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Creating and selling low-content books on Amazon KDP is relatively easy. First, you need to research which types of books are profitable and choose your niche, design and create the book, upload it to Amazon KDP, and promote it.
In this article by Jordi Ordóñez, we discuss how to create and sell low-content books on Amazon KDP so you can generate passive income and increase your earnings on Amazon.
What are low content books on Amazon KDP?
Low content books are those that do not require extensive writing, as they do not contain long-form text. Instead, they are books designed for users to complete or use in a practical way. Common examples include journals, planners, coloring books, activity books, notebooks, and more. The key to these books lies in their design and structure, which should offer a user experience without the creator having to write extensive content.
The appeal of these books is that, by focusing on utility and functionality, you can sell them to an audience looking for practical products without needing to create large amounts of original content. These books can be designed, published, and sold quickly on platforms like Amazon KDP, allowing you to generate passive income with minimal ongoing effort.
How Amazon KDP works
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is Amazon's self-publishing platform that allows authors and creators to publish both eBooks and paperback books directly on Amazon. The publishing process is simple, and best of all, you don’t need to pay upfront; Amazon takes a percentage of the sales and pays royalties accordingly.
For low-content books, the process is even faster. You simply design your book, upload it to the platform, select your sales and distribution options, and once approved, your book will be available to millions of customers worldwide. Amazon allows you to earn royalties of up to 70%, depending on the sale price and other factors.
You might be interested in our eBook: Guide to Selling on Amazon.
Steps to create and sell low content books on Amazon KDP
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to create and sell your low-content books on Amazon KDP, from market research and design to publishing and promoting your work. Whether you're a beginner or experienced publisher, these steps will help you get started and succeed in the world of low-content books.
- Market research for low content books
The first step in creating a low-content book is understanding what types of books are already performing well on Amazon KDP. Researching the best-selling books in categories like planners, journals, and notebooks will give you an idea of current trends and what consumers are looking for. It's also important to identify niches within these categories, as competing in saturated markets can be difficult. - Design and create your low content books
Once you’ve identified your niche, the next step is to design your book. You can use tools like Canva or Adobe InDesign to create professional templates for both interiors and covers. The key is to offer something unique, whether it's with attractive designs or by targeting a specific group (e.g., a gratitude journal for entrepreneurs).
For example, you could create an educational book similar to the Lectómetro Escolar para niños y niñas de 5 a 7 años, a reading tool for young learners, which is a great niche for low content books focused on children's learning.
- Upload your book to Amazon KDP
Once your book is ready, you need to create it on Amazon KDP. This includes uploading the interior file, designing the cover, and setting the price. Make sure to select the print-on-demand option if you want to offer a physical version, which means Amazon will only print the book when someone buys it, with no initial inventory investment required. - Promote your book
Publishing the book on Amazon is just the first step. Now it’s important to promote it to reach more customers. Consider creating ad campaigns on Amazon, optimizing your keywords, and writing attractive descriptions. Also, take advantage of tools like Amazon Author Central to connect with your audience and offer more visibility to your books.
Where can I sell my digital book?
While Amazon KDP is one of the most popular platforms for selling books, it’s not the only option. Although KDP offers great reach, you can consider other digital book distribution platforms such as Smashwords, Kobo, Barnes & Noble Press, or Apple Books. However, Amazon remains the strongest option due to its massive customer base and ease of access.
Additionally, if you have other products or services, you can integrate your low content books into your existing sales channels, such as your own website or social media, to further boost sales.
While Amazon KDP is one of the most popular platforms for selling books, it's not the only option. Platforms like Quenarras can also be useful for expanding your digital book distribution.
How much does Amazon charge to publish a book?
Publishing a book on Amazon KDP is completely free. However, Amazon takes a percentage of each book sale. For eBooks, royalties are 35% to 70%, depending on the sale price and the distribution program you choose. For printed books, Amazon charges a printing cost per unit, and royalties for printed books are generally 60% of the sale price minus the printing cost.
KDP royalties: How do they work?
Royalties on Amazon KDP depend on several factors, such as the sale price of your book and the type of book (eBook or paperback). For eBooks, royalties are 70% if the book price is between $2.99 and $9.99, and 35% outside of that range. For printed books, royalties are usually 60% of the sale price, minus printing costs.
To better understand your earnings, you can use the KDP Royalty Calculator, a helpful tool that lets you calculate the approximate earnings from your books based on price and other parameters.
How to delete a published book on Amazon
If you decide you no longer want to sell a book on Amazon, you can easily delete it from your KDP account. You just need to go to your KDP library, select the book you want to remove, and click “Delete.” This process is immediate, although the book may still appear in search results for some time after it is removed.
Amazon Author Central: What is it and how to use it?
Amazon Author Central is a powerful tool that allows you to create an author profile, improve the visibility of your books, and connect with readers. From this platform, you can update your biography, add photos and links to your social media, and monitor your sales. It’s an excellent way to build a personal brand and grow your presence on Amazon.
Printing books on Amazon: How to do it?
If you decide to offer a physical version of your book in addition to the eBook, Amazon KDP also allows print-on-demand. This means Amazon only prints your book when a purchase is made, removing the need for inventory investment. There are costs associated with this service, but it’s very convenient for authors who want to diversify their income without assuming the risk of high initial costs.
Low-content books on Amazon KDP offer an excellent opportunity to generate passive income with a low initial investment. While the creation and publishing process may seem simple, success lies in market research, attractive design, and effective promotion. Amazon KDP makes publishing and distribution easy, and with tools like Amazon Author Central and the royalty calculator, you can make informed decisions to maximize your earnings.
If you need help with the creation, publication, or promotion of your low-content books, contact Jordi Ordóñez, we offer specialized services in digital marketing and online visibility strategies, ideal for authors and creators who want to stand out on platforms like Amazon.
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About the author
Jordi Ordonez
I’m an independent eCommerce and Amazon consultant.
Clients
I've worked with brands like Estrella Damm, Intersport, Bella Aurora, Lladró, Textura Interiors, Nice Things Palomas, Castañer, Due-Home, and many others.
Lecturer & Teacher
I’ve spoken and taught at events such as Meet Magento, PrestaShop Day, SEMrush, Cambra de Comerç Barcelona, ClinicSEO, EcommBeers, EcommBrunch, Ecommercetour.com, EcommFest, EOI, ESIC-ICEMD, Foxize, Generalitat de Catalunya, Inesdi, Quondos, and The Valley. I’ve also delivered in-company training sessions for major brands like Orange and Adidas.
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I regularly contribute articles to the Helium 10 blog, Shopify, SEMrush, La Vanguardia, eCommerce News, Marketing4ecommerce, and others.
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Helium 10, Jungle Scout, Avask, Helium 10 Seller Solutions Hub Partner, SaaS4Marketing, H10-wp.com, FBASuite.com, and a Trusted Partner of Tracefuse.
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