Income Report Amazon KDP | 20 Coloring Books = How Much Money?

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  • Опубліковано 1 чер 2024
  • An in-depth Amazon KDP Income Report, looking at how much I made from my first 20 coloring books publishing on KDP in 2023.
    In this video I break down my total sales, income, profit, and even look at how many books it would take to make £1,000 on Amazon KDP.
    This is a completely transparent look at my finances, ad spend, titles and more and hopefully it will provide you with some great learnings, tips and tricks for your book publishing career.
    Make sure to subscribe to the channel and you can check out more from me below...
    MY FIVERR GIGS:
    + Coloring Page Upscale & Retouching: www.fiverr.com/bookishcraig/u...
    +Amazon A+ Graphics: www.fiverr.com/bookishcraig/c...
    BECOME A VIP MEMBER:
    Support the channel and get transparent monthly updates... including how much I earn, ad results, learnings, tips and tricks, AI prompts, niche ideas, shout-outs on the channel, and much much more!
    / @selfpublishingempire

КОМЕНТАРІ • 716

  • @selfpublishingempire
    @selfpublishingempire  10 місяців тому +74

    Thanks for checking out the video!
    If you want the best resource for creating coloring books, check out Creative Fabrica for fonts, templates, images and more: www.creativefabrica.com/ref/2717942/
    If you want the best software for making your books, check out Adobe: www.adobe.com/?sdid=49F59KY6

    • @Al_Does_Stuff
      @Al_Does_Stuff 10 місяців тому

      I assume that's self assessment for tax? Is that as a sole trader? been trying to find solid info before I start but finding it a little difficult seems to be so little on the admin side out there.
      I take it creative fabrica is instead of canva and a better product?

    • @selfpublishingempire
      @selfpublishingempire  10 місяців тому +4

      @@Al_Does_Stuff Yes, exactly r.e. self assessment as sole trader. Perhaps I can do a video on that if that's helpful?
      Creative Fabrica has fonts, illustrations, templates, etc that you can use for your books. It's a bit like Canva, but more focused on being the best stock site possible for book publishing. It also allows you to download things and take them into other programs to create books (also gives copyright unlike some issues that have happened recently with Canva getting KDP books banned!)

    • @dannprairie9202
      @dannprairie9202 7 місяців тому +1

      Very good video! I don't know if you have already been asked in a comment, but I have read that Amazon will control a lot of the work done with AI, do you know how this can be managed so as not to be negatively affected?

    • @mteokay1246
      @mteokay1246 3 місяці тому

      ​@@selfpublishingempire thank you for your transparency & honesty ! Health Wealth & Success to you for the rest of 2024 !

    • @RealQuickComics
      @RealQuickComics 3 місяці тому

      Can we get an update on the progress?

  • @4155abc
    @4155abc 10 місяців тому +553

    I really appreciate your honesty! I get so tired of people telling me I can make $5,000 a day sitting on a beach doing nothing.

    • @selfpublishingempire
      @selfpublishingempire  10 місяців тому +71

      Ha! I hate those videos... "you can make $10,000 from these notebooks" :D

    • @sidehustletoceo
      @sidehustletoceo 10 місяців тому +5

      😂😂😂😂

    • @siratlas9005
      @siratlas9005 9 місяців тому +9

      Damn this is kinda depressing eh?

    • @selfpublishingempire
      @selfpublishingempire  9 місяців тому +31

      ​@@siratlas9005it's more of a realistic what to expect if you don't do a lot of good niche research before hand and just pump out books without a good marketing strategy :)

    • @reprogrammingmind
      @reprogrammingmind 9 місяців тому +3

      who is Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk?

  • @sarahcreasey8592
    @sarahcreasey8592 5 місяців тому +61

    Alot of people think KDP is just an overnight thing - I appreciate you being totally honest about things. I am an Illustrator and Tattooist with experience in multiple different creative backgrounds, also including book illustration. I am currently working on a set of 12 colouring books which are all hand illustrated and themed, consistent with each other! I'm so very excited to have physical things of my personal style out in the world, not only to possibly earn a bit of passive income, but also to create possible traffic to my day-to-day tattoo work and other possible creative streams.

    • @selfpublishingempire
      @selfpublishingempire  5 місяців тому +3

      Thanks for your comment Sarah and good luck with the coloring books :). Make sure to check out some of my other videos, especially on my book launch strategy with ads. Consider adding them all to a series as well, as that'll help repeat purchase. Keep us updated!

    • @aimaturebeauty
      @aimaturebeauty Місяць тому +2

      Lets assume that you are a talented artist. Make some You Tube videos of your tattoo work. Link them to your books. Make a tattoo book too.

  • @mauisam1
    @mauisam1 10 місяців тому +120

    Thank you for being up front and honest about making money on KDP. So many YT videos click bait one into watching them by saying making megabucks.

