When is the final manuscript due for a Kindle pre-order?

At least 72 hours before the release date. Release dates are in GMT, so for a March 1 release the file is due by February 26 at 00:00 GMT.

How far ahead can I set up a pre-order?

Up to 18 months for pre-orders created on or after September 2, 2026, and 12 months for older ones.

What happens if I miss the deadline?

The pre-order is canceled. The first miss or cancellation is forgiven once per account; a second removes pre-order privileges for 6 months.

Can I put a paperback on pre-order?

No. For print books KDP offers a scheduled release up to 90 days ahead, with the detail page hidden until release day and changes locked from 5 days before.

KDP pre-order and release date deadline calculator

Free, no sign-up. Runs in your browser and sends nothing to us. Numbers checked against Amazon’s pages on 2026-11-09. Not affiliated with Amazon.

For a Kindle ebook pre-order, the final manuscript is due at least 72 hours before the release date (00:00 GMT three days before), or the pre-order is canceled. Pre-orders created on or after September 2, 2026 can be up to 18 months ahead. Print books have no pre-orders, only a scheduled release up to 90 days ahead.

Final file due by: -
Days left: -
Latest release you can set: -
Latest date if you postpone: -

How the dates are worked out

Final file deadline = release date - 3 days, at 00:00 GMT.
Latest release = setup date + 18 months (12 months for pre-orders created before September 2, 2026).
Latest postponed date = original release + 6 months, using at most 2 postponements.
Print: latest scheduled release = today + 90 days; changes locked from release - 5 days.

Example: a pre-order set up on October 1, 2026 for March 1, 2027 needs the final file by February 26, 2027 at 00:00 GMT. It could have been set as late as April 1, 2028, and can be postponed to no later than September 1, 2027.

Questions

When is the final manuscript due for a Kindle pre-order?: At least 72 hours before the release date. Release dates are in GMT, so for a March 1 release the file is due by February 26 at 00:00 GMT.
How far ahead can I set up a pre-order?: Up to 18 months for pre-orders created on or after September 2, 2026, and 12 months for older ones.
What happens if I miss the deadline?: The pre-order is canceled. The first miss or cancellation is forgiven once per account; a second removes pre-order privileges for 6 months.
Can I put a paperback on pre-order?: No. For print books KDP offers a scheduled release up to 90 days ahead, with the detail page hidden until release day and changes locked from 5 days before.

The rules behind it

Sources

Other free tools

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