Actionable Takeaways for Every KDP Author

This technical shift requires immediate strategic consideration. Don’t just file this information away; act on it. Here are the critical next steps:. Find out more about How to make KDP books EPUB DRM free.

1. Audit Your Backlist: Immediately check which of your pre-December 9, 2025, titles are already DRM-free. If they are, navigate to the settings and manually confirm the EPUB/PDF download option to ensure they qualify for the January 20, 2026, rollout.. Find out more about How to make KDP books EPUB DRM free guide.
2. New Book Strategy: For every title you plan to launch after January 20, 2026, decide *today* if you will opt-in to DRM-free EPUB/PDF delivery. Consider your genre: Academic/Cookbook authors might lean toward PDF; Fiction authors targeting Kobo/Apple users will likely choose EPUB.. Find out more about How to make KDP books EPUB DRM free tips.
3. Monitor Sales Data: Post-rollout, create a simple A/B test. For a proven backlist title, keep the DRM *on* for six months, then switch it *off* (and re-save the old title) for the next six months. Track sales volume and customer reviews to see which setup benefits your specific readership more.. Find out more about How to make KDP books EPUB DRM free strategies.
4. Read the Fine Print: Remember, this option is for verified *purchasers* only; Kindle Unlimited borrows do not count for these downloads. Set customer expectations clearly in your book descriptions if you opt-in.. Find out more about How to make KDP books EPUB DRM free technology.

This move is a significant step toward recognizing the diversity of the digital reader base. It’s a concession, yes, but one that empowers authors with greater control over their intellectual property distribution. The power is now in your hands to decide how widely you want your work to flow. Will you keep your content locked down for maximum platform integration, or will you embrace the portability of open standards?. Find out more about Kindle Direct Publishing EPUB support for Kobo readers technology guide.

What is your strategy going to be for your backlist? Let us know in the comments below—are you flipping the switch on January 20th, or playing it safe?