Low-content publishing on Amazon KDP has been around for long enough now that it has gone through a few clear phases. What started as a simple way to publish notebooks and journals quickly has become more competitive, more selective, and more demanding of quality.
That does not mean low-content publishing is “over”. It means it has matured. Understanding how the space is changing helps you decide what is worth creating and what is no longer worth the effort.
Moving Away From Volume and Towards Purpose
In the early days, many people focused on uploading large numbers of similar books. The idea was that volume alone would lead to sales. Over time, Amazon has become crowded with repetitive designs, and those books are much harder to sell.
What works better now is a slower, more thoughtful approach. Buyers are looking for books that feel intentional rather than rushed. This might mean:
- clearer titles and subtitles
- covers that communicate exactly who the book is for
- interiors that feel useful, not generic
Creating fewer books with a clear purpose often performs better than uploading dozens of near-identical ones.
Narrower Niches Matter More Than Ever
General notebooks still sell, but competition is high. Many sellers are now finding better results by narrowing their focus.
Instead of a generic planner, for example, a book aimed at a specific use or type of person can stand out more easily. That might be planners for carers, logbooks for small business owners, or journals designed around a particular routine or habit.
This doesn’t require complicated content. It requires clarity about who the book is for and what problem it helps with.
The Growth of “In-Between” Books
Low-content publishing is also no longer limited to blank or lightly lined pages. Many books now sit somewhere between low-content and full writing projects.
These might include:
- guided journals with prompts
- simple workbooks
- activity books with structure
- planners that include short instructions
These types of books take more effort to create, but they can offer more value to buyers and are often harder to copy. For many publishers, this middle ground feels more sustainable long term.
Personalisation Is Becoming More Important
Buyers increasingly want books that feel relevant to their own lives. Even small details can make a difference, such as:
- layouts that suit a particular routine
- space for custom goals or notes
- themes that reflect real-world use rather than generic motivation
This does not mean custom printing for individuals. It simply means designing books with a specific user in mind rather than trying to appeal to everyone at once.
Tools Are Helping, But They Don’t Replace Judgment
Design and research tools can make the process quicker, but they don’t replace common sense or experience. Templates, keyword tools, and design software can all be helpful, but they work best when used to support a clear idea rather than generate one.
The strongest books usually come from understanding how buyers browse Amazon, how covers appear at small sizes, and how simple design choices affect readability.
Marketing Plays a Bigger Role Than It Used To
With more competition, relying on organic visibility alone is less reliable. Many publishers now treat KDP as part of a wider system rather than a standalone activity.
That might include:
- running small, careful ads
- linking books from a blog
- using content to support visibility over time
This is where KDP fits well alongside blogging. A blog can explain, support, and showcase products in a way an Amazon listing alone cannot.
Sustainability and Longevity Matter
KDP’s print-on-demand model already reduces waste, but buyers are also more conscious of whether a book feels worth keeping. Books that are designed to be used repeatedly or over longer periods tend to be valued more than throwaway products.
Designing with longevity in mind helps both buyers and sellers.
Looking Beyond a Single Platform
Amazon KDP remains the main platform for most low-content publishers, but some creators are beginning to think more broadly. Once a book performs consistently, it may be suitable for other marketplaces or formats.
Expanding only makes sense once a product is proven. The focus should remain on building a small, solid catalogue rather than spreading effort too thin.
Adapting Over Time Is Key
Perhaps the biggest shift in low-content publishing is the need to adapt. What worked a few years ago does not always work now, and that will continue to change.
Regularly reviewing what you have published, what still fits your goals, and what no longer represents your approach is part of running this as a long-term income stream rather than a short-term experiment.
Where KDP Fits Today
Low-content publishing on KDP is no longer about quick wins. It rewards patience, clarity, and a willingness to improve over time. For many people, it works best as one income stream alongside others, particularly blogging, where content can support and promote products naturally.
If you approach it with realistic expectations and a focus on usefulness rather than volume, it can still play a valuable role in a wider online income setup.
