Is Kindle Return Policy Different For Self-Published Books?

Kindle’s return policy is universal—7 days for most books. But self-published titles can be less predictable. Some authors disable returns in kdp settings, so refunds aren’t an option unless the file is defective. I learned this after buying a memoir that lacked half its chapters; Amazon refunded it, but only after I submitted a report. For smoother returns, stick to titles marked ‘Returnable’ in the product details.

From my experience, Kindle’s return policy doesn’t discriminate between self-published and traditional books—technically. But behind the scenes, there’s a gap. Self-published returns often need manual review, especially if flagged as frequent. I returned a fantasy indie book last month because the formatting was broken, and it took 24 hours to approve. Traditional publisher refunds? Instant. Indies also have the power to disable returns in KDP, so always peek at the book’s page before hitting ‘buy.’

As someone who frequently purchases both traditionally published and self-published books on Kindle, I’ve noticed some nuances in Amazon’s return policy. For self-published books, the return window is generally the same—7 days—but the process can feel less straightforward. Amazon tends to scrutinize returns for self-published titles more closely, possibly to protect indie authors from abuse. I’ve heard from fellow readers that refunds for self-published books sometimes take longer to process or require additional steps, like contacting customer support directly.

That said, the policy isn’t explicitly different in writing, but in practice, there’s a bit more friction. If you’re unsatisfied with a self-published book, it’s worth checking the ‘Manage Your Content and Devices’ section on Amazon first. Some indie authors also opt out of returns entirely by disabling the feature in Kindle Direct Publishing, so always double-check the book’s details before buying.

I’ve been buying kindle books for years, and while Amazon’s return policy is consistent on paper, self-published books can be trickier. The 7-Day return window applies, but I’ve found refunds for indie titles aren’t as automatic. Once, I returned a poorly edited self-published novel and had to explain why via customer service, whereas traditional publishers’ books refunded instantly. It makes sense—Amazon wants to shield indie authors from mass returns. Pro tip: Look for ‘Returnable’ in the book’s details before purchasing. Some authors disable returns, so you’re stuck unless the content violates policies (like being incomplete).