Is Your Amazon Book Listing the Best It Can Be? A FREE CHECKLIST
- Chelsea Tornetto
- Sep 29
- 4 min read
Listing your children’s book on Amazon is exciting — it’s your chance to introduce your story to the world! But here’s the thing: your Amazon listing isn’t just a formality. It’s your book’s first impression, sales pitch, and digital storefront all rolled into one.
Whether you're getting ready to publish or already have a listing live, use this checklist to make sure your Amazon page is doing all it can to get you more sales!
Let’s make your book stand out!
✅ 1. Eye-Catching Cover Image
Your cover is your book’s handshake — the very first thing people see. If it doesn’t grab attention, they may never even click to learn more.
Make sure your cover:
Is high-resolution (at least 1000 pixels on the longest side)
Looks great as a small thumbnail in search results
Has a clear, readable title at all sizes
Uses color and imagery that appeals to both kids and adults
✅ 2. Compelling Title and Subtitle
Your title sets the tone, but your subtitle sells the story — especially in search results.
Ask yourself:
Is your title clear, correctly spelled, and easy to read?
Do you have a descriptive subtitle (even if it’s not on the cover)?
Does your subtitle include keywords like age range, theme, or genre?
✅ 3. Keyword-Optimized Book Description
Your description isn’t just “what the book is about.” It’s your sales pitch. Use it to hook adult buyers — fast.
Include:
A captivating opening sentence or two
Bullets or short paragraphs for easy scanning
Keywords that people actually search for (like “diverse picture book” or “read-aloud for preschoolers”)
Info about age range, themes, tone, and what makes it special
✅ 4. Correct Categories and Age Ranges
Metadata is one of the most overlooked listing details — but it makes a big difference. The right categories help readers find your book.
Double-check:
That your book is placed in the most relevant category (not just the default!)
That your age and grade range match your target readers
✅ 5. Reader-Friendly Look Inside Preview
The “Look Inside” feature is like letting someone flip through your book in a bookstore. It builds confidence and can often lead to them clicking “BUY NOW”— if done well.
Make sure:
The feature is enabled for your listing
It shows actual story pages and illustrations — not just front matter
Formatting is clean, and there are no blank or awkward pages at the start
✅ 6. Great Reviews (and a Strategy to Get More)
Even a handful of thoughtful reviews can make a huge difference. They build trust and credibility with potential buyers.
Ask yourself:
Do you have at least 3–5 honest reviews?
Are you actively encouraging readers to leave one?
Do your reviews mention specifics like age-appropriateness, engagement, or illustrations?
✅ 7. Strong A+ Content (Optional but Powerful)
A+ Content adds branded, visual sections below your book’s description. While optional, it can give your listing a professional edge.
Use A+ Content to:
Share character profiles, illustration spotlights, or story themes
Compare your book to similar titles
Add author bios or “inside peek” imagery
✅ 8. Pricing That Makes Sense
Your price affects both your visibility and your sales. Too high and people hesitate. Too low and it may seem “cheap.” Find that sweet spot.
Consider:
How your price compares to similar children’s books
Using a lower price at launch to build momentum and reviews
Choosing between the 35% or 70% royalty option (based on your price and file size)
✅ 9. Mobile-Friendly Everything
Most Amazon customers are browsing on mobile — especially busy parents. If your listing isn’t easy to read on a phone, you could be losing sales.
Test it on mobile:
Does your cover still pop at a small size?
Is your description easy to skim?
Is your “Look Inside” clean and readable?
✅ 10. Get Unbiased Feedback on Your Amazon Book Listing
Everyone thinks their own baby is adorable…and the same goes for your own book! Just as it’s critical to work with a professional editor at the start of your writing journey, getting some outside feedback on your Amazon listing can be incredibly eye-opening and valuable.
How To Get Feedback:
Ask other authors for honest reactions. Facebook groups like this one are a great place to start.
Ask specific questions: Can you clearly read the title in the thumbnail on your phone? What’s your emotional reaction to the cover art? etc.
Pay for a professional audit.
Final Thoughts
Your Amazon book listing doesn’t need to be perfect on Day 1 — but the more polished and professional it is, the better your chances of making a sale.
Use this checklist to audit your book’s page today (and revisit it regularly after launch). A few thoughtful tweaks can make a big difference!
👉 Want a downloadable version of this checklist? Click below to grab it for free!
And if you’re looking for step-by-step support on self-publishing and marketing your children’s book — we’ve got you covered inside our Profitable Picture Books Program.
