Dealing with Unwanted Books on KDP Amazon: Deleting or Unpublishing a Book in Review Period

Managing a book on KDP Amazon can sometimes be tricky, especially when you need to make changes to your published work. One common question raised by authors is how to delete a book while it is still in the review period. This guide provides a step-by-step process and important notes to help you navigate the process effectively.

Steps to Delete a Book in the Review Period

Login to Your KDP Account: Access the KDP website and sign in with your account credentials. Navigate to Your Bookshelf: Once logged in, you'll be directed to your KDP Bookshelf. This interface displays all the books you have published or are in the process of publishing. Locate the Book: Identify the specific book you want to delete. Note its current status - if it's in the review process, this will be indicated on the screen. Select the Book: Click on the ellipsis button (three dots) next to the book to reveal the options. Choose the Action: From the dropdown menu, select the action associated with deleting the book. Confirm Deletion: Proceed with any necessary confirmation steps. Keep in mind that this action is irreversible.

Important Notes:

Review Period Limitation: If the book is in the review process, you might only have the option to unpublish it once the review period is over. You cannot make changes to the book's metadata or delete it while it's under review. Deletion Effects: Deleting a book will completely remove it from your KDP account and it will no longer be available for sale on Amazon. This action is irreversible and should be considered carefully. Contact Support: If you encounter any issues or if the option to delete is not available, consider reaching out to KDP support for assistance.

What to Do if You Linked an ISBN

If you linked an ISBN to a book, it becomes permanent and cannot be deleted from your KDP account. Even if the book was not published, simply assigning an ISBN makes it a permanent record. Even Amazon support cannot remove it completely, as evidenced by the author's experience. Once published, the book will remain on your book list permanently, even if you choose to unpublish it.

Waiting for the Review to Complete

If the book is rejected during the review period, you can then proceed to delete it. However, if the book is approved and published, the only option is to unpublish it. The book will remain on your account in the unpublished state and will not be available for sale.

Why Delete the Book?

The reasons for wanting to delete a book can vary. Perhaps the content is outdated, it's no longer relevant, or it was a mistake. Regardless of the reason, it's crucial to follow the steps closely and understand the implications of your decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I delete a book while it's in the review period?
While you can delete a book, the process is limited. You may only be able to unlist the book before the review period ends unless the book is rejected.

2. Can I delete a book if I linked an ISBN?
No, once an ISBN is assigned, the book becomes a permanent part of your KDP account. Even if unpublished, the ISBN continues to exist.

3. What happens if I delete a published book?
Deleting a published book removes it from your account and makes it unavailable on Amazon. However, an unpublished book can be deleted, but the unpublished status applies permanently.