Creating and Selling Colouring Books: A Beginner’s Guide

Colouring books, a great business idea

Colouring books aren’t just for kids anymore. In fact, adult colouring books have exploded in popularity as a way to relax, reduce stress, and spark creativity. This trend has opened up a profitable opportunity for creators—you can design and sell colouring books online and earn passive income.

If you’ve ever thought, “I’m not an artist, can I still do this?”—the answer is YES. With the right tools and strategy, anyone can create and sell colouring books.

This beginner’s guide will walk you through:

Why colouring books are a great business idea
How to design them (even if you’re not a designer)
Where to sell them for maximum reach
Common mistakes to avoid

Why Colouring Books are a Hot Opportunity

Low barrier to entry: You don’t need expensive equipment or advanced skills.
Evergreen demand: Stress-relief and mindfulness are timeless needs.
Multiple niches: Kids, adults, mandalas, animals, motivational quotes.
Scalable: Start with one book, expand into series or themed collections.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating and Selling Colouring Books

Step 1: Choose Your Niche

Ask:

Who is your target audience? (Kids, adults, hobbyists)
What themes are trending? (Mandala, floral, animals, affirmations)
Can you add a unique twist? (Personalized pages, seasonal themes)

Pro Tip: Check Amazon’s “Best Sellers” in colouring books for inspiration.

Step 2: Plan Your Book

Size: Standard is 8.5” x 11” (US Letter).
Page Count: 30–50 pages for beginners.
Style: Simple outlines, bold lines for easy colouring.
Extras: Add motivational quotes or themed sections.

Step 3: Design Your Pages

Options:

DIY with Tools: Canva, Procreate, Adobe Illustrator.
Use Stock Designs: Sites like Creative Fabrica, Freepik.
AI Assistance: Tools like MidJourney or DALL·E for unique illustrations.

Checklist:

High-resolution (300 DPI)
Black-and-white line art
Test print before publishing

Step 4: Compile and Format

Use Canva or Affinity Publisher to arrange pages.
Add:
- Title page
- Copyright page
- Instructions or tips
Export as PDF for digital or print-ready file.

Step 5: Publish Your Book

Platforms:

Amazon KDP: Print-on-demand, global reach.
Etsy: Digital downloads for instant delivery.
Gumroad: Sell PDFs directly.
Your Website: Build a brand and email list.

Step 6: Price It Right

Digital colouring books: ₹199–₹499.
Print-on-demand: ₹499–₹999 depending on page count.

Step 7: Promote Your Book

Instagram & Pinterest: Share snippets and reels.
YouTube Shorts: Time-lapse colouring videos.
Email Newsletter: Offer freebies to grow your list.
Collaborations: Partner with influencers in art or mindfulness niches.

How Much Can You Earn?

Digital downloads: 100 sales/month at ₹299 = ₹29,900.
Print-on-demand: 50 sales/month at ₹699 = ₹34,950.
Scale with multiple books and bundles.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcomplicated designs: Hard to colour, frustrates users.
Ignoring print quality: Low DPI = blurry pages.
No niche focus: Generic books don’t stand out.
Skipping marketing: Great books need visibility.

FAQs: Creating and Selling Colouring Books

Q1: Do I need to be an artist?
No. You can use templates, stock designs, or AI tools.

Q2: How long does it take to create a book?
1–2 weeks for a 30-page book if you work consistently.

Q3: Is Amazon KDP free?
Yes. You only pay when books sell (printing cost deducted from royalties).

Q4: Can I sell both digital and print versions?
Absolutely. Offer PDFs on Etsy and print versions on Amazon.

Q5: What’s the best niche for beginners?
Adult mandala books and kids’ activity books are evergreen.

Final Thoughts: Start Small, Scale Fast

Colouring books are a low-risk, high-reward creative business. Start with one niche, create a simple book, publish it, and learn from feedback. Over time, you can build a portfolio that earns passive income for years.

CTA: Want a free Colouring Book Starter Kit with design templates, niche ideas, and a publishing checklist? email us for the free copy.