Ebook formatting: how to make an EPUB for KDP and IngramSpark

A print PDF and an ebook are different things. A novel ebook should be reflowable: the reader picks the font and size, and the text re-wraps to fit the screen. EPUB is the standard format for that.

Specs checked against the official pages linked below on October 26, 2026. Platforms update their rules, so check the source before you upload.

What each platform accepts

• KDP lists Word (DOC/DOCX), Kindle Package Format (KPF, made with Kindle Create) and EPUB among its recommended formats. KDP accepts EPUB files that meet its Kindle Publishing Guidelines and recommends checking the file in Kindle Previewer before you upload. KDP no longer accepts MOBI files for fixed-layout ebooks (since March 2025).
• IngramSpark requires EPUB 3.0 for ebook interiors, uploaded with a separate JPG front cover. Its file creation guide says every EPUB must pass current validation, and no single image inside the EPUB may exceed 3.2 million pixels.

One clean EPUB 3 file can be uploaded to both.

Validate with EPUBCheck

EPUBCheck is the free, open-source EPUB validator maintained by the W3C. It flags broken links, missing files, bad metadata and markup errors that can get an ebook rejected or display badly. Run it on every version you upload, and fix every error, not just the first.

Formatting rules that make a good novel ebook

• Use real headings for chapter titles (Heading 1 in Word). They build the linked table of contents and the e-reader's navigation menu.
• No page numbers, running headers or footers. Pages don't exist in a reflowable ebook.
• Indent paragraphs with a style, not tabs or spaces. Tabs and spaces are ignored or uneven on many devices.
• Don't force fonts or sizes on body text. Let the reader's settings work.
• Mark scene breaks with a visible symbol (such as a centered asterism), not just a blank line, which can vanish at the bottom of a screen.
• Keep front matter short so the sample shows your story, and move long acknowledgments to the back.
• Use real italics, curly quotes and proper dashes. They carry over from a clean Word file.

Print PDF vs. ebook

Don't upload your print PDF as the ebook. A PDF has fixed pages and reads poorly on a phone. Build the EPUB from the same clean manuscript instead.

Sources

• KDP: Supported eBook formats
• IngramSpark File Creation Guide (PDF), EBook section
• EPUBCheck (W3C, GitHub)

FAQ

Does IngramSpark accept EPUB 2?

No. IngramSpark's file creation guide says EPUB 3.0 is required for ebook interiors.

Can I upload an EPUB to KDP?

Yes. KDP accepts EPUB files that meet its Kindle Publishing Guidelines and recommends checking them in Kindle Previewer first.

What is EPUBCheck?

The free, open-source EPUB validator maintained by the W3C. It reports errors that can cause an ebook to be rejected or display badly.