Best KDP Niches 2026: 10 Low Competition Ideas That Are Actually Selling

Please note: 8-minute read — grab a coffee and let's get into it.

The best KDP niches in 2026 are those with consistent demand, lower competition, and room to build a series of books around a specific audience. In this guide, I'll share 10 of the best opportunities I'm seeing this year and explain why I believe they're worth considering.

I've generated over $160,000 in Amazon KDP sales, and one lesson has become crystal clear...

The niche you choose matters more than the first book you publish.

Here's why...

Many new publishers spend weeks creating a beautiful book before they've validated whether there's actually demand for it. Then, when the book doesn't sell, they assume Amazon KDP doesn't work.

Here's the key...

Most of the time, it isn't the book that's the problem.

It's the niche.

Choosing the right niche makes everything else easier, from keyword research and cover design to building a series that generates sales month after month.

The good news is you don't need to chase every trend or publish hundreds of books to be successful. You simply need to choose a niche with long-term potential and create books that serve a specific audience.

That's exactly what this guide will help you do.

Keep This in Mind

As you go through this list, don't ask yourself, "Could I publish this book?" Instead, ask, "Could I build a brand around this audience?"

Free Download: The KDP Niche Cheat Sheet - Want a quick-reference version of this list? Grab the free cheat sheet — perfect for bookmarking and coming back to as you build your catalog.

Quick Reference: All 10 Niches at a Glance

Skim this first, then dive into whichever niches grab your attention.

Before We Jump In...

People often ask me how I decide whether a niche is worth publishing in.

The truth is, I don't chase trending topics or what people see as "trendy".

Instead, I look for niches that give me the BEST chance of a creating books that sell for the long term.

Here's what I look for...

• Consistent demand throughout the year 
• Opportunities to stand out with a specific audience
• The ability to turn one idea into a series of books
• Evergreen topics that aren't dependent on short-lived trends
• A niche I could see myself publishing in again and again

One thing I've noticed...

The publishers who build consistent royalties aren't creating random books.

They're building collections of books for the same audience. That's the mindset I'd encourage you to adopt as you read through this list.

Now, let's dive into the niches.

Niche 1: Journals and Planners

Journals and planners continue to be one of the most reliable niches on Amazon KDP, and they're a great place to start if you're new to self-publishing.

The key is to think beyond generic blank journals. Instead, create books for a specific audience with a clear purpose. The more focused your book is, the easier it becomes to stand out and connect with the right customers.

Here's why I continue to recommend this niche...

Journals and planners are evergreen products that people use throughout the year, and there are countless ways to serve different audiences.

Whether it's a teacher planner, pregnancy journal, gratitude journal, homeschool planner, or gardening journal, each audience has unique needs that create opportunities for new books.

Why This Niche Works

• Large, evergreen audience
• Simple interiors that are beginner friendly
• Easy to expand into a series
• Can be created quickly with the right templates
• Works well across dozens of different audiences

One thing I've noticed...

The publishers who do well with journals usually aren't publishing one journal.

They're building a collection of journals that serve the same audience.

For example:

Someone creating books for teachers could publish a teacher planner or workbook. That's a much stronger long-term strategy than publishing six unrelated books.

Best For

• Brand-new publishers
• Anyone looking for a simple first project
• Publishers who enjoy creating organized layouts

Watch Out For

One of the biggest mistakes I see is creating a generic lined journal and hoping it sells.

Instead, start with the audience.

Ask yourself:

Who am I creating this journal for, and what problem is it helping them solve?

The answer to that question will usually lead you to a much stronger niche.

Kim's Top Tip: When I'm researching journal ideas, I don't start with the product. I start with the audience. Once I know who I'm creating for, it's much easier to design a journal they'll actually want to use.

Now, let's look at the niche that's become one of my favorites over the past few years...

Niche 2: Puzzle Books (My #1 Best Selling Niche in 2026!)

If I were starting an Amazon KDP business from scratch today, puzzle books would be at the top of my list.

Not because they're easy to create, but because they offer incredible opportunities to build a long-term publishing brand.

Puzzle books continue to grow in popularity, they're highly scalable, and they appeal to a wide range of audiences—from kids and homeschool families to adults and seniors.

Here's why I'm such a fan of this niche...

Puzzle books are currently my best-performing category on Amazon KDP. Instead of publishing one book and hoping it takes off, I've built a collection of seven puzzle books around the same audience, and that collection continues to generate consistent sales.

It's a strategy I'd recommend to any publisher looking to build a sustainable KDP business.

Why This Niche Works

• Evergreen demand throughout the year
• Appeals to multiple audiences and age groups
• Easy to expand into a collection or series
• Great opportunity to build a recognizable publishing brand

One thing I've noticed...

