Amazon Struggles with E-Book Font Embedding Issues
In recent times, authors have reported issues with Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) system, failing to accept print book PDF files for submission. One of the most common reasons for rejection is a lack of embedded fonts in the PDF files.
When submitting a print book PDF to Amazon for publication, it's crucial that the file meets all Amazon's requirements to ensure the printer can read and print the file correctly. Fonts, like software files, need all their code and instructions to be embedded inside the PDF for the printer to recognize and display them correctly.
Embedding fonts in a PDF is essential to avoid printing errors. If a PDF for a print book is rejected due to missing embedded fonts, resubmitting the file to Amazon may resolve the issue.
Authors who use software like Atticus or Vellum know that their software embeds all fonts automatically. However, if you're using a different program or creating a PDF from Word or Adobe, you should verify if fonts are embedded in your file. Instructions on how to embed fonts can be found with a simple Google search.
For authors facing acceptance problems with Amazon's automated system, Adobe InDesign is often used to automatically embed fonts in their PDFs. If you're using a book formatter, it's a good idea to contact them to confirm font embedding.
Resubmitting the file may require persistence and working with Amazon support representatives. It's not uncommon for it to take a couple of tries to get the file accepted. The same file may pass inspections multiple times before acceptance.
Amazon's automated system for accepting book files is facing issues and making mistakes. If you're unsure if embedded fonts are the issue, it's recommended to contact an Amazon representative to confirm. Generic responses may occur, so don't hesitate to follow up if necessary.
In the past, Amazon required manual category selection, but responses often denied this option. To ensure a smooth submission process, it might be beneficial to resubmit the file after confirming proper embedded fonts, and consider renaming the file and using incognito mode.
By following these guidelines, authors can increase their chances of successfully submitting their print book PDFs to Amazon's KDP and ensuring a high-quality printed product.