How to Self-Publish a KDP Coloring Book in 2024: A Step-by-Step Guide
Are you an aspiring author looking to self-publish your own coloring book on Amazon's KDP platform? Look no further! In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of uploading and selling your KDP coloring book in 2024, step by step. From creating your illustrations to uploading your PDF files, we've got you covered. So, let's get started!
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Creating Your Illustrations
3. Uploading Your PDF Files
4. Signing Up for KDP
5. Setting Up Your Account
6. Creating Your Book
7. Choosing Your Categories
8. Setting Your Price
9. Requesting a Proof Copy
10. Publishing Your Book
Creating Your Illustrations
Before you can publish your coloring book, you'll need to have your illustrations ready. You have two options: hiring an illustrator or using AI-generated images. If you choose to hire an illustrator, be sure to check out our video on how to find one (link below). If you choose to use AI-generated images, platforms like Mid-Journey can help. In our entrepreneurship program, Book Bag University, we'll show you how to create a grayscale coloring book using Mid-Journey.
Uploading Your PDF Files
Once you have your illustrations, you'll need to create two PDF files: your cover file and your interior file. Your cover file should be eye-catching and include your book's title and subtitle. Your interior file should include all of your illustrations and any text you want to include. Be sure to save both files as PDFs before uploading them to KDP.
Signing Up for KDP
To publish your coloring book on KDP, you'll need to sign up for an account. If you already have an Amazon account, you can simply sign in. If not, you'll need to create a KDP account by entering your information and clicking "Create KDP Account."
Setting Up Your Account
Once you've signed up for KDP, you'll need to set up your account by entering your tax and payment information. You'll also see four links: Bookshelf, Reports, Community, and Marketing. Bookshelf is where you'll see all of your published books. Reports is where you can view your sales information. Community is where you can ask questions and get help. Marketing is where you can set up Amazon ads and create A+ content.
Creating Your Book
To create your coloring book, click the yellow "Create" button on your Bookshelf page. Choose "Create Paperback" and fill out the details for your book, including your title, subtitle, author name, and description. Be sure to choose categories that fit your book and include keywords in your title and subtitle. You'll also need to upload your cover and interior files.
Choosing Your Categories
Choosing the right categories for your coloring book is important for getting it in front of the right audience. You can choose up to three categories for your book. We recommend choosing categories that fit your book's niche and genre.
Setting Your Price
Setting the right price for your coloring book can be tricky. You want to make sure it's affordable for your readers, but also profitable for you. Research other books in your niche and see what they're priced at. You can set your price anywhere between $4.70 and $250. Be sure to choose a price that's competitive but also reflects the value of your book.
Requesting a Proof Copy
Before you publish your coloring book, you'll want to request a proof copy to make sure everything looks good. You can do this by clicking "Request Proof" on your Bookshelf page. Choose your marketplace and submit your request. Once you receive your proof copy, review it carefully to make sure there are no errors or quality issues.
Publishing Your Book
Once you've approved your proof copy, you're ready to publish your coloring book! Click "Publish Your Paperback Book" on your Bookshelf page and wait for it to be reviewed by the KDP team. Within 72 hours, your book will be available for purchase on Amazon.
Congratulations, you're now a published author! We hope this guide was helpful in walking you through the process of self-publishing your KDP coloring book in 2024.
Highlights
- Choose between hiring an illustrator or using AI-generated images for your illustrations
- Create eye-catching cover and interior PDF files
- Sign up for a KDP account and set up your tax and payment information
- Choose categories and set a competitive price for your coloring book
- Request a proof copy before publishing
FAQ
Q: Can I use the same ISBN number for my KDP book and other platforms?
A: If you use a free ISBN number assigned by KDP, you can only use it on KDP's platform. If you want to use the same ISBN number on other platforms, you'll need to purchase your own.
Q: How do I choose the right categories for my coloring book?
A: Research other books in your niche and see what categories they're listed under. Choose categories that fit your book's genre and niche.
Q: How do I set the right price for my coloring book?
A: Research other books in your niche and see what they're priced at. Choose a price that's competitive but also reflects the value of your book.
Resources:
- How to Find an Illustrator for Your Coloring Book: [link]
- Mid-Journey: [link]
- AMZ Expander: [link]
- Balke.com: [link]