    • @chewy6349
      @chewy6349 9 місяців тому +6

      I subscribed when I saw the low profits, so rare to see genuine results.

    • @pastoryoda2789
      @pastoryoda2789 7 місяців тому +4

      Yup you’re absolutely right, as soon as i smell a lie i never go back to that channel.

  • @steveblog1
    @steveblog1 10 місяців тому +31

    What a refreshing change from all of those ads UA-cam attacks us with, where some spotty kid claims to be be making 100k a month self publishing!
    Thanks for such an honest appraisal of your work to date.

  • @BongoWongoOG
    @BongoWongoOG 8 місяців тому +25

    KDP works very well for people who already have a large audience who are looking for extra content to buy into. But with a small or no audience, I believe you're better off trying to build an audience first - maybe low thousands of followers/subscribers. In whatever medium your into, be it toys, DIY, crafting, cookery etc etc build that first using socials, UA-cam, local markets and your own online presence. And then, once you believe you have enough of a crowd who are hungry for your 'stuff', create a book or two on the subject, launch it and then tell your followers. You'll get much better results in a shorter time frame. Build it and they will come is great in theory, one in a million chnace of success in practice.

  • @JomarHilarioIdeasThatProsper
    @JomarHilarioIdeasThatProsper 2 дні тому +1

    You deserve the views for honesty!

  • @lars7411
    @lars7411 9 місяців тому +69

    So nice to see and hear an honest, down-to-earth report. One fellow I follow says to start each book at an extremely low price just to get reviews, then raise the price. I'm gonna follow that advice. Considering that our only hope is long-term passive income, it may be cheaper than advertising!

    • @selfpublishingempire
      @selfpublishingempire  9 місяців тому +19

      Definitely a good strategy! I start them lower and increase them after a month but I’ve not tried extremely low before… i might have to do a case study video trying it ;-)

    • @fortyoneshades
      @fortyoneshades 5 місяців тому +9

      Too cheap of a price tells the consumer it is not a quality book.

  • @RedPillAdventurer
    @RedPillAdventurer 9 місяців тому +23

    This is the only legit and honest video about the reality of KDP publishing I've seen so far.
    Good luck getting to 10,000 books as quickly as possible to hopefully replace your income.

  • @bookswithmariel
    @bookswithmariel 10 місяців тому +62

    Hi Craig! It takes guts and a certain level of confidence to make an honest video like this, which I think is great! Although I don't do AI content in my own books, I appreciate the thought you put into each book.

    • @selfpublishingempire
      @selfpublishingempire  10 місяців тому +4

      Thanks Mariel, I do make sure that I'm not just sticking AI images in to a book, that I am adding extra like retouching, copy/etc to try and stand out :). Looking forward to watching your video now!

  • @gregjohnson7270
    @gregjohnson7270 Місяць тому +6

    Thanks for all of the detail you went into and makes it very real, I appreciate your honesty and transparency.

  • @mayaencuisinedz2268
    @mayaencuisinedz2268 7 місяців тому +12

    Here is a guy in complete harmony with himself, and I even think for whom money does not have that much value, I am very happy that I met a person like that even only virtually.
    in France, no one has dared to do this, everyone hides everything and only shows the little, which obviously doesn't help us at all for us who are just starting out, I would like to thank you for your frankness and above all stay like you will certainly live a very long time in peace. Thank you sir

    • @gbespro
      @gbespro Місяць тому +1

      Hello Maya, je suis français également. :) Je partage ton avis / I share your opinion.

  • @sholao.1344
    @sholao.1344 10 місяців тому +36

    This video has been NEXT LEVEL in terms of transparency. Much appreciated, thank you!

  • @marcmeier1504
    @marcmeier1504 5 місяців тому +15

    Thank you so much for this really honest review, especially considering all the expenses! I am tired of these videos saying "It's so easy to make money with KDP" or "All you need to use is Midjourney" or "I made 10,000 with my coloring book". No, KDP is definitely hard work and you never know if you will be successful or not! In my case (I do not only coloring books, but also guidebooks and storybooks), considering all the expenses for ghostwriters, designers, etc. I am still in the red, even though I made a net profit of about $800 last month.

    • @selfpublishingempire
      @selfpublishingempire  5 місяців тому +1

      Cheers Marc and thanks for sharing your experience too. I'm definitely seeing improvements as my books and marketing are both improving... but like you say, you need to treat it as a longer term building (ie a business), rather than a get rich quick scheme! My most recent income report shows more success.

  • @nich130
    @nich130 9 місяців тому +17

    Thank you for being honest. Finally someone honest. I'm so tired of these leaches in the Make Money Online UA-cam space duping unsuspecting followers into thinking making mass amounts of money doing all these MMO businesses is easy and viable. Especially the ones that haven't even done what they're pitching or are really making money selling courses to get people to try these ideas. A huge thank you again.

