + front width + bleed. - KDP cover height formula: bleed + trim height + bleed. - Use 300 DPI images and CMYK for print-cover images. - Do not place spine text on a paperback below 79 pages. - Generate the cover template only after paper, ink, trim size, and page count are final. ### Identifier rule - Kindle ebook: ISBN not required. - Paperback: separate ISBN required unless a stated low-content exception applies. - Hardcover: separate ISBN required. - KDP can supply a free print ISBN, or the publisher can provide one. ### KDP preflight - [ ] Cover, title setup, and manuscript agree on title, subtitle, author, series, and ISBN. - [ ] Ebook opens correctly in Kindle Previewer. - [ ] Print preview has no trim, bleed, margin, font, barcode, or spine errors. - [ ] Categories, keywords, reading age, primary marketplace, rights, territories, and price are correct. - [ ] KDP Select enrollment is compatible with the ebook's distribution plan. ### Official KDP sources - Metadata guidelines: https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G201097560 - Ebook manuscript formats: https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G200634390/ - Kindle ebook cover: https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G6GTK3T3NUHKLEFX - Paperback cover: https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G201953020 - Keywords: https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G201743260 - Categories: https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G200652170 ## IngramSpark ### Metadata - Keep title and subtitle concise; IngramSpark's checklist recommends fewer than 80 characters combined for mobile display. - Use contributor names exactly as shown on the cover or title page. - Contributor bio guidance: 50 to 250 words. - Description guidance: 200 to 600 words with a strong opening and readable paragraph breaks. - Choose 2 to 3 specific BISAC subjects. - Choose up to 3 Thema subject codes for global categorization. - Supply at least 7 useful words or phrases in the keyword field. - Set the correct audience code and add age or grade ranges for juvenile and young adult titles. - Add series name and number when applicable. ### Ebook files - Supply an EPUB interior. - Supply a front-only JPG cover. - Cover target: 2560 px on the longest side, minimum 1600 px on the shortest side, RGB. - Do not send a full print spread as the ebook cover. ### Print files - Upload one complete interior PDF and one complete cover PDF as separate files. - Interior pages should be single pages, not printer spreads, with fonts embedded and no crop or registration marks. - Interior images are recommended at 300 PPI. - Interior bleed: 0.125 in on the top, bottom, and outside edges, not in the gutter. - Cover: 300 PPI, CMYK, with 0.125 in bleed on all sides for most formats. - Case laminate hardcover cover wrap: 0.625 in. - Keep cover text at least 0.25 in from the trim or board edge. - Do not place spine text on paperbacks below 48 pages. - Include a barcode or leave a 1.75 in by 1 in clear area for IngramSpark to place one. - Use the IngramSpark cover template generated for the exact ISBN, trim, binding, paper, and page count. ### Identifier rule - Every distributed format needs its own ISBN. - Paperback, hardcover, and ebook versions of one title must use different ISBNs. ### IngramSpark preflight - [ ] Metadata matches the cover, title page, copyright page, and identifier record. - [ ] EPUB and ebook cover are front-only and validated. - [ ] Interior PDF has embedded fonts, correct trim, margins, bleed, and color settings. - [ ] Cover PDF uses the current platform template and correct barcode area. - [ ] Wholesale discount, return status, list price, territories, publication date, and on-sale date are intentional. ### Official IngramSpark sources - Metadata checklist: https://www.ingramspark.com/hubfs/downloads/metadata-checklist.pdf - Print file requirements: https://www.ingramspark.com/blog/file-requirements-for-print-books - Ebook file requirements: https://www.ingramspark.com/blog/file-requirements-for-ebooks - Cover template generator: https://myaccount.ingramspark.com/Portal/Tools/CoverTemplateGenerator ## Draft2Digital ### Metadata - Shared metadata includes front cover art, title, series, publisher, author, language, volume number, search terms, and BISAC subjects. - Keep print and ebook metadata consistent for the same work. - Put the most important BISAC subject first because some partner stores accept fewer subjects than others. - Do not mix fiction with nonfiction or adult subjects with juvenile or young adult subjects. - Review each selected store because partner acceptance, pricing, and content rules differ. ### Ebook and print files - Upload a finished EPUB when available, or use a supported manuscript format for conversion. - Upload front cover art for the ebook. - For print, use the custom template produced from the final interior, trim, paper, and page count. - A custom print wrap can be uploaded as one PDF or PNG containing front, spine, and back. - Draft2Digital can generate a print wrap from the ebook cover and entered back-cover information. ### Identifier rule - Draft2Digital can assign a free ISBN to a book published through its system. - A Draft2Digital-provided ISBN cannot be used to publish that edition through another publishing service. - If supplying your own ISBN, confirm it belongs to the same format, trim, and edition and is eligible for the intended channel. ### Draft2Digital preflight - [ ] Shared metadata and cover are correct for both ebook and print. - [ ] BISAC subjects are specific, compatible, and ordered by