How to Sell Coloring Books

Introduction
Creating Your Coloring Book
Preparing Your Book for Printing
Uploading and Publishing
Marketing Your Coloring Book
Selling Beyond Amazon
Maximizing Sales with Quality and Customer Loyalty
Conclusion
FAQs

Introduction

Did you know that the global coloring book market is expected to surpass $1 billion by 2027? With their therapeutic appeal to both kids and adults alike, coloring books are more popular than ever. So how can you tap into this lucrative trend and start making money? If you have artistic talent or a knack for graphic design, selling your own coloring books could be a great way to earn some extra income—or even build a full-fledged business. In this post, we'll walk you through the entire process, from creating your artwork to promoting and selling your coloring books effectively.

Creating Your Coloring Book

Before you can sell a coloring book, you need to create one. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started.

Choosing a Theme

Start by picking a theme for your coloring book. Whether it’s intricate mandalas, floral patterns, or whimsical animals, a well-defined theme can set your book apart. Research popular themes by browsing bestsellers in the coloring book category on Amazon or Etsy.

Designing the Pages

You don't need to be a professional artist to create a coloring book. Digital tools like Adobe Illustrator or free alternatives like Inkscape and GIMP can help you design your pages. iPad users can also utilize apps like Procreate. Aim to create at least 30 pages of artwork to offer good value to your customers.

Creating the Cover

Your cover is the first thing people will see, so make it eye-catching and professional. Design tools like Canva can be quite useful for this. Remember to include vital elements like your book title, subtitle (if any), and attractive graphics that hint at what’s inside.

Preparing Your Book for Printing

Once your artwork and cover are ready, it's time to format your book for printing and distribution.

Format and File Types

You’ll typically need two separate PDF files—one for the interior pages and one for the cover. Make sure to follow the specific formatting requirements of your chosen print-on-demand (POD) service.

Choosing a Print-on-Demand Service

Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is one of the easiest ways to publish your coloring book. Other options include IngramSpark, Lulu, and Blurb. Each platform has its own pros and cons:

KDP: Best for beginners, cost-effective, worldwide distribution.
IngramSpark: Higher quality, more customization, broader distribution.
Lulu: Good for niche markets, higher quality.
Blurb: Excellent for high-quality print products and photography books.

Uploading and Publishing

Most POD services will guide you through the process of uploading and setting up your book. Here’s an overview.

Pricing Your Book

Research similar books to find a competitive but profitable price point. Consider the following:

Production Costs: Printing and shipping.
Market Standards: What are other books in your category priced at?
Profit Margin: Ensure your pricing allows for a healthy profit after expenses.

Final Checks and Approval

Before you hit ‘publish,’ review a digital proof of your book to make sure there are no errors. Some services, like KDP, will even allow you to order a sample copy.

Marketing Your Coloring Book

Getting your book published is just the beginning. Now you need to get it in front of potential buyers.

Building an Online Presence

Create a website or a landing page dedicated to your coloring book. Use social media platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook to share images of your artwork and engage with your audience.

Email Marketing

Collect email addresses through a simple sign-up form on your website. Offer a free coloring page download in exchange for an email address to build your list. Regularly send newsletters to your subscribers, updating them on new releases, sales, and promotions.

Leveraging Social Media

Instagram: Use hashtags like #coloringbook, #adultcoloring, and #coloringforadults to reach potential customers.
Pinterest: Create pins showcasing your artwork and tutorials.
Facebook: Join Facebook groups dedicated to coloring and share your book.

Running Paid Ads

Once you have some initial reviews and sales, consider using paid ads to reach a larger audience. Platforms like Amazon Ads, Facebook Ads, and Instagram Ads offer targeted advertising options that can help you reach people interested in coloring books.

Selling Beyond Amazon

Etsy

Etsy is another popular platform for selling coloring books, especially if you have a unique, handcrafted appeal.

Local Art Fairs and Craft Shows

Consider selling physical copies at local events. This allows you to build a local following and gain real-time feedback.

Collaborations and Partnerships

Partnering with influencers or other artists can also help you reach new audiences. Offer them a free copy in exchange for a review or feature on their platform.

Maximizing Sales with Quality and Customer Loyalty

Engaging your customers can turn one-time buyers into loyal fans.

Quality Matters

Ensure your books are of high quality. Poor print quality and flimsy paper can ruin the coloring experience.

Engage with Your Audience

Host live drawing sessions on social media or offer free downloadable coloring pages to keep your audience engaged between purchases.

Collect Reviews

Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews. High ratings can significantly impact your book’s visibility and credibility.

Conclusion

Selling coloring books can be a rewarding venture, combining creativity with business. By following these steps, you can create, publish, and market a successful coloring book, turning your artistic passion into a profitable enterprise.

FAQs

Do I need to be a professional artist to create a coloring book?

No, you don't need to be a professional artist. Many successful coloring books feature simple yet engaging designs. Various digital tools can help you create high-quality artwork.

How long does it take to publish a coloring book?

The time frame can vary. Creating the artwork, formatting the book, uploading it, and getting it approved can take several weeks to a few months, depending on how intricate your designs are and how much time you can dedicate to the project.

How much can I realistically earn from selling coloring books?

Earnings can vary widely. Some creators make just a few hundred dollars a month, while others can earn thousands. Your profit depends on factors like the quality of your book, your marketing efforts, and customer demand.

Is it better to sell digital or physical copies?

Both have their advantages. Physical copies can be sold at higher prices and are often preferred for gifts, while digital copies have no printing costs and can be sold worldwide instantly.