If you used an AI tool on your book, KDP's own words tell you whether you have to say so when you publish or republish it. This week, take one book and sort each part using the five cases below. Our September post on what to tell KDP explains the rule. This post is the follow-up.
The lesson: ask who made the actual content. If an AI tool made it, it is AI-generated, however much you changed it later.
What KDP says
KDP's Content Guidelines (checked again on 5 November 2026) say: "We require you to inform us of AI-generated content (text, images, or translations) when you publish a new book or make edits to and republish an existing book through KDP. AI-generated images include cover and interior images and artwork. You are not required to disclose AI-assisted content."
The two terms, in KDP's words:
- AI-generated: "If you used an AI-based tool to create the actual content (whether text, images, or translations), it is considered "AI-generated," even if you applied substantial edits afterwards."
- AI-assisted: "If you created the content yourself, and used AI-based tools to edit, refine, error-check, or otherwise improve that content (whether text or images), then it is considered "AI-assisted"". The same goes if you used AI "to brainstorm and generate ideas, but ultimately created the text or images yourself".
Five cases, sorted
- You wrote the book. An AI tool checked your spelling and grammar. AI-assisted. KDP names "error-check".
- An AI tool gave you plot ideas. You wrote every chapter. AI-assisted. KDP names "brainstorm and generate ideas".
- An AI tool drafted a chapter. You rewrote most of it. AI-generated. KDP says so "even if you applied substantial edits afterwards."
- An AI tool made your cover picture. You added the title and tidied it up. AI-generated. KDP says AI images "include cover and interior images and artwork".
- An AI tool translated your book into Spanish. AI-generated. KDP names translations in its AI-generated definition.
If any part of your book fits a generated case, that part is AI-generated content in KDP's terms. Keep a short record of what each tool did. Our post on keeping your own AI record shows a simple way.
You are still responsible
Either way, KDP says: "You are responsible for verifying that all AI-generated and/or AI-assisted content adheres to all content guidelines, including by complying with all applicable intellectual property rights."
Canada only: same line, different gatekeeper
If you are a self-publisher in Canada, Library and Archives Canada gives you ISBNs free, and you must be "physically located in Canada". As of early November 2026, its About ISBNs page says: "By registering with ISBN Canada, you declare that your publication was written by a human author. You may use AI tools only for limited support tasks, such as brainstorming ideas, checking grammar, or formatting your book. ISBN Canada limits the quantity of ISBNs for works whose content is primarily generated by AI (text, illustration, translation). LAC is currently reviewing its policy regarding the use of AI content creation and our guidance is subject to change." The page does not define "primarily", so check it again before you apply.
For the UK's new human-authored book labels, see our 29 October post on which label an indie can use.
This week
Take one book. Write its five lines: text, cover, interior pictures, translation, ideas. Next to each, write "me", "AI-assisted" or "AI-generated". Any line marked "AI-generated" is one KDP asks you to disclose.