Introduction

Groundwood paper is available as an alternative to white and cream paper for all eligible paperbacks. To learn more about groundwood paper and its benefits, please review the FAQs below.

Contents

• Eligibility and updating your paperbacks
• Technical specifications

Why is groundwood paper a good choice for readers?

Groundwood paper is a lower carbon option perfect for paperback novels and text-heavy books. Because of its higher opacity and textured feel, it makes pages easier to read and turn.

Additionally, print-on-demand books made from groundwood paper have at least 15% fewer CO2-equivalent emissions compared to other paper types. For the remaining residual carbon emissions of entire Groundwood paper book, we are applying high-quality carbon credits.

For complete eligibility requirements and technical specifications, visit our Paperback Submission Guidelines Help page.

Which books are eligible?

Groundwood paper is eligible for paperbacks with black and white interiors in all trim sizes. The reading direction of the book must be left-to-right. Books that meet these criteria will be marked with a green banner and a leaf icon on your Bookshelf.

The leaf icon serves as a clear, universal symbol of nature and environmental consciousness, making it easy to identify titles that can be updated to be more eco-friendly and help you make environmentally conscious manufacturing decisions.

Which books are not eligible?

Books that have heavy ink coverage are not eligible or recommended for groundwood paper to prevent the ink from showing through the pages. If we encounter issues when printing these books, KDP reserves the right to change the paper to cream or white to ensure quality.

In which marketplaces is groundwood paper available?

Groundwood paper is available in all marketplaces where KDP paperbacks are supported:

• Amazon.com
• Amazon.ca
• Amazon.co.uk
• Amazon.de
• Amazon.es
• Amazon.fr
• Amazon.it
• Amazon.nl
• Amazon.ie
• Amazon.com.be
• Amazon.pl
• Amazon.se
• Amazon.com.au
• Amazon.co.jp

Can I use groundwood paper for books enrolled in Expanded Distribution (EDC)?

Yes, groundwood paper is available for books enrolled in Expanded Distribution.

How can I switch my existing books to groundwood?

You can convert your existing books to groundwood paper in two ways, one by one, or using the bulk conversion feature.

To convert your titles one by one:

Simply update your book's Ink & Paper type and submit the update by following these instructions:

1. Sign into your KDP account.
2. Go to your Bookshelf.
3. Under the book you want to update, click the ellipsis button ("...").
4. Select Edit Paperback Content.
5. Under Print Options, update the ink and paper type to groundwood.
6. Click Save and continue.
7. Publish your Paperback Book to complete your submission.

For bulk conversion: Use the bulk update tool to convert multiple eligible titles at once. Only titles that don't require cover updates will appear in the bulk update tool.

Important: If your book exceeds 350 pages (cream paper) or 525 pages (white paper), the spine section of your cover dimensions will require adjustments. This is due to the thickness of groundwood paper. Check our cover calculator to determine if your book requires updates. If you need to adjust your book, visit our help page for instructions to Update Your Cover.

How can I confirm that my titles have been switched to groundwood?

When you switch a title to groundwood and submit your changes, your title's status will update from "Live" to "In Review," then "Publishing," and back to "Live" once the conversion is complete. For quick conversions, you may not see any status change. Your title will remain "Live" throughout the process.

To confirm your title is using groundwood paper:

• Check Title Setup to verify the paper type is set to groundwood
• Your title will no longer show the groundwood eligibility indicator on your Bookshelf
• Your title will no longer appear in the bulk update tool (because it's already using groundwood)

Are there any changes in the printing costs when using groundwood paper?

Groundwood printing costs per page are approximately 5% lower than cream and white paper with black and white ink. This pricing applies to all titles using groundwood paper — including existing live titles. No action is needed on your part.

Want to see how this impacts your printing costs and royalties? Use our Printing Cost & Royalty Calculator to compare printing costs and royalties per paper type.

For complete pricing details by marketplace, visit our Paperback Printing Costs Help page.

Can I order proof copies with groundwood paper?

Yes, to order a proof copy from your Bookshelf, first change the paper type of the book. Then follow the instructions on this Help article to order the proof copy.

Note: If you recently updated your book, and ordered a new copy, you may receive a copy from inventory that was printed prior to the changes. While we operate on a print-on-demand model, when a copy is printed on demand and the order is later canceled, that copy remains in inventory until sold. Books printed from a previous file are not eligible for replacement or refund.

Can I order a sample book in groundwood so I can see the paper?

Yes, if you'd like to experience groundwood before changing your book's paper type, you can order a book sample, at printing cost. Pick the appropriate marketplace below to get started.

Technical Specifications

For complete technical specifications, including maximum page counts, spine calculations, and cover requirements, visit our Paperback Submission Guidelines Help page.