importance. - [ ] Ebook proof and print proof are approved. - [ ] Store selections do not duplicate distribution already controlled elsewhere. - [ ] Price, library price, territories, release timing, and partner-specific restrictions are reviewed. ### Official Draft2Digital sources - Knowledge base: https://draft2digital.com/knowledge-base/ - Publishing steps: https://draft2digital.com/steps/ - Content guidelines: https://draft2digital.com/content-guidelines/ ## Apple Books ### Metadata and files - Submit an EPUB that passes the latest EPUBCheck. - Provide a separate cover image, sample, and description. - Enter title, author, detailed description, subject category, and language. - Add relevant additional categories. - Set Interest Age for books intended for children or teenagers. - Flag explicit content when applicable. - Enter publisher name and original publication date. - Set price and available countries or regions after import. ### Cover - Use a high-quality JPEG or PNG. - Use RGB color mode. - Use at least 1400 px on the shorter axis. - Apple recommends about 300 DPI as a useful quality target. ### Identifier rule - The EPUB package document needs a unique identifier. - Use the identifier associated with the Apple Books record and do not reuse an identifier for a different format or edition. ### Apple Books preflight - [ ] EPUB passes the latest EPUBCheck with no blocking errors. - [ ] External marketing cover and internal cover are correct and not pixelated. - [ ] Title, contributors, category, language, audience, explicit-content status, publisher, and original date are correct. - [ ] Price and clearances are set for every intended territory. ### Official Apple Books sources - Publish from the web: https://authors.apple.com/support/4574-publish-book-from-web - Apple Books Asset Guide: https://help.apple.com/itc/booksassetguide/en.lproj/static.html - Cover art: https://help.apple.com/itc/booksassetguide/en.lproj/itc1bda991ba.html - EPUB package document: https://help.apple.com/itc/booksassetguide/en.lproj/itc6000a3603.html ## Google Play Books ### Metadata and files - Ebook content must be EPUB or PDF. Google recommends providing both. - EPUB must include the complete book and front cover and must pass EpubCheck. - PDF must contain the complete book and cannot be password protected. - The book must be at least 4 pages. - Each uploaded file must be less than 2 GB. - Title, genre, and an identifier are required. Complete as many additional metadata fields as possible. - If print and ebook editions both exist, add the related-format identifiers. ### Cover - Accepted cover formats: JPEG, PNG, TIFF, or PDF. - Minimum cover resolution: 640 px. - Maximum height or width: 7200 px. - A separate cover image can be supplied even when the cover is embedded in the content file. ### Identifier rule - ISBN is not required. - Google assigns a GGKEY identifier when no ISBN is supplied. - Google accepts valid 10-digit and 13-digit ISBNs. ### Google Play Books preflight - [ ] EPUB passes EpubCheck and includes the complete book and cover. - [ ] PDF is complete, unprotected, and uses helpful bookmarks when applicable. - [ ] Title, genre, identifier, contributors, description, language, related formats, rights, territories, price, and release date are complete. - [ ] File names follow Google's identifier-based naming rules for the chosen upload method. ### Official Google Play Books sources - Book file guidelines: https://support.google.com/books/partner/answer/3424254 - ISBNs and GGKEY: https://support.google.com/books/partner/answer/3431108 - Book metadata: https://support.google.com/books/partner/answer/3237055 ## Kobo Writing Life ### Metadata - Enter ebook title, subtitle, series name, series number, author, and synopsis exactly as intended for the store. - Add publisher, imprint, original publication date, required release date, language, public-domain status, and categories. - Use a unique ebook ISBN if supplying one and optionally connect the primary print ISBN. - Select all 3 relevant subject categories. - Set accurate geographic rights and distribution selections. ### Ebook and cover files - Accepted content formats: DOC, DOCX, ODT, EPUB, and MOBI. - Kobo converts non-EPUB files, but a validated EPUB provides the most control. - Cover formats: JPG or PNG. - Cover recommendation: 300 DPI and 5 MB or less. - Kobo cites 1448 x 1072 px as a useful target based on a standard Kobo reader. ### Identifier rule - A supplied eISBN must be unique to the ebook and cannot be the print or audio ISBN. - Kobo automatically assigns an identifier if no eISBN is supplied. ### Kobo preflight - [ ] Title, subtitle, series, contributors, synopsis, and cover agree. - [ ] EPUB validation errors are fixed before publishing. - [ ] Publisher, imprint, dates, language, public-domain status, categories, and rights are accurate. - [ ] Kobo Plus and OverDrive selections are intentional. ### Official Kobo sources - Set up a new ebook: https://kobowritinglife.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360058975732-Setting-up-a-New-eBook - Cover image tips: https://kobowritinglife.