Can You Make Money Publishing Low and Medium Content Books on Amazon KDP?

Introduction

If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s possible to make money publishing low and medium content books on Amazon KDP, you’re not alone. Many people are hesitant about self-publishing, worried that it’s a waste of time or that they’ll never make a dime. In this article, we’ll explore how you can determine whether self-publishing is a viable option for you. We’ll also look at real-life examples of successful self-publishers to help answer the question: Can you actually make money publishing books on Amazon KDP?

Hi, I’m Caroline! Every week, I share content about self-publishing books, and today’s article is all about breaking down the myths and realities of making money with Amazon KDP. If you’re looking for in-depth guidance on building a thriving self-publishing business, I’ve got a course focused on low and medium content books. Here is more about Amazon KDP.

The Big Question: Can You Make Money Self-Publishing?

One of the most frequently asked questions about self-publishing on Amazon KDP is: Is anyone actually making money doing this? The short answer is yes, but it’s important to set realistic expectations.

Not everyone who publishes a book makes money. Some people publish multiple books and still don’t see profits. However, there are also many self-publishers who do make money—and in some cases, a significant amount. Let’s start with some statistics:

• Amazon generates around $28 billion annually from book sales.
• This includes both traditionally and self-published books.
• Approximately 300 million self-published books are sold each year.
• Amazon pays out over $520 million annually in royalties to 1 million self-publishers.

These figures alone show that it’s entirely possible to make money with self-published books on Amazon.

Success Stories

Self-publishing success comes in many forms. Let’s look at a few examples:

1. Lucas and Friends Activity Books

This brand specializes in popular activity and puzzle books for kids. While their books aren’t priced high—meaning their royalties per sale are relatively low—their books serve a larger purpose. They funnel customers to their website, where they sell merchandise, educational apps, and other products.

2. Andy Weir – Author of The Martian

Andy Weir self-published The Martian, which sold 5 million copies in the U.S. alone. The book’s success led to a blockbuster movie adaptation that grossed $630 million. Weir also sold the movie rights for his book Project Hail Mary for $3 million.

3. Marie Force – Romance Novelist

Marie Force has sold over 12 million books, with the bulk of her income coming from just 30 self-published titles. Out of her 381 titles, these 30 books consistently generate substantial income.

Low and Medium Content Books: Are They Profitable?

Most of what we’re discussing here focuses on low and medium content books rather than high-content novels. Success looks different for everyone. For some, it’s about replacing a day job’s income, while for others, it’s about landing a traditional publishing deal or even a movie adaptation.

If your idea of success aligns with making consistent royalties from low and medium content books, you’re in the right place. Let’s explore some of these books and their potential earnings.

Browsing Amazon for Bestseller Examples

One of the easiest ways to research low and medium content books is by browsing the Amazon Bestsellers list. To do this:

1. Head to the “Books” section on Amazon.
2. Navigate to “Print Best Sellers.”
3. Look through the top 100 books across different categories.

Here’s what I found:

1. How to Draw Everything

• Bestseller Rank: #216
• Monthly Sales: 6,000+ copies
• Price: $10.90
• Royalty per sale: $3.67
• Monthly Royalty Income: $22,000+

This book is a great example of how low content books (like drawing guides) can be both simple to create and highly profitable.

2. Guided Prompt Journals

• Example: Dad, I Want to Hear Your Story
• Bestseller Rank: #14 (due to Father’s Day demand)
• Monthly Sales Estimate: 27,000 copies
• Royalty per sale: $4.12
• Monthly Royalty Income: $111,240+

These journals are evergreen, selling well year-round but seeing spikes around gift-giving occasions like Father’s Day and Christmas.

3. Coloring Books

Coloring books remain a popular category. For instance:

• Stress Relief Coloring Books consistently rank high on bestseller lists.
• Self-publishers like Cocoyo have created thriving businesses around coloring books.

Understanding Bestseller Ranks and Sales

Amazon’s Bestseller Rank (BSR) is key to estimating a book’s success. The lower the rank, the more copies the book sells. By using tools like Amazon’s Book Sales Calculator, you can estimate monthly sales and royalties for any book on the platform.

For example, a book with a BSR of 216 sells over 6,000 copies monthly. With a royalty of $3.67 per sale, this equates to $22,000+ per month in earnings.

Takeaways and Final Thoughts

After looking at real-life examples and diving into Amazon’s bestseller categories, it’s clear that self-publishing low and medium content books on Amazon KDP is a viable way to make money.

• Success doesn’t happen overnight, and not everyone will earn massive royalties.
• However, with the right research, tools, and persistence, it’s possible to create a steady stream of income.

If you’re inspired by these examples, start small. Publish a single book, learn from the process, and gradually build your catalog. With time and effort, self-publishing can open up opportunities for passive income and much more.

Want More?

I share regular case studies and deep dives into self-publishing success stories on my Website. If you’re interested in learning more, check out my other Articles for tips and insights. Thank you for reading, and I hope this article has inspired you to explore self-publishing!