Self-publishing on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) has never been easier, and low-content books offer a great way to earn passive income without writing an entire novel. These books, such as journals, planners, sketchbooks, and coloring books, require minimal text and focus more on formatting and design. In this guide, you’ll learn how to create a low-content book, design a cover using Canva for free, and publish it on KDP at no cost.
Step 1: Choosing Your Low-Content Book Idea
Before you begin, decide what type of low-content book you want to create. Some popular options include:
- Journals (lined, dotted, or blank)
- Planners (daily, weekly, or monthly layouts)
- Logbooks (fitness, budget, meal tracking, etc.)
- Sketchbooks (blank or with prompts)
- Puzzle Books (crosswords, word searches, Sudoku)
Research existing books in your chosen niche on Amazon to identify gaps or unique angles. Tools like Amazon’s Best Sellers list or self-publishing research tools (such as Publisher Rocket or Book Bolt) can help.
Step 2: Creating the Interior Pages
For interior page design, you can use free tools like Canva, Microsoft Word, or Google Docs. However, for more complex designs, Adobe InDesign or Affinity Publisher might be worth considering. Here’s how to do it for free:
- Use Canva – Create a custom-size document (e.g., 6” x 9” or 8.5” x 11”, depending on your book size).
- Design the Pages – Add lines, grids, boxes, or light illustrations.
- Save as PDF – Amazon KDP requires a print-ready PDF for the interior.
You can also find free templates online or use KDP’s free interior templates to speed up the process.
Step 3: Designing a Professional Cover for Free with Canva
Your book cover is crucial for attracting buyers. With Canva’s free tools, you can create a high-quality cover in just a few steps:
- Open Canva and select “Custom Size.” Set dimensions according to KDP’s cover calculator (which depends on trim size and page count).
- Choose a Background – Use a solid color, gradient, or texture.
- Add Title and Subtitle – Keep it bold, readable, and relevant.
- Include Graphics – Use free icons, shapes, or illustrations.
- Save as PDF (Print) – Ensure it meets KDP’s print requirements.
Tip: You can also use KDP’s Cover Creator if you prefer an automated option.
Step 4: Uploading Your Book to KDP
Once your interior and cover are ready, it’s time to publish your book on KDP.
- Log in to KDP (https://kdp.amazon.com) and click “Create a Paperback.”
- Enter Book Details – Title, subtitle, keywords, categories, and author name.
- Upload Manuscript & Cover – Ensure they match KDP’s formatting guidelines.
- Preview Your Book – Use the KDP preview tool to check for errors.
- Set Pricing & Publish – Choose a royalty plan, set a competitive price, and hit publish!
Step 5: Promoting Your Low-Content Book
Once published, promote your book to drive sales:
- Optimize Keywords & Categories – Helps discoverability.
- Share on Social Media – Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook work well for visual books.
- Run Amazon Ads – If you’re willing to invest a small amount in advertising.
- Offer Free Downloads – Temporarily list your book for free to generate reviews.
Final Thoughts
Publishing a low-content book on KDP is a great way to build passive income with little upfront investment. With free tools like Canva, Microsoft Word, and KDP’s publishing platform, anyone can create and sell a book without spending a dime. Start researching your niche today, and you could have your first book published in just a few days!