Many successful puzzle book publishers aren't relying on one bestselling title.

They're building a library of books that all serve the same audience.

That's exactly the strategy I've used, and it's one of the biggest reasons puzzle books have become such an important part of my publishing business.

Keep This In Mind...

One of the biggest mistakes I see is publishers creating another generic word search book.

The opportunity isn't in creating more puzzle books.

It's in creating better, more specific puzzle books.

For example, instead of publishing a generic puzzle book, you might create books for:

• Seniors who need large-print puzzles
• Adults looking for relaxing brain games
• Kids learning sight words
• Travelers looking for road trip activities
• Homeschool families
• People living with dementia

The more clearly you define your audience, the easier it becomes to create a book that stands out.

Kim's Top Tip: Don't think about publishing one puzzle book. Think about publishing your first puzzle book. If readers enjoy it, they'll often come back for more. That's why I always look for opportunities to build a collection instead of relying on a single title.

Ready for another niche that's growing quickly?

While puzzle books have become my top-performing category, there's another format that's exploded in popularity over the past few years because it's simple, relaxing, and appeals to an entirely different audience.

Let's talk about Bold & Easy Coloring Books.

Niche 3: Bold & Easy Coloring Books (A Hot Format in 2026!)

Coloring books have been popular on Amazon KDP for years, but one trend has really stood out recently: Bold & Easy Coloring Books.

Unlike traditional coloring books filled with intricate designs, these books feature simple illustrations, bold lines, and larger spaces to color.

They've become increasingly popular with seniors, beginners, and adults looking for a relaxing, stress-free coloring experience.

Here's why I think this niche has so much potential...

It's incredibly versatile.

Once you find an audience, you can create an entire collection around different themes, seasons, holidays, or interests. 

Whether you're publishing books for seniors, kids, adults, or people with dementia, there are plenty of opportunities to build a recognizable brand.

Why This Niche Works

• Growing demand for simple, relaxing coloring books
• Easy to build collections around themes and audiences
• Great opportunity to use AI as part of your workflow
• Evergreen niche with year-round demand
• Appeals to both gift buyers and repeat customers

Great Choice If You...

• Enjoy creating visual books
• Want to build multiple books around different themes
• Are comfortable using Canva or AI image tools (like the ones I cover in Easy AI Book Design)
• Like creating products for specific audiences

If you're looking for a niche that gives you even more creative flexibility, activity books are definitely worth considering.

Niche 4: Activity Books

Activity books are one of my favorite KDP niches because they combine creativity, education, and entertainment into a single product.

Instead of offering just one type of activity, you can mix puzzles, mazes, coloring pages, word searches, matching games, and more to create a book that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end.

Here's why I recommend this niche...

Activity books appeal to a wide variety of audiences, including kids, seniors, homeschool families, and even adults.

They also give you plenty of flexibility to create books around specific themes, holidays, grade levels, or interests, making it easy to expand into a collection over time.

Why This Niche Works

• Appeals to multiple age groups and audiences
• Easy to combine different activities into one book
• Great opportunity to build themed collections
• Evergreen demand with strong gift potential

Keep This In Mind...

Don't try to include every activity you can think of.

The best activity books are designed with a specific audience in mind. A preschool activity book should look very different from one created for seniors or homeschool students.

When every page supports the needs of your target audience, the book feels more cohesive and delivers a better experience.

Kim's Top Tip: Before creating an activity book, I ask myself one simple question: "Who is going to enjoy completing every page of this book?" That answer helps guide everything from the activities I include to the cover design, title, and overall layout.

Sometimes the simplest book ideas are the ones people use most often. 

Log books may not be flashy, but they solve practical problems and continue to generate steady demand.

Niche 5: Logbooks and Trackers

Log books may not be the flashiest niche, but they're one of the most practical.

People use them every day to track information, stay organized, and keep important records, making them a reliable evergreen category for Amazon KDP publishers.

Here's why I recommend this niche...

Log books are straightforward to create and can be tailored to countless hobbies, professions, and interests.

Whether it's a vehicle maintenance log, blood pressure tracker, reading log, gardening journal, fishing log, mileage tracker, or pet care record, there are plenty of opportunities to serve a specific audience.

Why This Niche Works

• Evergreen demand with practical everyday use
• Simple interiors that are beginner-friendly
• Endless niche opportunities for specific audiences
• Easy to expand into a collection of related log books

Keep This In Mind...

The biggest mistake I see is creating another generic log book.

Instead, think about who you're creating it for and what information they actually need to track.

Small details like customized layouts, helpful prompts, and thoughtful organization can make your book much more useful than a basic notebook with blank lines.

Kim's Top Tip:  When researching log book ideas, I look for hobbies, professions, or activities where people consistently record information. Those everyday habits often reveal some of the best publishing opportunities because readers are looking for tools they can use again and again.

