A low-content book has minimal or no content on the interior pages. Low-content books are generally repetitive, and designed to be filled in by the user. This does not typically include activity books, such as puzzle books or coloring books, which generally do not feature repetitive content on each page. See common examples of low-content books in the table below, but note that there can be exceptions.

Low-content books do not require an ISBN. If you want an ISBN for your low-content book, you can use your own ISBN, or publish without an ISBN. Low-content books are not eligible for the free KDP ISBN. See the differences between using your own ISBN and publishing without an ISBN below.

Note: we don’t currently offer Release Date for low-content books.

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Examples of low-content books

Low-Content	Not Generally Low-Content
Notebooks	Novels
Planners	Nonfiction
Diaries/Journals	Puzzle books
Prompt journals	Coloring books
Log books (i.e., tracking habits, activity, thankfulness)	Photography
Coupon books	Sheet music
Score card templates	Manuals
Crafting templates (i.e., scrapbook paper, ephemera books, etc.)	Textbooks
Blank sheet music (also known as manuscript or staff paper)	Children's books

Note: there can be exceptions to these examples.

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How to create a low-content book

Creating a low-content book is similar to creating other print books, but your ISBN options are different as noted in the steps below. To publish a low-content book:

1. Go to your Bookshelf.
2. Click + Create and then select Create paperback or Create hardcover.
3. Enter your information for each section as follows:
   • Paperback or Hardcover details. Enter your title, description, keywords, etc. Under Categories you need to check the Low-content box. Please note that if you do not select this box, or select a different box, your book will be rejected.
   • Paperback or Hardcover content. Under Print ISBN, you can choose between Publish without an ISBN or Use my own ISBN. Upload your manuscript and cover files, preview your book, and order a proof.
   • Paperback or Hardcover rights and pricing. Choose the territories where you hold distribution rights and set your list price.
4. After entering your information, click Publish Your Paperback Book or Publish Your Hardcover Book.

See more detailed instructions on creating a book.

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What type of barcode will appear on a low-content book?

If you use your own ISBN, you can upload a cover with or without a barcode. If you choose the option Publish without an ISBN, or decide not to provide your own barcode, we'll automatically place one on your back cover.

We'll place a barcode in a 2" (50.8 mm) by 1.2" (30.5 mm) white box in the lower right-hand corner of your book's back cover. If you leave images or text on this part of the cover, the barcode will cover them during printing, which could result in your file being rejected, so don't include any text or objects in this area.

Transparency codes are not available for low-content books published without an ISBN. If you’d like to enable a Transparency code for your low-content book, you can buy your own ISBN from Bowker, or through your local ISBN agency. Learn more about barcodes and transparency codes.

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What information can be updated after publishing a low-content book?

After publishing your book, certain features are locked. Learn more about the changes that can be made after publishing.

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Changing your ISBN option

You cannot change your ISBN selection after you've published your book.

If you need to change your ISBN selection after publishing your book, you’ll need to unpublish your book from your KDP Bookshelf, and then republish it. See more about unpublishing a book.

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Differences between using your own ISBN and publishing without an ISBN

There are a few differences regarding supported features if you decide to use your own ISBN or publish your low-content book without one, which we've included in the below table.

Expanded Distribution	Expanded Distribution is not supported for low-content books, regardless of the ISBN option you select. Learn more about enrollment requirements.
Read Sample (Look Inside the Book) feature	The sample and the back cover thumbnail are currently not supported for low-content books published without ISBN. If you’d like to activate this feature for your book, we recommend you to buy your own ISBN from Bowker or through your local ISBN agency. Learn more about using your own ISBN. Alternatively, you can use A+ Content to add images of your book’s interior so buyers can see what it looks like. These images will appear on your book detail page. Learn more about A+ Content.
Series	Low-content books are not eligible for creating a series, regardless of the ISBN option you select. Learn more about series.
Transparency codes	Transparency codes are not available for low-content books published without an ISBN. If you’d like to enable a Transparency code for your low-content book, you can buy your own ISBN from Bowker or through your local ISBN agency. Learn more about barcodes and transparency codes.