More than 2 million publishers worldwide use Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing to self-publish ebooks and paperbacks. Every year, thousands of new authors sign up, hoping to reach a global audience. But at the same time, many publishers quietly step away from the platform due to factors such as low sales, platform limitations, or a shift to other publishing models.
Are you one of those authors who have signed up for an Amazon KDP account, but is now looking to explore other publishing platforms? Pro Tip: Don’t leave your Amazon KDP account as is, because you risk being affected by changing platform policies, unresolved tax obligations, and other responsibilities that can be a problem later. Instead, we recommend that you delete the account.
Think it’ll be as easy as clicking that delete button on the platform? Unfortunately, it won’t be as easy as that. But fortunately, you’re reading this blog. Today, we will discuss how to delete an Amazon KDP account step by step, what to prepare beforehand, what Amazon removes after deletion, and which alternatives may be better depending on your situation.
Things to Know Before Deleting Your Amazon KDP Account
Before taking action, it helps to understand the full impact of deleting your account. Many problems happen because authors rush this step.
What Happens When You Delete Your KDP Account
When Amazon deletes your KDP account, you permanently lose access to the KDP dashboard. You will no longer be able to manage books, check sales reports, or update payment and tax details.
All books published under the account are removed from sale across Amazon marketplaces. In some cases, book pages may still appear for a short time, but customers cannot buy them.
Once the account is closed, Amazon does not restore access. This makes deletion very different from simply unpublishing a book.
Legal and Policy Implications to Be Aware Of
Deleting your KDP account also ends your publishing agreement with Amazon. This means you no longer have access to Amazon’s distribution tools, promotional programs, or pricing controls.
Amazon may still retain certain internal records for legal or compliance reasons. However, you cannot view or manage those records once your account is deleted. Understanding this helps set realistic expectations.
Impact on ISBNs and Publishing Rights
If you used free ISBNs provided by Amazon, those ISBNs are tied to Amazon and cannot be reused elsewhere. Once your account is deleted, those editions cannot be republished using the same identifiers.
If you used your own ISBNs, you still own the publishing rights. In that case, you can republish the book on other platforms after deletion.
Difference Between Unpublishing Books and Deleting Your Account
Unpublishing removes a book from sale but keeps your account active. You can republish the book later or publish new titles without starting over. This option gives authors flexibility, especially if they plan to revise or relaunch their work in the future.
Many authors use this stage to improve their manuscript before moving to another platform. This often includes editing and proofreading to improve clarity, correct errors, or update content based on reader feedback. Taking time to enhance the book can make a big difference when republishing elsewhere.
Data and Royalties Considerations
Before deletion, review unpaid royalties. Amazon usually pays royalties 60 days after the end of the month in which they are earned. If your account closes before payments are processed, you may still receive them if they meet the minimum payout threshold.
Once the account is deleted, you cannot check payment status or download reports. Download all royalty and tax documents before moving forward.
Can You Delete Only Your Amazon KDP Account?
Many authors worry that deleting their KDP account will also delete their main Amazon account. In most cases, that does not happen.
How KDP Is Linked to Your Amazon Account
Amazon KDP uses the same login credentials as your main Amazon account. This connection often causes confusion, but KDP publishing access can usually be removed without affecting shopping or Prime services.
Regional Differences in Account Closure Rules
Amazon KDP policies can vary by region. If you publish in multiple marketplaces, account deletion applies across all of them. Some regions may require additional verification, which can slow the process.
What You Can and Cannot Remove Separately
You can usually delete only your KDP account while keeping your Amazon shopping account active. However, you must clearly state this when contacting support. If you request full Amazon account deletion, KDP access is removed automatically. The reverse is not always true.
Pro Tip: If you want to move away from self-publishing and work as a ghostwriter, you may not need an active KDP account
What Happens to Linked Author Central Profiles
If your KDP account is linked to Amazon Author Central, deleting KDP may remove your ability to manage your author profile. The profile may still appear publicly for a short time, but you will likely lose editing access.
Step-by-Step Guide to Delete Your Amazon KDP Account
The process to delete an Amazon KDP account requires direct communication with KDP support. While this may sound complicated, it becomes straightforward when you know what to expect at each stage. Taking the time to follow these steps carefully helps avoid delays, confusion, or unfinished payments.
Preparing Your Account Before Contacting Support
Before you contact KDP support, spend some time preparing your account. This step is often skipped, but it can make the entire process smoother.
Start by downloading all important documents. This includes royalty reports, payment history, and tax forms such as Form 1099 (for U.S. authors) or equivalent documents in other regions. Once your account is deleted, you will not be able to access these files again.
Next, review your payment status. Check whether you have pending royalties that have not yet been paid. If possible, wait until those payments are completed. This reduces the risk of delays or missing payouts.
You should also review any unpublished drafts or active projects. While drafts are not visible to customers, cleaning them up helps ensure there is no confusion during account review.
Finally, confirm that your email address and contact details are up to date. Amazon may need to reach out to you for verification, and outdated information can slow the process.
Step 1: Sign In to Your Amazon KDP Account
Log in to your Amazon KDP account using the primary email address associated with the account. Make sure you can fully access the KDP dashboard, not just your Amazon shopping account.
If you cannot log in, resolve the issue before moving forward. This may involve resetting your password or completing additional security checks. Amazon will not process a deletion request unless you can prove account ownership.
It is also a good idea to confirm that you are logged into the correct account, especially if you manage multiple Amazon logins.
