Summary of Reddit Comments on Amazon KDP Blocked Books

Being Blocked on Amazon KDP

• Amazon has blocked books in the past, and the situation can vary. Some authors had their books pulled down, while others were unblocked. It is recommended to wait for Amazon's response and keep the conversation going.
• Authors should reply to the email received from Amazon, confirm they will fix the issue, and wait for the book to be unblocked.

Possible Reasons for Blocking

• Content reviewers may block books for various reasons, such as potentially controversial phrases in metadata or covers that could be misinterpreted.
• Trigger warnings are not recommended on Amazon as they prefer clear descriptions of content instead.
• Amazon strictly prohibits content like incest or non-consensual situations, which can lead to books being blocked.

Advice for Resolving Issues

• Authors should communicate with Amazon, make necessary changes, and ask how to get the book unblocked.
• It's crucial to address any violations promptly to avoid further books being blocked and the risk of account suspension.
• Some authors suggest reaching out to customer service to resolve block issues and provide proof of ownership if requested.

Moving Forward

• Authors should be cautious about breaching Amazon's content guidelines related to incest, non-consensual scenarios, or other inappropriate themes.
• If Amazon's guidelines do not allow certain content, it is advised to consider publishing such books on platforms like Smashwords, known to be more permissive in content restrictions.

Dealing with Amazon KDP Support

• Authors may face challenges in dealing with Amazon's opaque content standards and the unpredictability of support responses.
• It is recommended to establish a presence on multiple platforms alongside Amazon to mitigate risks associated with arbitrary blocks or guideline enforcement.

Tips for New Authors

• New writers should thoroughly research Amazon's content guidelines to avoid violations and prevent blocks on their books.
• Authors should consider joining online communities like 20Books50K for support and advice on navigating self-publishing challenges.

Final Recommendations

• Authors should be cautious in approaching Amazon's KDP support and follow their guidelines diligently to prevent account suspension or book blocks.
• It is advisable not to republish blocked books or engage in repeated contact with Amazon that could draw unwanted attention to a potentially contentious portfolio.

By adhering to Amazon's content policies, communicating effectively with support, and considering alternative platforms for certain content, authors can navigate Amazon KDP's regulations to avoid book blocks and account suspension.