Common Metadata Errors
"Title required"
Solution:
- Title field cannot be empty
- Enter your book's main title
- Subtitle is optional
"Author name required"
Solution:
- Enter author name (real or pen name)
- Field cannot be blank
- Use format: "First Last"
"Description too short"
Cause: Description under minimum word count
Solution:
- Write at least 50 words
- Provide compelling book blurb
- Describe conflict, stakes, genre
"Invalid ISBN"
Cause: ISBN format incorrect or already in use
Solution:
- Use 13-digit ISBN format
- Remove hyphens or spaces
- If no ISBN, leave field blank
- Don't reuse ISBNs from other editions
"Category required"
Solution:
- Select at least one BISAC category
- Choose most specific category that fits
- Up to 3 categories recommended
"Title doesn't match cover"
Cause: Retailer flags mismatch between metadata and cover image
Solution:
- Ensure title in Basic Info exactly matches cover
- Check spelling and capitalization
- Subtitle should match cover subtitle
- Upload corrected cover if needed
Pricing Errors
"Price required"
Solution:
- Enter Base Price
- Library Price required if distributing to OverDrive
- Direct-to-Reader price required if enabling that channel
"Invalid price format"
Solution:
- Use format: 4.99 (not $4.99)
- No currency symbols
- Maximum two decimal places
Distribution Errors
"No distribution channels selected"
Solution:
- Go to Distribution tab
- Select at least one retailer or library
- Save changes
"Library price required for OverDrive"
Solution:
- Go to Pricing tab
- Enter Library Price (recommended 2x Base Price)
- Or remove OverDrive from distribution
Fixing Errors After Submission
If your book is rejected due to metadata errors:
- Check email for rejection details
- Go to My Shelf and click on your book
- Navigate to the tab with the error
- Correct the issue
- Click Update/Save
- Book will be resubmitted automatically