Step 2: Contact KDP Support
Once logged in, scroll to the bottom of the KDP dashboard and click “Contact Us.” This is the official way to reach Amazon’s KDP support team.
You will see several support categories. Choose an option related to Account Settings, Account Closure, or Managing Your Account. Selecting the most relevant category helps route your request to the correct team.
You can usually choose between email and chat support. Email is often better for account deletion requests because it creates a clear written record of your request and confirmation.
Step 3: Submit a KDP Account Closure Request
In your message, clearly state that you want to permanently delete your Amazon KDP account. Avoid vague language that could be interpreted as a temporary issue or a request for help.
It is helpful to mention that you understand the consequences of deletion. This includes the removal of books from sale and the permanent loss of access to reports and settings. Doing so reduces follow-up questions from support.
Include the email address linked to your KDP account and, if requested, your marketplace region. Keep the message short, direct, and factual. Long explanations are not necessary at this stage.
Step 4: Confirm Identity and Account Ownership
After submitting your request, Amazon may ask you to verify your identity. This often comes in the form of a confirmation email sent to your registered email address.
In some cases, Amazon may ask security-related questions or request confirmation that you are the account holder. Respond as quickly as possible to keep the process moving.
Delays often happen when verification emails are missed or left unanswered. Checking your spam folder during this time is strongly recommended.
Best Time to Submit a Deletion Request
Timing matters more than many authors realize. The best time to request deletion is after all royalty payments have been processed and paid out.
If you submit a deletion request while payments are pending, Amazon may pause the process until all transactions are settled. This can extend the timeline by several weeks.
Submitting your request shortly after a payout cycle is usually the safest approach. This reduces the chance of unresolved payments or accounting issues.
Step 5: Wait for Final Confirmation
Once Amazon completes verification and reviews your request, you will receive a final confirmation email stating that your KDP account has been closed.
Account deletion typically takes a few business days, but timelines can vary depending on account activity and region. During this period, avoid submitting duplicate requests, as this can slow the process.
After confirmation, you will no longer be able to log in to KDP. At this point, deletion is considered final, and access cannot be restored.
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What Happens After Your Amazon KDP Account Is Deleted
Here is what you can expect after you have removed your Amazon KDP account.
- Book Removal Timeline: Books are removed from sale shortly after deletion. However, listings may still appear temporarily due to system updates across regions.
- Search Engine Visibility of Removed Books: Search engines may still show old book links for some time. These pages usually display unavailable listings and do not mean the book is still for sale.
- Final Royalty Payments: If you earned royalties before deletion, Amazon may still issue final payments based on the regular payout schedule. Minimum payout thresholds still apply.
- Access to Reports and Tax Documents: After deletion, you cannot log in to access reports or tax information. This is why downloading documents beforehand is critical.
- Future Book Marketing Considerations: Once your books are removed, any future release on another platform will require fresh book marketing efforts, such as new descriptions, pricing strategies, and promotional planning.
- Long-Term Record Retention by Amazon: Amazon may retain internal records for legal or compliance reasons. This does not mean your account is active or accessible.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
After you have deleted your Amazon KDP account, here are some of the potential issues you might face.
- Delays Due to Outstanding Verification Requests: If Amazon requests additional verification and you do not respond, deletion may pause. Check your email regularly during the process.
- KDP Support Not Responding: If you do not hear back within a few days, check your spam folder. If needed, follow up using the same support ticket.
- Books Still Showing After Account Deletion: Books may remain visible for a short time due to system delays. If they remain purchasable after several weeks, contact support again.
- Confusion Between Account Suspension and Deletion: A suspended account still exists and may be reviewed. A deleted account is permanently closed. If unsure, confirm with support.
- Accidentally Requested Deletion: Once deletion is confirmed, reversal is rarely possible. If you realize the mistake early, contact support immediately, though recovery is not guaranteed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deleting Amazon KDP Accounts
After you delete your Amazon KDP account, here are some questions you might want answers to.
Can I Create a New KDP Account Later?
Amazon usually allows only one KDP account per person. If you delete your account and later decide to return, opening a new one may require special approval and is not guaranteed. For this reason, authors who are unsure often choose to keep their account inactive instead of deleting it.
Can I Transfer My KDP Account to Someone Else?
Amazon does not allow KDP accounts to be transferred, sold, or shared with another person. Each account is tied to the original owner’s identity and tax information. If ownership needs to change, the only option is to close the account and apply for a new one under the correct owner.
Will My Book Reviews Remain After Deletion?
Reviews may still appear on Amazon for a period of time, even after your account is deleted. However, since the books are no longer for sale, those reviews do not influence rankings, visibility, or future sales.
Does Account Deletion Affect Previously Sold Books?
No, customers who already purchased your books keep access to them in their Amazon libraries. Deleting your KDP account does not remove books from readers’ devices or revoke past purchases.
Does Deleting KDP Affect My Amazon Prime Account?
Deleting only your KDP account does not affect Amazon Prime, shopping history, or other Amazon services. As long as you clearly request KDP account closure only, the rest of your Amazon account remains active.
Conclusion
Deleting an Amazon KDP account is a permanent decision that affects your books, data, and publishing history. While the process itself is simple, the consequences are long-term.
Before moving forward, download all important documents, review unpaid royalties, and consider alternatives like unpublishing or leaving the account inactive. If deletion is the right choice, contacting KDP support with a clear and informed request ensures a smoother experience.
Taking the time to understand each step helps you close your Amazon KDP account without surprises and move forward with confidence.