KDP Royalty Cuts Driving Up Coloring Book Prices
Amazon KDP’s royalty rate drop for low-priced print books is prompting many coloring-book publishers to raise prices, here’s how the change impacts you.
In June 2025, Amazon made a significant change to its print-royalty structure for the Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) platform. Books listed under USD $9.99 (and equivalent in other currencies) will now earn the author or publisher a royalty rate of 50 % instead of the previous 60 %. (Source: Author Services Australia)
Why does this matter for the coloring-book world? Many coloring books, especially those produced via print-on-demand, were priced at or below this threshold. With the drop in royalty, publishers face a choice: absorb the cut or increase retail prices. According to an industry analysis, a book priced at $8.99 that previously earned $2.74 under the 60 % rate will now earn only $1.85 under the 50 % rate — a 32 % cut in take-home earnings. (Source: V13 Magazine)
As a result, creators of coloring books are increasingly responding by:
- Raising list prices above the $9.99 threshold to preserve the 60 % royalty rate.
- Reducing page count or simplifying designs to lower print costs.
- Passing cost increases on to readers, leading to higher cover prices.
For coloring fans, this means you may notice slightly higher prices on new books — particularly those featuring full-page artwork, large formats, or premium paper. Rising print costs and lower royalties are forcing creators to balance quality and affordability.
What should you look out for as a coloring-book enthusiast?
- Compare editions — page count and print type often vary between publishers.
- Check printing details — single-sided pages and paper thickness affect both quality and cost.
- Look for discounts — many independent creators run limited sales to offset rising prices.
At InnerSophist, we’re committed to helping our community understand these industry changes. Coloring is more than a hobby — it’s a form of creative mindfulness. By staying informed about how KDP royalties impact pricing, you can support your favorite artists and discover the books that bring you the most joy.
📚 Explore new and upcoming coloring books on Amazon: Shop Coloring Books 2025
Disclosure: This article includes affiliate links and product images provided under Amazon Associates Program guidelines. As an Amazon Associate, InnerSophist earns from qualifying purchases.
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What is this article about?
Amazon KDP’s royalty rate drop for low-priced print books is prompting many coloring-book publishers to raise prices, here’s how the change impacts you.
When was this published?
This article was published on October 29, 2025.
Who wrote this article?
This article was written by the InnerSophist Team, experts in coloring books and creative arts.