To format a nonfiction book for KDP, use a 5.5”×8.5” or 6”×9” trim on white paper, strong heading hierarchy (H1/H2/H3), and export as PDF with fonts embedded. Nonfiction is Amazon’s largest book category by revenue — business, self-help, health, and how-to books dominate the bestseller lists. KDP nonfiction paperbacks compete directly with traditionally published titles, so professional formatting isn’t optional. A typical 60,000-word nonfiction book runs ~230 pages at 5.5×8.5 or ~195 pages at 6×9.

Trim size by category

CategoryRecommended TrimWhy
Business / entrepreneurship5.5” × 8.5”Standard trade paperback
Self-help / personal development5.5” × 8.5”Approachable, not intimidating
History6” × 9”Room for footnotes and citations
Health / wellness5.5” × 8.5”Portable for readers
How-to / instructional6” × 9” or 8.5” × 11”Room for diagrams and steps
Academic / reference6” × 9”Professional standard
Cookbook8.5” × 11”Full-page layouts
Workbook / journal8.5” × 11”Space to write

Use the KDP Book Calculator to compare page counts across trim sizes.

Heading hierarchy

Nonfiction relies on visual structure more than fiction. Readers scan headings, skip to sections, and use the TOC to navigate:

Three-level hierarchy

  • H1 (Chapter title) — 18–24pt, bold, page break before
  • H2 (Section heading) — 14–16pt, bold, space above
  • H3 (Subsection) — 12–13pt, bold or bold italic, minimal space above

Consistency rules

  • Same font family for all headings (can vary weight)
  • Same spacing above/below each heading level throughout
  • Don’t skip levels (never H1 → H3 without an H2)
  • Headings should be descriptive — “How to Set Up Your LLC” not “Step 3”

Tables, lists, and callouts

Nonfiction uses structural elements that fiction doesn’t:

Tables

  • Keep tables simple — 2–4 columns maximum for 5.5×8.5 trim
  • Use consistent formatting (header row bold, alternating row shading optional)
  • Tables should be typeset as text, not images

Numbered and bulleted lists

  • Use numbered lists for sequential steps
  • Use bullets for non-sequential items
  • Indent sub-items consistently
  • Leave space before and after lists

Callout boxes / sidebars

  • Key takeaways, tips, or warnings in a visually distinct box
  • Consistent styling throughout (same border, background, spacing)
  • Don’t overuse — one per chapter section maximum
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Front and back matter

Front matter

  • Half-title
  • Title page (subtitle is critical — nonfiction subtitles sell the book)
  • Copyright page
  • Dedication (optional)
  • Table of contents (required — nonfiction readers navigate by TOC)
  • Foreword (if you have one — by a recognized expert in your field)
  • Introduction / Preface

Back matter

  • Appendix (supplementary data, worksheets, templates)
  • Notes / endnotes (if using endnotes instead of footnotes)
  • Bibliography / references
  • Index (expected for reference nonfiction; optional for narrative nonfiction)
  • Acknowledgments
  • About the Author

KDP PDF settings

  • Page size: match trim exactly
  • Fonts: all embedded
  • Color: B&W interior (standard) or color (~$0.07/page for images/charts)
  • Paper: white (better for images and data) or cream (for narrative nonfiction)
  • Bleed: no (text-only) or yes (for full-bleed images)
  • Page count: must be even

Pricing

Nonfiction commands higher prices than fiction:

Word CountPages (5.5×8.5)Print CostPriceRoyalty
40,000~160~$2.80$14.99$4.20
50,000~195~$3.22$15.99$4.38
60,000~230~$3.64$16.99$4.56
70,000~260~$4.00$17.99$5.00
80,000~290~$4.36$17.99$4.64

Business and professional nonfiction prices $16.99–$19.99. Self-help and health books price $14.99–$17.99. Workbooks and how-to guides can price higher if they replace a course or service.