How to make a sudoku book for Amazon KDP
Last updated 11 November 2026.
A sudoku book is one of the simplest paperbacks you can publish on Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing). The interior is a PDF of puzzle pages and answer pages. The cover is a separate file. This guide walks through the choices that decide whether KDP accepts the interior and whether readers enjoy it: trim size, page count, margins, difficulty and answer keys.
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1. Pick a trim size
The trim size is the final size of each printed page after cutting. KDP lists a fixed set of paperback trim sizes. For puzzle books the common choices are:
- 6 × 9 in: the most common paperback size. Two 9×9 puzzles per page stay readable.
- 8.5 × 11 in: large pages. Good for large-print books, for 4 puzzles per page, or for one big grid per page.
- 5 × 8 in or 5.5 × 8.5 in: small travel books with one puzzle per page.
Puzzzlo supports 17 trim sizes: the KDP paperback sizes from 5 × 8 in to 8.5 × 11 in, plus A4 and A5. Each size has its own page maximum, which the tool checks for you.
2. Plan the page count
A KDP paperback needs at least 24 pages. A sudoku book usually has a title page, the puzzle pages, and the solution pages at the back. Solutions print smaller, so several fit on one page.
Example: 100 puzzles at 2 per page on 6 × 9 in, with a title page and solutions, makes a 68-page book. KDP prints an even number of pages, so an odd total gets one blank page at the end.
More pages raise the printing cost, and that cost sets your minimum list price. 100 to 200 puzzles is a common range for a first book. Puzzzlo makes up to 500 puzzles per book.
3. Get the margins right
KDP rejects interiors with text or grids too close to the edge or the spine. The inside margin (the spine side) must grow with the page count, because a thick book curves more at the spine. Without bleed, KDP asks for at least:
- 24 to 150 pages: inside margin 0.375 in
- 151 to 300 pages: inside margin 0.5 in
- 301 to 500 pages: inside margin 0.625 in
- 501 to 700 pages: inside margin 0.75 in
- 701 to 828 pages: inside margin 0.875 in
The outside, top and bottom margins must be at least 0.25 in. Puzzzlo uses 0.25 in on the outside and 0.5 in at the top and bottom, and it picks the inside margin from the page count of your book.
4. Choose the difficulty, and grade it honestly
Readers notice when a book called "Hard" is easy. Counting the given numbers is not enough: the real difficulty is the hardest solving technique a puzzle needs. Puzzzlo solves each puzzle with a logic solver and grades it by that technique:
- Easy: singles only, 36 to 40 numbers given on a 9×9 grid.
- Medium: naked pairs, pointing and box/line reduction, 30 to 34 given.
- Hard: hidden pairs and triples, 26 to 29 given.
- Expert: X-Wing, Swordfish and XY-Wing, 20 to 25 given.
For children or beginners, smaller grids work well: 4×4 (Easy, 6 to 8 given) and 6×6 (Easy or Medium). Every puzzle must have exactly one solution, or readers get stuck and leave bad reviews.
5. Add a title page and answer keys
A title page with the book title, subtitle and author name makes the book look finished. Answer keys at the back are expected in puzzle books. Number each puzzle, and label each solution with the same number, so readers can check an answer without seeing the others.
6. Export a print-ready PDF
- The PDF page size must equal the trim size exactly.
- Embed all fonts. KDP flags a PDF with missing fonts.
- Use black text on white for a black-and-white interior. It is the cheapest print option.
Puzzzlo exports a PDF that meets these rules: exact trim size, embedded fonts, black on white.
7. Upload to KDP and check the preview
- In KDP, create a paperback and fill in the details (title, author, description, keywords).
- In Paperback Content, choose the same trim size you used, black ink on white paper, and no bleed.
- Upload the PDF as the manuscript (interior), then upload or create the cover.
- Open the Print Previewer and look at every flagged page before you publish.
KDP sizes the cover from your page count and paper type, so make the cover after the interior is final.
Make your sudoku book with Puzzzlo
Puzzzlo does steps 1 to 6 in your browser. Pick a size and difficulty, preview every page, and export the PDF. The free version has every setting and exports up to 10 puzzles per book with a small credit line, so you can check the output in KDP's previewer before you buy.