Colouring books are as old as childhood itself, but this market segment has expanded into a multi-million dollar business that attracts both adults and children. Industrial self-publishing platforms and the therapeutic aspects of coloring books have pushed the popularity to new heights.
This post takes a look at the history of coloring books, why they are still popular and market trends, how to come up with your own coloring book and practical steps on how to make the coloring book profitable.
A Short History of Coloring Books
Infancy representations of writing books and mature origins
Colouring books are rooted back in the 17th century where outline drawings were used to assist someone in learning to paint. The Florist (1760), a London publication with engravings of flowers, encouraged adults to practice their artistic skills by colouring them in.
The most successful children coloring book
With the introduction of cheap lithography in the 19th century, The Little Folks Painting Book (1879) became the first popular coloring book used by children.
In the 1960s, children were using adult coloring books as well
The Executive Coloring Book parodied business culture and gave rise to a flood of adult coloring books. These satirical and political books became briefly popular among adults.
Modern resurgence
The 2010s revival was explosive. U.S. coloring book sales went from 1 million to 12 million within one year. The main market was millennial women, and books like Secret Garden sold hundreds of thousands of copies.
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Why Coloring Books Sell (and So Well)
Cosmetic and medical uses
Adults use coloring activities to relax by concentrating on their work and reducing their anxiety. Psychologists compare it with mindfulness meditation. Research indicates that coloring mandalas and geometric shapes considerably decreases stress levels.
Mental-health awareness and online lobotomy
In an age of widespread awareness of mental health and self-care, there’s been a shift toward low-tech creative outlets. Colouring is a simple method of relief and stimulates relaxation.
Increasing market and sales potentials
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The adult coloring book market could grow to USD 1.2B by 2032 from USD 500M in 2023.
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Over 2,000 titles were published in 2015 alone in the U.S.
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The biggest consumers are women aged between 18 and 29.
Types of Coloring Books
There are niche opportunities to explore:
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Children’s Books – Often educational and activity-based.
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Adult Books – Mandalas, florals, inspirational quotes and detailed patterns.
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Seasonal/Thematic – Holidays, fantasy worlds, or culturally themed designs.
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Hybrid Activity Books – Coloring combined with puzzles, mazes, or learning tools.
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The Making of Your Coloring Book
Study and Niche Selection
Do your homework before jumping in. Use Amazon searches and tools like Publisher Rocket to identify profitable but under-saturated niches. Pick a theme and stick with it.
Artwork Creation
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DIY: Use tools like Procreate, Illustrator, or Canva—or draw by hand and scan.
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Hire freelancers: Platforms like Fiverr or Upwork are great for finding artists.
Ensure your illustrations are high-contrast and print-ready (8.5×11 inches is standard).
Formatting and Structure of a Book
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Most books include 16–50 illustrations.
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Compile your pages into a PDF with consistent margins.
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Include a title page and optional table of contents.
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Avoid printing double-sided if users will use markers.
Legal Considerations
Only use original or commercially licensed artwork. Don’t use copyrighted characters, logos, or trademarks.
Printing and Publishing Choices
Print-on-Demand
Amazon KDP is the go-to platform for self-publishing paperbacks:
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No upfront printing costs
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Royalties between 40–60%
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Amazon handles printing and shipping
IngramSpark is a good option if you want to get into bookstores or libraries.
Digital Downloads
Earn passive income by selling PDF versions of your pages on:
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Etsy – Strong audience and handmade appeal
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Payhip – Simple storefront with built-in marketing tools
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Gumroad – Customizable shopfronts for creators
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Creative Market – Focused on designers and quality digital products
Digital files can sell from $2 to $15 depending on quality and complexity.
Offset Printing
When you’re ready to scale or want higher print quality:
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100 copies cost around $4.40 per unit
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1,000 copies: ~$1.75 each
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5,000 copies: ~$0.72 each
Sell these at craft fairs, local bookshops, or on your website.
Pricing Strategy
Factor in:
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Production and printing costs
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Platform fees
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Market expectations
Digital products have lower overheads but should be priced competitively.
Marketing Strategies
Make your book discoverable and marketable.
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Social Media: Post your artwork, show the creation process, or offer freebies.
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Influencers and Bloggers: Collaborate with YouTubers or wellness bloggers.
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Email Campaigns: Offer a free coloring page or bundle to grow your list.
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Paid Ads: Use Amazon or Facebook ads to find your audience.
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Events: Host local workshops or pop-ups.
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SEO: Optimize product descriptions and titles with trending keywords.
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Bundles: Combine digital downloads with physical books or kits.
Their Revenues Multiplied
Build more income streams beyond just the book.
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Subscriptions: Monthly access to new coloring pages.
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Merchandise: Sell bundles of books, tools, or framed art prints.
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Corporate Orders: Custom designs for events, promos, or team-building.
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Seasonal Books: Release editions tied to holidays, hobbies, or professions.
Successful Tips
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Invest in quality: Great paper and illustration lead to great reviews.
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Build your catalog: More books = more sales and exposure.
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Watch trends: Keep tabs on Amazon, Etsy, and Pinterest to catch the next big theme.
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Protect your work: Use watermarks and register your copyright.
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Engage your audience: Encourage user-generated content with branded hashtags.
Conclusion
Coloring books have evolved from a quiet pastime into a booming global business driven by nostalgia, creativity, and well-being. Whether digital or printed, a coloring book can become a steady source of income. With the right plan and a little passion, you can turn a simple concept into a successful creative venture.
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