Knowledge · Rule
Reading order (spine) is empty or broken
Package Structure · E-SPINE
Definition
Your book's reading order (the 'spine') is missing entries or points to files that don't exist, so Kindle doesn't know what order to show pages.
Why
- Empty <spine> after a failed export or manual OPF edit.
- itemref idref values that do not match any manifest item id.
- Manifest items deleted while spine references remain.
- Only linear="no" extras left with no linear reading content.
Impact
May block submission on KDP when this rule fails.
Platforms
| Platform | Result |
|---|---|
| KDP | May reject |
| Apple Books | May reject |
| Google Play | May reject |
| Kobo | May reject |
References
- EPUB spine / itemref
- Cermify Rule Set kdp-epub-2026-07
Last updated · 2026-08-03
Why we believe
Provenance is loaded from RID (same source as Rule Radar) — not a second copy.
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