    • @selfpublishingempire
      @selfpublishingempire  9 місяців тому +5

      Thanks Nich, yeah if I get my book sales up to a level where it's bringing in a good amount regularly each month it's going to be through hard work, volume, quality, good niche research and ad strategy... all of which I'll share my results with you along the way to see what's worked and what hasn't! It's definitely not a get rich quick side hustle, but it can be a lot of fun and give SOME extra money on the side.

    • @nich130
      @nich130 9 місяців тому +2

      @@selfpublishingempire Thank you. I'll keep watching your updates and all the best in the success of your business.

  • @toxicGumballz
    @toxicGumballz 10 місяців тому +20

    an honest and realistic experience. Thank you :)
    A fresh of breath air compared to all the other "I made 60K per month with A.I."
    Thank you, and I hope you do well in your jounrney.

    • @selfpublishingempire
      @selfpublishingempire  10 місяців тому +1

      Thanks :). I think if you get lucky and/or get a book to rank well in a profitable niche there's potental to make good money, but it'll take a good amount of ad spend along the way.

    • @toxicGumballz
      @toxicGumballz 10 місяців тому +1

      @selfpublishingempire one thing I'd like to do (as would many people) is get the colouring book rights to an I.P like Spongebob or Scooby Doo.

    • @selfpublishingempire
      @selfpublishingempire  10 місяців тому +1

      @@toxicGumballz If you know anyone, let me know :D

    • @RJMCTV
      @RJMCTV 10 місяців тому +3

      @@toxicGumballz I used to work in entertainment licensing. I think your chances are slim to none. First off, the licensor will only license a set amount of categories. (eg activity books) per licensed property, and will 100% require you to follow their 'style bibles', which means def no AI, and definitely the employment of a professional artist who understands licenced property guidelines. Every single image will have to be approved by the licensor (via their agent), which can take ages, and almost ALWAYS requires some kind of amendments (ie more money to spend for you). And then you have the financial aspect of the deal. ALL licensed property owners will require you to enter a guaranteed royalty agreement. This is where you will guarantee a minimum amount of royalties the property owner will earn over the license agreement (typically 2/3 yrs). Not only that, you will have to pay a large percentage of that guarantee royalty up front. This causes a big issue for small operators, as they will often agree to a HIGH ROYALTY, and OVER ESTIMATE the earnings. and then end up paying a HUGE advance on that guarantee, and NEVER actually make it back. PLUS under contract, you are obliged to pay the licensor the minimum of the TOTAL royalties you guaranteed in your agreement. And to top all this off, if you make one tiny mistake, and do not follow their license guidelines, they will terminate your license (after all they have a very profitable brand to protect). If after all that you are interested, then the licensing agent for Scooby Doo is www.warnerbros.com/company/divisions/consumer-products and you can find the licensing agents for many other characters at www.licenseglobal.com/

    • @goilo888
      @goilo888 10 місяців тому

      @@RJMCTVNice breakdown of the facts. Cheers.

  • @NH00531
    @NH00531 2 дні тому

    The KDP route is the first ‘side hustle’ I’ve thought is actually worth doing. I’m treating it as a no money upfront hobby, doing something I enjoy anyway as it’s related to my proper job. If i make a bit extra cash then great, if not, then so be it. A good honest video ensuring the viewer goes into this with their eyes wide open. 👍

    • @selfpublishingempire
      @selfpublishingempire  2 дні тому +1

      That's a great mentality. It's how I started as well and as you can see from this video it does take time, patience and it's a great hobby to chip away at. Watch my 100 books video for a more inspiring update (more sales!!)

  • @StanfordGriffith
    @StanfordGriffith 9 місяців тому +17

    Thank you for your candor. Far too many people promise that AI publishing is an absolute goldmine with no limits.

  • @melissaurrecha9281
    @melissaurrecha9281 8 місяців тому +22

    It is greatly appreciated that you give us realistic numbers and that your advice is about what one can really expect after paying all the extras (adds, taxes) that generating this type of content implies. Many other videos give you very large income numbers and not based on the sales of someone who is starting out in this buisness, so your video and tips that you give us are greatly appreciated.

  • @royaltywizard
    @royaltywizard 4 місяці тому +8

    Great video! I admire how you've managed to come up with ideas for such uniquely themed books. Colouring and activity books are something I am trying out this year.

  • @shannonlera3844
    @shannonlera3844 3 місяці тому

    Thanks for your honesty. It's so helpful to see a realistic presentation of this type of 'side hustle', including a breakdown of the associated costs. I wish you much success in the future!

  • @vixy236
    @vixy236 10 місяців тому +2

    You have no idea how valuable this video is! Thank you so much, thank you!

