If you’ve spent time on YouTube or TikTok recently, you’ve probably seen creators talking about making money with low-content books, journals, or niche coloring books. But with more competition than ever and Amazon cracking down on certain tactics, what actually works now—and what’s totally dead?
In this article, we’re breaking down the current state of KDP in 2025: what strategies are still generating income, which ones have burned out, and how new creators can realistically build a profitable KDP business this year.
The KDP Boom: A Quick Recap
Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is Amazon’s platform that allows anyone to self-publish print or digital books and earn royalties. It became especially popular in the last few years for passive income creators thanks to:
- Low startup costs
- No need to hold inventory
- Access to millions of Amazon shoppers
- Print-on-demand technology
At one point, it seemed like everyone was uploading low-content books—lined journals, planners, puzzle books—and calling it passive income. And for a while, it worked. But as we’ll see, the KDP game has changed.
What’s Still Working in 2025?
1. High-Quality Niche Coloring Books
Coloring books are still a solid niche, but only if done right. The era of dumping AI-generated pages without effort is over. What’s working now is:
- Unique themes (not just “cat coloring book” but “sassy cat yoga coloring book for teens”)
- Clean, consistent artwork with bold outlines
- Series-based books that build brand loyalty
- Professional-looking covers and titles optimized for search
Buyers in 2025 are savvy—they know when a book is slapped together. But if you create something fun, specific, and visually appealing, coloring books still sell.
2. Logbooks and Trackers With a Purpose
Simple logbooks still work when they solve a real problem. Examples that continue to generate sales include:
- Blood sugar logs for diabetics
- Workout and meal planners
- Pet health journals
- Vehicle maintenance trackers
These aren’t flashy, but they’re practical. Focus on function, not fluff—and design for a very specific audience.
3. Educational Workbooks and Skill Builders
Parents and teachers are always looking for resources to support learning. Educational books for kids, ESL learners, or adult skill-building are doing well in 2025.
Examples include:
- Handwriting practice for preschoolers
- Math drills by grade level
- Reading comprehension worksheets
- Brain teasers for seniors
Well-organized content and clean formatting make all the difference here. Bonus points if your books align with homeschooling trends or standardized testing prep.
4. Unique Prompt Journals
Generic lined journals? Dead. But guided journals with daily prompts, creative writing starters, or reflection pages still perform—especially when packaged well.
Examples that are still hot:
- Gratitude journals for moms
- Self-reflection journals for teens with mental health prompts
- Creative writing journals for fantasy writers
The key is offering direction and personality—not just blank pages.
5. Puzzle and Activity Books (With a Twist)
Puzzle books have matured. Simple crossword clones don’t cut it anymore. What’s working in 2025 are activity books that combine entertainment with education or mindfulness.
Ideas that are trending:
- Word search books for dementia support
- Mental health activity books for adults
- Travel-themed puzzle books for kids
- Hidden object books for visual learners
If you’re using AI to help with layout or puzzle generation, make sure to check for errors—buyers will call it out in reviews fast.
What’s NOT Working Anymore
1. Generic Lined Journals and Blank Notebooks
It’s over. The “upload 100 lined journals a day” tactic that worked in 2019 is officially dead. These books get buried in a sea of millions and rarely sell unless they have an ultra-specific niche and great branding.
2. Spammy AI Books
Amazon is cracking down hard on low-effort AI-generated content, especially books filled with repetitive or nonsensical pages. Many accounts have been flagged or suspended for mass-uploading junk.
Using AI ethically (to brainstorm, organize, or design with care) is fine. But using it to mass-produce garbage? That’s not passive income—it’s account suicide.
3. Duplicate Interiors With Different Covers
This was once a hack to multiply your listings. Now it’s risky. If Amazon detects multiple books with identical interiors under the same account, you could get flagged for spam—even if the covers are different.
Instead, diversify your content. Even small tweaks between interiors can help protect your account and improve sales.
4. Untargeted Keywords
Stuffing your title and subtitle with random keywords no longer works. In fact, it can hurt your visibility. Amazon’s algorithm is smarter in 2025—and keyword stuffing looks spammy.
Instead, research what real people are searching for and build your book around that. Use tools like:
- Amazon autocomplete
- Publisher Rocket
- Google Trends
- Competitor listings
Write for humans first, algorithm second.
What About Medium-Content Books?
In 2025, there’s growing opportunity in what many call “medium-content books.” These are books that aren’t fully written novels or blank journals—but offer actual structured content like:
- Guided planners with explanations
- Habit trackers with built-in motivation
- Workbook-style guides
- Mini how-to books with interactive pages
They take a bit more time to create—but they’re harder to copy, and Amazon sees them as more legitimate. If you want to stand out from the low-content crowd, this is a smart lane to explore.
How Much Can You Realistically Make?
This depends entirely on your niche, quality, and how much you publish. Here’s a rough breakdown of what creators are reporting in 2025:
| Effort Level | Monthly Potential |
|---|---|
| 1–2 books/month (high quality) | $100–$500 |
| 5–10 books/month (well-researched) | $500–$2,000 |
| 10+ books/month + ads/branding | $2,000–$10,000+ |
Some creators do even more with smart ads, social media promotion, or building an email list. But the days of “upload and pray” are gone.
How to Get Started in 2025 (The Right Way)
If you’re starting from scratch, here’s a clean roadmap:
1. Choose a Specific Niche
Don’t go broad. Pick something targeted—like “Reading comprehension for 2nd grade girls” instead of “educational books.” Specific books speak directly to buyers.
2. Use Quality Design Tools
Recommended tools in 2025 include:
- Canva Pro for layout and covers
- Book Bolt for research and design
- Affinity Publisher for custom interiors
- Midjourney or Leonardo.ai for illustrations (if used ethically)
3. Focus on Value, Not Volume
Creating one high-quality book with great design, description, and keywords will outperform ten low-effort uploads every time.
4. Build a Brand
Create books under a unified pen name. Use similar cover styles, themes, and branding. Consider a simple website or Instagram to promote your books over time.
5. Learn Amazon Ads (Eventually)
Once you have 3–5 good books, consider running low-budget Amazon ads to boost visibility. Test, tweak, and scale the winners.
Final Thoughts
KDP isn’t dead—it just grew up. What worked in 2019 won’t cut it in 2025, but creators who adapt are still making solid passive income from books that truly help, entertain, or inspire.
If you’re willing to do the research, think creatively, and prioritize quality, KDP remains one of the most accessible ways to build passive income from home.
Just remember: it’s called passive income—not instant income. Do the work once, do it well, and let your books work for you 24/7.
