Key Takeaways and Actionable Insights for the New Year. Find out more about KDP authors allowing EPUB PDF downloads for DRM-free titles.

As we stand on the cusp of January 20, 2026, here are the concrete steps you should be taking right now to maximize this shift:

• Audit Your Backlist Immediately: Before the new year, decide which legacy, DRM-free titles you *want* to make available as EPUB/PDFs. Create a master list so you can systematically update them after January 20th, or immediately upon the feature’s rollout if you are updating pre-Jan 20th opt-ins.. Find out more about Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing DRM change implementation timeline guide.
• Frame the Choice: For new DRM-free titles, plan your marketing copy. Decide whether you are leaning into “Reader Freedom” (marketing the EPUB/PDF availability) or “Protection” (keeping DRM enabled). Your choice should reflect your business philosophy.. Find out more about Impact of Kindle USB transfer removal on personal archives tips.
• Review Print Pricing Post-Royalty Cut: If you publish print books, you must have already factored in the June 2025 royalty rate drop for titles under the threshold. If you haven’t, revisit your pricing strategy to ensure you are above the minimum list price to avoid zero royalties.. Find out more about Manual catalog auditing required for legacy KDP titles DRM strategies.
• Embrace Accessibility Quality: Treat the new accessibility requirements as a quality control check. Properly structuring your files—using headings, alt-text, and good contrast—improves the *product* for all readers and ensures compliance as the platform evolves.. Find out more about Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing DRM change implementation timeline definition guide.
• Understand the Limits: Remember that this new download flexibility only applies to *verified purchasers* of *DRM-free* titles. It does not apply to books borrowed via Kindle Unlimited or other lending services, even if they are technically DRM-free.. Find out more about Impact of Kindle USB transfer removal on personal archives insights information.

The digital shelf space is not static; it is a dynamic battlefield where control, convenience, and creator compensation are constantly being renegotiated. This latest development confirms that Amazon is now willing to trade minor control over *some* files for greater control over the *ecosystem’s narrative*. The wise author will use this new flexibility not as a reason to relax, but as a tool to build a more resilient, accessible, and reader-friendly business that can adapt to whatever rules are written next. What is your immediate action plan for your backlist? Will you opt in for format flexibility, or is maintaining tighter control over your catalog the better strategy for your brand? Let us know in the comments below.