  • @Staceg72
    @Staceg72 10 місяців тому +8

    Great honest video .. I am very new to this but of course have watched all the click bait videos about earning $$$ a month. Reality is one of my books has seen 10 sales in a month , the rest not a single sale. I am also in it for the long term and believe that if with each release i improve then it is a worthwhile journey ;-). The main point is I enjoy the process and am learning everyday.

  • @BillionDollarActor
    @BillionDollarActor Місяць тому +1

    Thanks for being honest and breaking things down like this. I’m currently learning about publishing Low Content books with KDP and this helps me to manage my expectations moving forward.
    I used to do Sales for a Digital Marketing Agency and I know how valuable keywords are.
    Instead of publishing 300 Colouring books, invest the time into learning how to pick the most profitable keywords and make sure the quality of the book cover is the best it can be and stands out from the others.

  • @xdm-xponentialdigitalmarke3963
    @xdm-xponentialdigitalmarke3963 4 місяці тому +1

    Thank you for sharing a proper HONEST walkthrough of your experience with actual real world figures. I wish you every success!

  • @revivahealing8437
    @revivahealing8437 5 місяців тому +1

    Thank you for your honest breakdown. It's eye-opening.

  • @wf7246
    @wf7246 5 місяців тому

    I have never watched a really honest review like this, much appreciated! I like the mentality does it does not matter if the earnings are not that much now but overtime once your followers and books multiply,the profit would grow overtime. thank you sir!

  • @OneCreator87
    @OneCreator87 9 місяців тому +9

    Thanks for your honesty man, tired of the BS. You won yourself a new sub.

  • @shanerussell1745
    @shanerussell1745 10 місяців тому +15

    Great video thanks for being so transparent it's so good to hear an honest account of what to expect.
    Thank you so much

  • @SevenPerfectCircles
    @SevenPerfectCircles 8 місяців тому +3

    Thanks for being legit and transparent. No hype is appreciated... liked and subbed. 👍

  • @TatyanaValdaBelindaHill
    @TatyanaValdaBelindaHill 8 місяців тому +1

    Thank you for your rare, honest report and the actual earnings details. ❤

  • @jayupstateny13650
    @jayupstateny13650 9 місяців тому +19

    I agree with you. Just through repetition, your ad spending will get more refined, your subject choice will get better and better. And your covers will keep improving. Plus you got the passive revenue from your first books when you started. Your profits from the past year might seem disappointing, but I really think you've got something to build on.

    • @selfpublishingempire
      @selfpublishingempire  9 місяців тому +1

      Agreed. When I do my August review and end of 2023 review we will see how more books, and better books, have continued the build

  • @cathychats
    @cathychats 10 місяців тому +9

    I've published 3 coloring books and 3 puzzle books in the last 3 months. The content is good and the covers are professionally made. I've watched 200+ videos on Amazon Ads…spend around $500 on ads in 2 months and my revenue for 3 months was around $130………I did publish in the mid-popular range…average cost per click was $0.80……..I'll continue publishing but note that this is not a "get rich quick" scheme

    • @sirguy6678
      @sirguy6678 10 місяців тому

      Thanks for the info- are you publishing to “get rich” or to get your art out to the public?

    • @selfpublishingempire
      @selfpublishingempire  10 місяців тому +1

      It definitely isn't. I'd advise you to watch my Amazon ads video next as that should help with some thinking on ad strategy :). 80c sounds too expensive for an average CPC to start!

  • @goilo888
    @goilo888 10 місяців тому +29

    I’ve had very, very similar results as you. 13 books, created and published over 8 months or so. I haven’t spent as much on ad spend and when you take that cost out of my total revenue I have actually lost about $50… Onward and upward…

    • @selfpublishingempire
      @selfpublishingempire  10 місяців тому +8

      If I wasn't creating my covers and intreriors myself (ie no additional hard costs), I'd be losing money on the books too! I'm hoping that volume and a bigger back catalogue will help in the future.

  • @eyeprod3101
    @eyeprod3101 7 місяців тому +16

    Good job on being honest about it. I am a professional book designer and children's book author and have been considering trying out some coloring book ideas. I know it's not easy to just generate a good amount of passive income by doing this, but it is a decent way to build something up as long as you can keep the good ideas coming. Thanks for the video.

  • @felixdavinci
    @felixdavinci 8 місяців тому +2

    Thank you for your honesty, this makes me more confident to publish book myself. Im confident you can make decent amount from this video. Good luck sir.

  • @corpling
    @corpling 8 місяців тому

    Great video. Good to hear straight-talking about sales and expenses.

  • @purpletoo12
    @purpletoo12 10 місяців тому +1

    Appreciate the honest look. All the best!

  • @mariannem8419
    @mariannem8419 3 місяці тому

    Thank you. I look forward to your future videos.

