Creating a Coloring Book with Canva and AI

Apr 8, 2025

Creating a Coloring Book on Canva Using AI for Amazon KDP

Introduction

  • Instructor: Sean
    • Over 8 years of publishing experience
    • $1.6 million earnings from self-publishing
  • Niche: Coloring books
    • Profitable on Amazon KDP
    • Beginner-friendly

Planning Your Coloring Book

  • Decide on Dimensions:
    • Example: 8.5 x 8.5 inches for a square book
    • 100 pages to prevent ink bleed-through
  • Binding: Paperback
  • Interior: Black and white

Creating Design in Canva

  1. Set up dimensions with bleed:
    • Go to Amazon KDP for guidelines
    • Adjust dimensions: 8.625 x 8.75 inches
  2. Set margins:
    • Use Canva's ruler tool (Shift + R)
    • Margins for 100 pages: 0.375 x 0.375 inches

Researching Your Coloring Book Theme

  • Sign out of Amazon to avoid biased results
  • Use Book Beam extension:
    • Provides BSR, keywords, royalties, etc.
  • Example Reference: Mindfulness Coloring Book
    • Nature theme
    • Offers potential earnings insights

Designing Interior Pages Using AI

  • Using Canva's Magic Media Tool:
    • Select styles like monoline
    • Generate graphics (e.g., deer with patterns)
  • Handling AI imperfections:
    • Regenerate if needed
    • Align images with odd/even page rules

Creating the Cover

  • Get a cover template:
    • Use Bookow.com if Amazon's is unavailable
    • Set up dimensions
  • Design Cover in Canva:
    • Upload template and enlarge
    • Use Magic Media for cover image
    • Add titles and align within bleed areas

Uploading to Amazon KDP

  1. Book Details:
    • Title and subtitle that reflects the theme
    • Set primary audience and categories
  2. Keywords:
    • Choose keywords for visibility
  3. Content:
    • Get a free ISBN
    • Upload manuscript and cover
    • Answer AI content questions honestly

Pricing and Publishing

  • Set a competitive price:
    • For new authors: $5.99 - $7.99
  • Royalty and Marketplace Settings:
    • Understand printing costs to set royalties
  • Publish:
    • Normally available within 1-2 days

Alternatives and Additional Resources

  • Hire freelancers on Fiverr:
    • For hands-off creation
  • Marketing Your Book:
    • Check out additional resources for promotion strategies

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of creating and publishing a coloring book using AI and Canva for Amazon KDP.

Full transcript