6 Steps to Start Selling Coloring Books (Even If You Can’t Draw a Stick Figure)

We’re skipping the snooze-worthy "ultimate guide" format and giving you a no-fluff, real-talk breakdown of what it actually takes to get started—and make sales—ASAP.

Let’s dive into the 6 steps that’ll take you from “I’ve got a cool idea” to “Cha-ching! Another sale.”

1. Choose a Coloring Book Niche That Doesn’t Already Scream 'Been There'

The worst thing you can do is slap together yet another mandala book and pray the Etsy gods notice you.

These days, buyers are craving niche, unique, and weirdly delightful content.

Think outside the coloring box:

– Fruit Houses (yes, little homes shaped like strawberries and pineapples), Magical Worldbox , Deepsea Creatures, Tiny slands... The possibilities are endless — you just need the right guidance to unlock a high-potential idea. 

Read more about : Create Up to 15 Coloring Books This Weekend—No Design Skills Needed!

Ask yourself :

⁃ Who is this for?

⁃ What kind of aesthetic do they love?

⁃ Can I picture someone posting this on Pinterest or TikTok?

💡 Pro tip : Your niche doesn’t have to be completely unheard of—but it should be specific enough to make your book stand out. "Cute animals" is vague. "Cute animals doing daily chores" is golden.

2. Decide If You’re the Artist, the Curator, or the Strategist

You don’t need to be a professional illustrator to sell coloring books. Let’s break down your role:

⁃ The Artist : You create every page from scratch (digitally or on paper). More work, but you own everything.

⁃ The Curator : You buy Commercial-Use Coloring Pages from legit sources, then assemble them into a unique book.

⁃ The Strategist : You combine AI tools like ColorBliss with human editing to build a one-of-a-kind collection fast. Just make sure you understand the commercial license and do not rely on AI raw files alone.

Whichever you are, the key is to make your coloring pages cohesive. If the styles clash or feel copy-pasted, your book will look like a Frankenbook—and not in a fun Halloween way.

3. Choose Your Format : Printable PDF or Print-on-Demand (Or Both?)

There are two main ways to sell coloring books:

🖨️ Printable PDF (Digital Downloads)

↪ Best for Etsy, Payhip, Gumroad, or your own blog.

↪ Cheap to produce (no printing costs!).

↪ Instant delivery = happy customers.

↪ Great for themed mini-books or bundles.

📚 Print-on-Demand (POD)

↪ Best for Amazon KDP, Lulu, or BookBolt-based stores.

↪ Passive income, but more setup.

↪ Must meet printing guidelines (bleed margins, page counts, etc.).

↪ Think full 30–50 page books here.

💡 Combo Tip : Offer a mini printable version on Etsy to build your audience and a full print book on Amazon for long-term passive income. Cross-promote and watch the magic happen.

4. Design Like a Pro (Even If You’re Not One)

Your pages don’t have to look like a Van Gogh sketch, but they do need to be clean, printable, and enjoyable.

Some design rules to live by:

☑ Keep lines clean and bold—avoid super fine details that disappear when printed.

☑ Watch your margins and leave space near the edges.

☑ Don’t overcrowd the page. White space is your friend.

☑ Use software like Canva, Affinity Designer, Procreate, or Adobe Illustrator—or hire a designer if needed.

☑ Test print a few pages yourself before launching.

💡 Pro tip : If you’re using pre-made elements or AI, always edit and add your own flair. Add borders, patterns, bonus elements like quotes or prompts. That extra 10% makes a 100% difference.

5. Make Your Product Page Irresistible

Once you have your book ready, it’s time to convince people to buy it—and that starts with the product page.

Here’s what works :

↪ Eye-catching & Cool title : “Whimsical Fruit Houses Coloring Book – A Cozy Cottagecore Adventure”.

↪ Clear benefits : Stress relief, creative break, great gift for moms, sisters, besties, kids...

↪ Preview images & Mockups : Show 3–5 real pages (blur out small parts if you're worried about theft).

↪ SEO-rich description : Use keywords like “printable coloring book for adults,” “funny animal coloring pages,” or “coquette aesthetic gift idea.”

↪ Bonus add-ons or Freebies : Include a coloring tracker, bonus page, or access to a private coloring club.

💡 Pro tip : On Etsy or KDP, your listing images can make or break your sales. Use mockups, lifestyle photos, and short video previews if you can.

6. Promote Like You’re Hosting a Coloring Party

Now comes the fun part—getting eyes on your product.

Consider using:

☑ Pinterest : Use Canva + Coolors to create pins for each theme (“Relax with these cute vegetable coloring pages!”).

☑ TikTok & Reels : Show before/after pages, speed-coloring videos, and packaging your books.

☑ Instagram : Share coloring tips, fan submissions, and your work-in-progress.

☑ Email List : Offer a free sample page or a freebie in exchange for an email. Promote full books later.

☑ Blog it up : Write SEO-rich posts like “10 Unique Coloring Books You Haven’t Tried Yet” or “Why Coloring Is the New Self-Care.”

Bonus tip : Collaborate with micro-influencers who color. You’d be surprised how far a shoutout goes when the niche is tight.

Final Words

You don’t need a publisher, a huge following, or even killer art skills to sell coloring books.

What you do need is :

↪ A unique angle with Fresh Ideas.

↪ A clear plan and a Full Guide.

↪ A strong online presence with your own website.

↪ The guts to put it out there and adjust as you go.

Some people make a few hundred a month from their side coloring hustle. Others? Thousands. Either way, it’s real money—and it’s yours for the taking.

So go ahead. Sketch that weird idea. Download that floral border pack. Open Canva. Print a test page. You’re not just playing around—you’re building a creative business.

Want more no-fluff tips on turning your digital creativity into cash?