  • @thewritejohansen8054
    @thewritejohansen8054 10 місяців тому +9

    I'm surprised by some of your books that did not sell well. The aliens one looks terrific.I wonder what your keyword search was for the beard one -- it must have been freaking hilarious! Thank you for your transparency. I'm just at 10 books since march 2023.

  • @mahmoudabdel-raouf8170
    @mahmoudabdel-raouf8170 7 місяців тому +1

    Thanks for your honesty! very insightful and informative video, appreciate your efforts!

  • @shaunbell4372
    @shaunbell4372 9 місяців тому +7

    Currently, I have four coloring books for sale, and I plan to publish at least twenty more by the end of the year. I've already created the covers premade, and all my coloring books are part of a series. I've got a few other series planned to go along with several Webnovels we have published. I haven't made any more yet as I have not put any money into ads, but I plan to. Thank you for making this video; it was very informative and helpful. It will help us build our brand.

  • @Gareth.W
    @Gareth.W 8 місяців тому +13

    Hello from a fellow Brit :) Thanks for being honest - this is a more valuable and interesting video than the countless "get rich quick" videos I've seen so far. I'm contemplating KDP (although in a completely different genre to the colouring books, notepads, etc...) so it's handy to see what I may realistically get if I go ahead with it. Your spending on adverts is really interesting and something I clearly need to look into more. All the best. Cheers!

    • @selfpublishingempire
      @selfpublishingempire  8 місяців тому +1

      Cheers Gareth. If you're doing a different area you might find success a little quicker. With my books it tends to be the more difficult they are to make, the better they sell (likely because of less competition). Good luck :)

  • @akkawowa
    @akkawowa Місяць тому +1

    I actually think that these are pretty good earnings. I was thinking about getting into kdp a couple of years ago but life got in the way. From watching earnings videos (that I trusted) at that time I worked out that you needed at least 100 decent books (mid to high earners) to make an average £1k profit per month. Sales are very seasonal and I think starting at the time you did and going heavy on the ads from the off will have really helped you here.

    • @selfpublishingempire
      @selfpublishingempire  Місяць тому

      You're pretty bang on there. I just hit 100 books and make about $1500 profit a month. Some months slightly less and obviously Q4 will be a huge increase again hopefully

  • @GaetanoCrisci
    @GaetanoCrisci 22 дні тому

    thank you man! you are the only honest UA-cam till now, the others trollers are still claiming to make 5000$/month with colouring books and various journals

  • @Tom-un1mu
    @Tom-un1mu 8 місяців тому +10

    One more thing..your KDP journey might be slower as expected, but the speed your youtube chanel grows is really impressive 👍

  • @danieljaygrossett-author
    @danieljaygrossett-author 10 місяців тому +1

    Thanks. Love your transparency

  • @susanneschauf7417
    @susanneschauf7417 4 місяці тому

    Thank you for sharing your experiences with us 😊👍🏻

  • @Cassandra_Loveday
    @Cassandra_Loveday 3 місяці тому

    Thank you for your honesty. Really appreciate it 💜

  • @aphilzitrone
    @aphilzitrone 2 місяці тому

    You learned a lot through producing and publishing these books and i guess you also helped some people to have more fun in their lives

  • @gsingh30
    @gsingh30 3 місяці тому +1

    As everyone else has said, thank you for making this video. Wish you all the best in success for the future

  • @lizzyhustle
    @lizzyhustle 10 місяців тому +1

    this is very detailed and honest video ! love it

  • @yourbeautiful8080
    @yourbeautiful8080 10 місяців тому +5

    Thank you for being so honest and sharing your sales. Wishing you the best for Q4.

  • @Here4TheHeckOfIt
    @Here4TheHeckOfIt 8 місяців тому +2

    Love this. Thank you for sharing your experience and the realistic outcome. Didn't know much about KDP. The large income in some vidz seemed too good to be true.

  • @DABourne227
    @DABourne227 Місяць тому

    I appreciate your transparency.

  • @Kindelle-iz9uh
    @Kindelle-iz9uh 8 місяців тому +1

    Thank you for sharing your experience

  • @bethadamsofficial
    @bethadamsofficial 10 місяців тому +2

    Thank you so very much for such an honest video! Very much appreciated! Keep it up! I wish you much success and profitable progress in your journey!

  • @AniMoted
    @AniMoted 10 місяців тому

    Great video, thanks for sharing your books.

  • @otakuwolf2589
    @otakuwolf2589 10 місяців тому

    I appreciate the transparency, you earned a subscriber

  • @Entertainment_Motivation-facts
    @Entertainment_Motivation-facts 8 місяців тому +1

    Brilliant thanks 🙏 for sharing your experience 👍💪

  • @christopherschneider5657
    @christopherschneider5657 7 місяців тому +1

    Honest and personable. well done.

