5 Tips for Creating Coloring Books to Sell in 2026
1. Choose Bold-Simple Designs with Strategic Detail The market is dominated by bold, simple designs that work well with markers and provide quick stress relief in short sessions, but there's growing demand for hybrid approaches. About 40% of bestsellers promote bold and easy styles, though more than half still don't use this branding, meaning there's room for both. Consider creating designs that are primarily simple but include optional detailed elements to appeal to different skill levels. 2. Optimize Format and Pricing 8.5 x 11 inches is the gold standard for both adult and children's coloring books. Other popular sizes include: 8 x 10 and the 8.5 x 8.5 inch square format, which is trending for mandalas and social media-friendly designs. 40 pages has become the standard for adult coloring books, with 21 of the top 50 bestsellers using 40 pages, previously 52 pages was the standard. $7.99 is currently the dominant price point on Amazon, with two-thirds of the top 50 coloring books priced at $7.99. Starting June 10, 2025, Amazon KDP began paying lower royalty rates for books priced under $9.99, dropping from 60% to 50%, this means that a book priced at $7.99 that previously earned $1.95 per sale now earns only $1.16. You can get around this by positioning yourself as a premium seller with a unique art style and charge $9.99 or more. Selling via Etsy or Gumroad will net much higher profit, and setting up your own website to sell from directly will offer the best potential income over time. 3. Target Wellness and Mindfulness Themes Coloring books focused on mindfulness and positivity have become popular choices, filled with calming designs and uplifting affirmations that inspire mental clarity and gratitude . The market is growing due to increasing awareness of coloring books' positive effects on mental health, with stress-relief themes particularly strong. Consider themes like anxiety relief, self-care, meditation, and positive affirmations to tap into the wellness movement.