Author Copies Vs. Proofs

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On Amazon KDP and other self-publishing platforms, you can choose between author copies and proofs. What’s the difference?

What’s the Difference Between Proofs and Author Copies on KDP?

Good morning, writers and self-published authors! If you’re deep in the trenches of preparing your book for publication, you’ve probably come across the terms proof copy and author copy while working with Amazon’s KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing). But what’s the actual difference between the two, and why should you choose one over the other?

I recently found myself asking the same question while uploading and reviewing my book. As I worked through the process, I discovered a key difference that I wanted to share with you—because if you’re like me, you might be wondering why you can’t just order a single author copy to look over your book instead of going through the proof route. Let’s dive into it!

Proof Copies vs. Author Copies: What’s the Difference?

Here’s the quick breakdown:

  • Proof Copies: These are test copies of your book that let you check the formatting, text placement, cover alignment, and overall look before publishing. However, proof copies come with a not-for-resale stripe across the cover, making it clear that this isn’t a final version for sale.
  • Author Copies: These are finalized versions of your book—exactly as a reader would receive them if they purchased your book online. There’s no stripe on the cover, and the interior matches the published version.

So, you might wonder: Why go through the extra steps of ordering proof copies if they’re so similar to author copies? And why not just skip them entirely?

A Small but Important Difference

Here’s what I noticed during my own process:

After uploading an updated cover for my book, I wanted to order another copy to see how it looked. However, because my book was still “in review” for the updated cover, the option to order author copies wasn’t available. If I had chosen to “publish” my updates first, I could have ordered an author copy—but since my book was still in review, my only option would have been to order a proof copy during the initial upload stage.

Proof copies can be ordered as soon as you upload your files—no delays, no approval process required. This is their key advantage:

  • Faster turnaround: You don’t have to wait for Amazon to finish reviewing your changes or for the book to publish (even if it’s set to a future release date).
  • Early quality check: If you’re making changes to your cover, interior, or formatting, you can look over the proof before committing to publish.

On the other hand, if you’re willing to wait for the review process and have given your book the green light for publishing, author copies give you a more authentic feel of what your readers will receive when they purchase your book.

My Recent Experience

When I first uploaded my book’s files, I ordered a proof to check the quality. Unfortunately, I noticed an issue with the cover—it was off-center. After fixing the issue and uploading an updated version, I skipped ordering another proof, thinking I’d just go straight to ordering author copies.

Here’s where I ran into a snag:

  • While KDP was reviewing my changes, I couldn’t order either a proof or an author copy. Because I missed the chance to order another proof during the upload stage, now I had to wait for KDP’s review process to finish before I could place another order.

In hindsight, it would have been quicker to order a proof copy while my book was still “in review.” This would have allowed me to check the updated cover without waiting for the full review process to finish.

Proofs vs. Author Copies: Is There a Price Difference?

Another question you might have (and one I wanted to know for myself) is whether there’s a price difference between proof copies and author copies. From what I’ve noticed, there’s no significant price difference between the two—you’re essentially paying for the cost of printing, regardless of the type of copy you order.

That said, the decision really comes down to timing and preference:

  • If you want to check your updates immediately (without waiting for KDP to approve your files), go with a proof copy.
  • If your book has been fully approved and you want to see the “real deal”—exactly what readers will receive—then order an author copy.

The Key Takeaways

Here’s a quick summary of the differences and why you might choose one over the other:

  • Proof Copies:

    • Available immediately after upload, while your book is still “in review.”
    • Used for early-quality checks (e.g., formatting issues or cover alignment).
    • Comes with the “not-for-resale” stripe across the cover.
    • Doesn’t require your book to be published or live on Amazon.
    • Ideal for fixing early mistakes before fully committing to publishing.

  • Author Copies:

    • Finalized version of your book—exactly what readers will receive.
    • No stripe or indicator that it’s a proof.
    • Typically requires the review process to be complete and the book to be published (or scheduled for publishing).
    • Perfect for creating that “reader experience” feel before promoting your book.

My Recommendation

To avoid unnecessary delays, here’s my advice:

  • Order a proof as soon as you upload your files, especially if you’re making changes to your cover or interior. Even if you ultimately plan to order finalized author copies, the proof allows you to catch and correct issues quickly while your book is still in review.
  • Once your book has passed the review process, then go ahead and order an author copy for that true final look and feel.

While there may not be a major difference in cost, there’s definitely a difference in timing and convenience. Knowing when to choose a proof versus an author copy can save you frustration—and precious time—during the publishing process.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

Have you had questions about proof and author copies? Or do you have your own tips for navigating KDP’s upload process? Drop your thoughts in the comments! And if you’d like more insights and advice about publishing, feel free to join my writing community, The Tribe, where we dive into all things self-publishing.

Thanks for reading, and happy publishing!

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