  • @BuildaSolidBizwithLisa
    @BuildaSolidBizwithLisa 3 місяці тому

    This is a great breakdown of your efforts and paints a realistic expectation of creating these coloring books. Thank you for sharing!

  • @AishlingMooneyAngels
    @AishlingMooneyAngels 9 місяців тому

    Brilliant video! Thanks for the honesty 😀

  • @YourChicGeek
    @YourChicGeek 10 місяців тому +4

    First off loving the transparency here. KDP is not an overnight success and I cringe when I see the videos that lie and state that you can make “1000 notebooks” and get rich. Pfffft yea right. Its hard work and is all about researching niches, finding what works and doubling down on that. Best of luck for Q4 though.

    • @selfpublishingempire
      @selfpublishingempire  10 місяців тому +2

      Thanks for checking out the channel :), and agreed! I try to see it as a business and in the grand scheme of things, I'm still towards the beginning.

    • @YourChicGeek
      @YourChicGeek 10 місяців тому +1

      @@selfpublishingempire you are doing a great job with taking action....keep it up and you will eventually find what works.

  • @Elena_Moralez
    @Elena_Moralez 3 місяці тому

    Thanks a lot for this honest video. Right now, I am researching this whole field around Amazon KDP and this really is one of the first videos that shows a personal, complete honest view on it.

  • @LizatHome
    @LizatHome 10 місяців тому +20

    Hi Craig, thanks so much for the wonderful transparency of this video, it's great to see actual books. I would just like to say, that as an adult colorist, the coloring community (not specifically me, I've remained fairly neutral), have come down big time on AI produced coloring books. As a community, we tend to be very loyal to the artists that hand create the books, so that could also be why your sales have not done so well. The colorists are getting more savvy regarding what is original art and what is AI and are actively returning AI books, or just not purchasing. I have a video on my channel about creating them, and I was shot down in flames! I thought you may find this interesting.

    • @selfpublishingempire
      @selfpublishingempire  10 місяців тому +6

      100% agree with you Liz. AI is a dirty word within the adult colouring niche. Not all of my books are AI generated (most of the colouring books are, but not all), and the ones that are AI generated I retouch to remove imperfections and then edit them further to make good pages... but I know a lot of the reason is the ethical side as well, which can be a grey area. I'm all about innovation and advances in productivity, but I'm also a believer of people getting paid for their work and IP, so hopefully with more consideration going into AI we will see new legislations in place to help artists choose whether or not their work can be utilised for AI and hopefully get the artists paid as well.

    • @selfpublishingempire
      @selfpublishingempire  10 місяців тому

      And I'll check out your video Liz :) Thanks for commenting!

  • @catherinewestbrooks
    @catherinewestbrooks 10 місяців тому +2

    Thank you for sharing! This is a very realistic experience for starting on Amazon KDP!

    • @selfpublishingempire
      @selfpublishingempire  10 місяців тому

      Thanks Catherine. I have had a couple of books perform a bit better than these - and some others perform worse! But I hope the honest overview helps :)

  • @sipprianawest3333
    @sipprianawest3333 10 місяців тому +7

    Thank you for being honest about what you're profit was. Keep going.

  • @bistonic
    @bistonic 3 місяці тому

    Craig, thank you for a very clear, refreshingly honest and helpful video, great job!

    • @selfpublishingempire
      @selfpublishingempire  3 місяці тому

      Thank you! I have had other books that have performed better since then, so make sure to check those videos out :)

  • @growyourwellbeing
    @growyourwellbeing 10 місяців тому

    Super useful video! Thanks for the transparency and realistic expectations and the work involved 👍

  • @2024YearoftheTiger8
    @2024YearoftheTiger8 5 місяців тому

    Thank you so much! This really helps!

  • @user-si1vp6gn5f
    @user-si1vp6gn5f 6 місяців тому

    You really helped a lot to providing this useful information

  • @terryrl
    @terryrl Місяць тому

    Great video. Nice to hear someone giving a realistic, honest experience. I hope your business keeps growing!!

  • @3-7am
    @3-7am 9 місяців тому +1

    Realistic and up front. Easy subscribe. Looking forward to following your journey. Cheers mate

  • @roguephoenix
    @roguephoenix 8 місяців тому

    thanks for doing this breakdown. it really puts it in perspective.

  • @gman7877able
    @gman7877able 4 місяці тому

    Thank you 🙏 for your assessment and transparency, it is much appreciated.

  • @laceyjane4285
    @laceyjane4285 5 днів тому

    Well the cover really helps sell . Your first dinosaur book cover is fantastic. I think if you would make a bright Tropical fish book it would sell better. Everyone likes bright cheerful colors.

