Free checklist · Amazon KDP · updated Nov 2026

KDP Royalty Leak Checklist

Thirteen places self-published authors quietly lose money on Amazon, including the July 2026 price-band change and the move from Kindle Unlimited to Kindle+.

Download the PDF Royalty calculator

Ebook prices

Every ebook on the 70% option sits between $2.99 and $12.99On Amazon.com the 70% band now runs to $12.99. Outside the band you're paid 35%, whatever you selected.
Books priced $10 to $12.99 are switched to 70%Live books weren't moved automatically when the band widened. Open each one and check the royalty option.
Image-heavy files are compressedThe 70% option deducts a delivery fee per MB ($0.15 on Amazon.com). Large photos and maps quietly eat into every sale.
Other marketplaces are checked tooEach has its own band. In Brazil, Japan, India and Mexico the 70% rate needs KDP Select.

Kindle+ (formerly Kindle Unlimited)

You know which titles are in KDP SelectKindle Unlimited was renamed Kindle+ in October 2026. Enrolled ebooks earn a share of pages read or listened to by Kindle+ subscribers.
Your audiobooks can earn from Kindle+ listeningVirtual Voice audiobooks are enrolled automatically with their ebook; ACX audiobooks can be unenrolled separately. Kindle+ audiobooks are US-only for now.
You compare reading and listeningKindle+ pays by pages read or listened to, so check which format your enrolled titles earn from in your reports.

Print

Paperbacks priced at $9.99 or more where it makes sensePaperbacks pay 60% of list price at $9.99 and up, but 50% below it, minus printing. $9.98 can cost you more than a cent.
Print cost checked against page countBlack-ink paperbacks cost a fixed fee plus a per-page charge. Trim, margins and font size change the page count, and the margin.
Expanded Distribution is a choice, not a defaultIt pays 40% minus printing. Worth it for reach, but know what each copy earns.

Missing money

Formats you haven't publishedPaperback, hardcover, a Virtual Voice audiobook, or a Kindle Translate edition each reach readers you don't have yet.
Tax interview completedWithout it, US royalties can be withheld at the default rate. Your country's tax treaty may lower it.
Payment set up for every marketplaceCheck that royalties from smaller marketplaces are actually reaching you.

Want it checked for you?

Want it done for you? We publish your book on Amazon KDP with the 70% rules checked, and audit catalogs that are already live. See an audit sample or order on Fiverr.

Sources

Not financial or tax advice, and not affiliated with Amazon. Check KDP's help pages before changing prices.