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360059385711-Cover-Image-Tips ## Barnes & Noble Press ### Metadata and files - Keep title, author, binding, edition, and identifier aligned throughout the project. - Ebook: upload a compliant EPUB and complete the ebook metadata flow. - Print interior: print-ready PDF or print-ready Microsoft Word document. - Print cover: separate print-ready PDF based on the selected trim, binding, paper, and page count. - Remove an existing print barcode from the cover because B&N Press adds one during project setup. - Confirm current AI-use disclosure fields in Rights & Other Information when applicable. ### Identifier rule - Ebook ISBN is optional. - Every print binding needs a unique ISBN. - B&N Press can provide a free print ISBN, but it can be used only through B&N Press. - B&N Press states that an author-supplied ISBN cannot already have been submitted for another book or through another publisher in its system. Verify the current title-transfer rules before reusing distribution metadata. - An ISBN cannot be changed after publication and cannot be reused for a different edition. ### B&N Press preflight - [ ] Ebook EPUB opens and follows the current EPUB formatting guide. - [ ] Print interior and cover pass prepress with the exact selected trim and binding. - [ ] No duplicate barcode appears on the uploaded cover. - [ ] Identifier, title, author, binding, imprint, rights, disclosure, price, and release date are final. ### Official B&N Press sources - ISBN FAQ: https://help-press.barnesandnoble.com/hc/en-us/articles/5358254743963-ISBN-FAQs - Creating print books: https://help-press.barnesandnoble.com/hc/en-us/articles/5359164624283-Creating-Print-Books - EPUB formatting guide: https://help-press.barnesandnoble.com/hc/en-us/articles/46990297345691-B-N-Press-ePub-Formatting-Guide-for-eBooks - Cover and interior troubleshooting: https://help-press.barnesandnoble.com/hc/en-us/articles/5359031189787-Cover-Interior-Not-Accepted ## ACX ### Eligibility and metadata - Confirm that you control the audio rights. - The ebook must already be for sale in the Amazon.com Kindle Store. - Claim the title with the Kindle ebook ASIN. - Complete title description, script, category, language, copyright, chapters, distribution details, and production information. - Keep title, subtitle, author, series, narrator, cover, and opening and closing credits consistent. ### Audio and cover files - Follow the current ACX audio submission requirements and run the audio analysis check before delivery. - Include opening and closing credits that match the metadata and cover. - Include a retail sample of 5 minutes or less. - Cover must be square at a 1:1 ratio. - Cover formats: JPG, PNG, or TIF. - Minimum cover dimensions: 2400 x 2400 px. - Minimum cover resolution: 72 DPI. - Cover color: RGB, 24-bit true color minimum. - Maximum cover file size: 8 MB. - Do not include pricing, store references, URLs, barcodes, QR codes, physical-media imagery, or Audible branding. ### Identifier rule - The Kindle ebook ASIN is used to claim the source title in ACX. - Record the final Audible product identifier and live URLs after release. ### ACX preflight - [ ] Audio rights, account eligibility, and Kindle source title are confirmed. - [ ] Metadata, cover, manuscript, and spoken credits agree. - [ ] Audio files and retail sample pass the current ACX requirements. - [ ] Square cover passes size, format, color, content, and file-size rules. - [ ] Distribution choice and production approvals are final. ### Official ACX sources - Rights holder checklist: https://help.acx.com/s/article/the-acx-rights-holder-s-audiobook-checklist - Claim a title: https://help.acx.com/s/article/claim-my-title - Audio submission requirements: https://help.acx.com/s/article/what-are-the-acx-audio-submission-requirements - Cover art requirements: https://help.acx.com/s/article/cover-art-requirements - Title metadata guidance: https://help.acx.com/s/article/acx-audiobook-profile ## Identifier decision guide | Situation | Recommended recordkeeping | | --- | --- | | You own a block of ISBNs | Assign one unused ISBN to each format and edition. Store the registrant, imprint, format, title, and assignment date. | | You use a platform-issued free ISBN | Mark it as platform-issued and platform-limited. Do not assume it can be reused elsewhere. | | The platform does not require an ebook ISBN | Record its platform ID, such as ASIN, GGKEY, or platform-assigned eISBN, alongside any author-owned identifier. | | You change binding or create a new edition | Treat it as a new product and assess whether a new ISBN is required. | | You publish through an aggregator | Record which downstream stores the aggregator controls so you do not create duplicate delivery routes. | ## Final cross-platform launch gate - [ ] Identity: title, subtitle, author, contributors, series, language, publisher, and edition agree everywhere. - [ ] Discoverability: description, categories, keywords, audience, age, and contributor bio are complete and truthful. - [ ] Identifiers: every format has the correct unique ISBN or platform ID, with ownership recorded. - [ ] Ebook: EPUB validates and is previewed on target devices or platform previewers. - [ ] Print: interior PDF, cover template, bleed, margins, fonts, color, page count, spine, and barcode are correct. - [ ] Audio: rights, credits, narrator, files, sample, and square cover pass current requirements. - [ ] Commerce: rights, territories, release date, price, discounts, returns, subscription, and exclusivity choices are intentional. - [ ] Distribution: no retailer receives the same edition through conflicting direct and aggregator routes. - [ ] Audit trail: approved files, version date, destination, submission status, product ID, and live link are recorded. ## Update policy Frontlist reviews this matrix against first-party documentation. Each version records a last-verified date. A platform's official help center controls if this reference and a current platform rule conflict. To report a discrepancy, use https://www.frontlistpro.com/contact and include the platform, rule, and official source URL.