  • @royaltywizard
    @royaltywizard 4 місяці тому +1

    Thanks for this video. I appreciate your honesty and transparency. Keep it up with the videos. I learn a lot from them. 😊

    • @selfpublishingempire
      @selfpublishingempire  4 місяці тому +1

      Ah thank you so much for the support :), I love watching your videos and learn from them as well!

    • @royaltywizard
      @royaltywizard 4 місяці тому

      @@selfpublishingempire 😊

  • @abiola5757
    @abiola5757 9 місяців тому +1

    Thanks for the honest review, so unusual.

  • @PreciousT.
    @PreciousT. 4 місяці тому

    appreciate the transparency

  • @choochoochooseyou
    @choochoochooseyou 4 місяці тому

    Really helpful. Thanks for the honesty.

  • @IcarosImmortal
    @IcarosImmortal 7 днів тому +1

    I like the honest and explanatory approach, it makes more clear on the whole subject. Do you have any video on analyzing ads and how to place bid click amounts ? Thanks.

    • @selfpublishingempire
      @selfpublishingempire  7 днів тому +1

      Check out my Amazon Ads playlist, which should answer any questions you have!

    • @IcarosImmortal
      @IcarosImmortal 7 днів тому

      @@selfpublishingempire OH, thanks , I'll do

  • @richardperovich2993
    @richardperovich2993 10 місяців тому

    thanks for your honesty!

  • @MarcusVinicius-cf1sv
    @MarcusVinicius-cf1sv 10 місяців тому

    I´m trying to start in this job, I appreciate you sharing the true

  • @rosezif
    @rosezif 8 місяців тому

    Thank you so much for sharing your valuable experience with us, I'm sure if you don't give up those numbers will increase in no time, wish you the best!🎉🎉🎉🎉

    • @selfpublishingempire
      @selfpublishingempire  8 місяців тому +1

      Thank you! They've already started rising which is promising :). My August report shows that a little bit, but like you say it's about not giving up and keeping going!

  • @2hinreza
    @2hinreza 9 місяців тому +1

    Great honest video and explaination

  • @MeyTribe
    @MeyTribe Місяць тому

    I wish more UA-camrs would be this honest on these things... Great video, shared it in my group.

    • @selfpublishingempire
      @selfpublishingempire  Місяць тому

      Much appreciated! Thank you for sharing :). Please check out my recent one now I've reached 100 books as well.

  • @roiuzree1905
    @roiuzree1905 10 місяців тому +2

    God bless you sir ❤❤❤ thanks for information 😊😊

  • @thecreepers5399
    @thecreepers5399 5 місяців тому +1

    Honesty earns my subscription

  • @nass7073
    @nass7073 8 місяців тому

    Thanks for sharing 😌 is amazing content!

  • @debm4449
    @debm4449 8 місяців тому

    I have only subscribed due to your honesty .So refreshing Thanks .

  • @ProvingJesus
    @ProvingJesus 10 місяців тому +9

    Very brave of this man to be transparent and post all of his book concepts. I've seen so many UA-camrs who hide that info. All the best in your Amazon journey.

  • @alexandergrennell5354
    @alexandergrennell5354 Місяць тому

    Hey thanks for your honesty

  • @tomm7021
    @tomm7021 8 місяців тому +10

    After bumping into a AI based "artist" video just before, can't help but feel somewhat depressed. I've been drawing and painting for the past 30 years. I've reached a level in my skill that enables me to do whatever i want with it. And yet, (thankfully i don't) if i wanted to pursue a career in illustration, these days, it's pretty much impossible. Why? Because we have people complaining about the "effort" of making 20 coloring books in 7months, flooding the marked with pretty much a quick product. Now... you'll tell me you've put effort into this. I can imagine it wasn't in fact instantaneous, but if you compare that "effort" to the effort the artists that AI is basing it's designs off, well it's really a bit silly. Artist have in general never been payed their worth. The amount of years to master your craft, develop a style, and above all, the whole process of creating their work, with sketching, trying, mistakes etc, make it simply a bad deal. And now, they have to compete with a whole bunch of people who found their easy money path (even if it's 50euros in the end...), who will suck the market dry, and then move on to the whatever next easy trend comes by.
    Maybe even call themselves artists.

