How to Start an Adult Coloring Book Business in 2024
Last Updated: 12/17/2023
Adult coloring books have become super popular in recent years. They were even the top selling books on Amazon back in 2015, beating out fiction titles! The hype has settled down a bit, but there’s still a strong market for them. If you’re an artsy person who wants to start your own business, an adult coloring book company could be awesome. I’ve got some tips to share on how to get started.
Pick a Business Structure
First up, you’ll need to decide what kind of legal structure to form your business under. You’ve got options like sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, corporation, etc. Each one has different pros and cons when it comes to taxes, liability protection and setup costs. For example, a sole proprietorship is easy and cheap but you’re personally liable. An LLC gives liability protection but operates like a sole proprietorship tax-wise. Talk to an accountant or lawyer to figure out the best fit.
Create Your Coloring Books
Next, get to work actually making some coloring books to sell! Brainstorm fun themes and titles you think your target audience will be into. Nature scenes, mandalas, fantasy art, animals, patterns, motivational quotes — those are all popular. Use standard book dimensions so your books will fit on shelves. And make sure to include various difficulty levels so there’s something for every skill set.
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Get Artwork
Unless you’re going to illustrate the books yourself, you’ll have to get artwork from somewhere. You can hire freelancers on Fiverr or Upwork to create custom images. Or buy pre-made art from stock websites. Another option is to scan and digitize your own drawings if you’re artistic. Just be sure any images you use are not copyrighted.
Publish Your Books
Once your books are put together, it’s time to actually publish them so people can buy them! Print-on-demand services like Amazon KDP, IngramSpark and Barnes & Noble Press are great. They’ll print copies as orders come in so you don’t have to pay for a big print run upfront. You can also make ebook versions using Calibre or other conversion software.
Market Like Crazy
Now get the word out so you can start selling those books! Make an author website, use social media promotions, look for book reviewers and bloggers to partner with, attend book fairs and craft shows, offer free samples on your website, and more. Marketing will be vital, so take advantage of every opportunity. With hard work and creativity, you can make your coloring book business a success!
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Adult Coloring Book Financial Forecasts
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Revenue Forecast
FAQ
What kind of paper should I use for my adult coloring books?
Use high quality, medium to heavy weight paper that can withstand coloring media without bleeding through. Aim for paper that is 50 lb or higher. It should have a bit of a tooth or texture for coloring pencils, pens, and markers. Acid-free and archival paper is best for preservation.
What are the standard dimensions for adult coloring books?
Common dimensions are 8.5x11 inches or 6x9 inches. Make sure your pages will fit the requirements for POD services like KDP and IngramSpark. The size you choose impacts production costs, so weigh the pros and cons.
Should I hire designers or illustrate the books myself?
If you have artistic talent, doing the illustrations yourself gives the books a cohesive feel and look. If not, hiring experienced coloring book designers and artists is recommended. Look at their portfolios to ensure they can create on-brand, high-quality artwork before collaborating.
How many pages should an adult coloring book include?
Aim for adult coloring books that are 60–100+ pages. Anything under 50 pages tends not to sell as well. Variety is key — include a mix of simple and intricate designs to appeal to beginners and advanced colorists.
What is the average price range for adult coloring books?
Prices typically range from $5-$15 with most selling in the $9-$12 range. Pricing will depend on your production costs, page count, single vs. double-sided printing, and binding type. Offer books in different price tiers.
Should I sell only on Amazon or expand to more sales channels?
Don’t limit yourself to only Amazon. While a huge platform, also look into bookstores, gift shops, creative retailers, your own ecommerce site, participating in craft fairs, etc. More sales channels means more profit potential.
How can I market my adult coloring books effectively?
Leverage social media promotions, online advertising, email marketing, build relationships with bloggers and media outlets, attend trade events and conferences to network, optimize SEO and keywords, run pre order campaigns, offer giveaways and prizes, and more. Marketing is key for every business.