    • @selfpublishingempire
      @selfpublishingempire  8 місяців тому +1

      I understand your frustration and can only apologise for adding to the content that's out there to demonstrate how to get involved with AI coloring books. AI is a HUGE development and will continue to be over the next years. Who knows how many of our jobs will be replaced, what can be done via AI, etc, but from my experiences with AI so far whilst the content is good, it is limited. It's hard to create very specific, interesting things. It's very easy for broad topics such as landscapes, dogs, dinosaurs, etc... but a fun, unique idea would be very, very difficult without an artist... as well, if you had a character-led book with the same character, this would also be difficult to achieve with AI.
      Yes AI coloring books are entering the market - and Amazon have added a new section where you have to declare the content was made using AI... so who knows what will happen. Perhaps AI will be banned, perhaps there will be an AI section. Perhaps the courts will rule that you can't sell AI content... we just don't really know at the end of the day. Also the flooding of the marketplace is not new. There are hundreds of sites that sell tons and tons of coloring pages which people just add into their manuscript and upload - IMO at least AI creates 'unique' pages.
      Anyways, I hope my waffle back to you just lets you know I'm sympathetic to the situation, but that also I'm a firm believer that real talent always rises to the top. These AI books are often focusing on broader niches/styles and all competing with each other. Good luck with your future books - and it might be a good idea to keep across what AI is capable of and the AI trends, so you can look for gaps in the market?

    • @selfpublishingempire
      @selfpublishingempire  8 місяців тому +1

      Oh and @tomm7021, it might be that looking for new platforms to sell on could be a way forward as well. True coloring fans may start looking elsewhere soon as, like you say, Amazon is filled with AI content.

    • @tomm7021
      @tomm7021 8 місяців тому +1

      @@selfpublishingempire Apologies if i sounded overly negative. And i mean no disrespect to you. We all have a right to make a living.
      This is indeed a complex issue. And in reality this "effort" thing is not new or exclusive to AI. In fact to a certain extent AI mimics the process of a growing artist. We've all started out admiring and learning through someone else's work. How many time did i hear, "reminds me of "insert artist name". With time, you outgrow those influences and digest them all into something yours. But it's that process that is beautiful about arts. Having a machine doing it in 0.0000003 secs what takes humans years and years...
      And i agree with you, AI doesn't seem to be quite there.... for now. But it will be. There will come a time where the distinction will become impossible.
      I am not an elitist. I found my love in teaching drawing. And i truly believe that the only people who can't learn are the ones who don't try, and the ones who stop trying. Talent has little to do with it.
      What is more human than arts? It is something that deserves protecting. Appreciated, and valued.
      I might sound like and old out of touch guy (though i'm only 38). But i truly hate AI arts. Any thing else, i think it can be used for good. But arts... naahh... it's about the process, the arriving at that final result, and also about accepting the imperfection of what we do. I rather see a "bad" drawing done sincerely. You'll learn more about the person.

    • @tomm7021
      @tomm7021 8 місяців тому +2

      * just a little add on to human learning that is IMO the main difference. Humans forget and deform memory. Machines don't. That's what unfair about a computer working on the basis off a data bank of other artists work.

    • @selfpublishingempire
      @selfpublishingempire  8 місяців тому +1

      @@tomm7021 Not at all Tom and I appreciate the discussion :). It's a crazy complex time and something will end up happening with AI, it needs to, because else it won't be long before ALL operators are out of jobs. Designers, editors, directors, hell, actors, etc... else it'll adapt and new jobs will open up where it's more about producing, packaging and marketing the content (which is what I am currently doing)... I'm a writer myself, that's my 'human' passion, but unfortunately after 4 books and YEARS spent writing/editing/etc I make more money selling AI generated coloring books :(

  • @carolynnf5760
    @carolynnf5760 10 місяців тому

    Fantastic video - thanks for your honest view (even if its little deflating!]. Good luck 🇬🇧

    • @selfpublishingempire
      @selfpublishingempire  10 місяців тому +1

      I've had some books perform better with one evening making £2k in a single month in a seasonal niche - so it is possible, but this is definitely a more realistic view :)

  • @ashykhan01
    @ashykhan01 8 місяців тому +1

    Thank you for such a realistic and honest video

  • @stysondesign5652
    @stysondesign5652 3 місяці тому

    Thank you very much for telling people the truth, people like you are worth gold and you will for sure got success cause there is carma

  • @ZitaZone
    @ZitaZone 6 місяців тому

    Definitely a learning curve. But good luck on the rest of your endeavors. Thanks so much for your honesty. Most content creators don't tell you the truth.

    • @selfpublishingempire
      @selfpublishingempire  6 місяців тому

      Thank you, good luck on your journey too and I'll have a video coming out soon showing the SUCCESS of a coloring book :)

  • @LisasEbooks
    @LisasEbooks 3 місяці тому

    Great content. You are the only person has been 100% honest. Thank you.

  • @apriltheInvincible
    @apriltheInvincible 10 місяців тому +3

    Thanks! Subscribed! Cheers from Nova Scotia!

    • @goilo888
      @goilo888 10 місяців тому +1

      Sorry to hear about your weather lately (as an Ontarian)

    • @apriltheInvincible
      @apriltheInvincible 10 місяців тому +1

      @@goilo888 Thank you so much! The fires are out and now we are flooding. We need lots of good wishes :)