Not every successful KDP book has to be focused on entertainment.

Cookbooks and recipe books continue to perform well because they solve an everyday problem, making them one of the most evergreen niches on Amazon.

Niche 6: Cookbooks

Cookbooks have always been a popular category on Amazon, but you don't have to be a professional chef to succeed in this niche.

Some of the best-performing cookbooks focus on a specific audience, diet, cooking style, or occasion rather than trying to appeal to everyone.

Here's why I like this niche...

Recipe books are highly evergreen and offer endless opportunities to build a collection.

Whether you're creating cookbooks for air fryer recipes, sourdough baking, diabetic meals, meal prep, or family favorites, there's plenty of room to carve out your own space.

Why This Niche Works

• Evergreen demand with year-round sales
• Countless sub-niches and specialty topics
• Easy to build a series around related recipes
• Appeals to both everyday cooks and gift buyers 

Keep This In Mind...

One of the biggest mistakes I see is creating a cookbook that's too broad.

Instead of publishing a general cookbook, think about who you're serving.

A cookbook for busy moms, college students, beginners, or people following a specific diet is much more likely to connect with the right audience.

The more focused your topic, the easier it is to attract readers who are looking for exactly what you offer.

Kim's Top Tip:  Don't stop at one cookbook. If your first book performs well, think about what your audience might need next. Building a collection around a specific cooking style or audience can help you create a stronger publishing brand over time.

While some books are designed to entertain or teach, others help people preserve life's most meaningful moments.

That's exactly why keepsake journals and memory books have become such a popular niche on Amazon KDP.

Niche 7: Memory Books and Keepsake Journals (Strong Gift Niche!)

Keepsake journals give people a place to capture memories, family stories, milestones, and special moments they'll treasure for years to come.

They're also one of the most emotional product categories on Amazon, making them a popular choice for both personal purchases and thoughtful gifts.

Here's why I recommend this niche...

These books naturally appeal to a wide range of audiences.

Whether it's a pregnancy journal, baby memory book, couples journal, guided legacy journal, or a "Tell Me Your Story" keepsake, there are countless opportunities to create books that people genuinely value.

Why This Niche Works:

• Strong year-round demand with excellent gift potential
• Appeals to multiple life stages and occasions
• Easy to build collections around different audiences
• Creates products with lasting emotional value

Keep This In Mind... 

The most successful keepsake journals aren't just beautifully designed. They guide the reader through telling their story.

Thoughtful prompts, logical organization, and a clean, easy-to-follow layout can make a big difference in how enjoyable the journal is to complete.

Kim's Top Tip: Before creating a keepsake journal, think about the person using it. What memories are they trying to preserve? What questions would help them tell their story? When you focus on creating a meaningful experience instead of simply filling pages, you'll end up with a book people are excited to keep—and recommend to others.

More and more people are turning to journals and guided workbooks to reduce stress, build healthy habits, and improve their overall well-being.

That growing demand has made self-care and wellness books one of the most rewarding niches to publish in on Amazon KDP.

Niche 8: Self-Care and Wellness Journals (Evergreen Goldmine)

Self-care isn't just a trend—it's become a priority for millions of people looking to improve their mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

From gratitude journals and affirmation books to anxiety workbooks and habit trackers, this niche offers countless opportunities to create books that genuinely help people.

Here's why I continue to recommend this niche...

Wellness books solve real problems, which means readers are actively searching for products that support their goals.

Whether someone wants to practice gratitude, reduce stress, improve mindfulness, or build healthier habits, there are plenty of opportunities to create books that provide lasting value.

Why This Niche Works

• Strong year-round demand
• Endless opportunities to serve specific audiences
• Easy to build collections around different wellness goals
• Creates products that readers often use daily

Keep This In Mind...

Avoid creating a generic wellness journal with blank pages and inspirational quotes.

Instead, think about the transformation you're helping someone achieve. A journal designed for anxiety relief, self-love, emotional healing, or building healthy habits provides much more value than a one-size-fits-all notebook.

The more specific your purpose, the easier it is to connect with the right audience.

Kim's Top Tip: When creating wellness books, always start with the problem you're helping solve. The best journals don't just give people space to write—they guide them toward a specific goal or positive habit.

If you're looking for a niche that inspires people to dream big and take action toward their goals, vision board books are definitely worth exploring.

As personal growth continues to grow in popularity, more people are looking for creative ways to visualize and stay focused on the life they want to build.

Niche 9: Vision Board Books (A Breakout Niche for 2026!)

Vision board books help people turn their goals and dreams into something they can see every day.

Whether they're focused on career growth, financial freedom, health, relationships, or personal development, these books encourage readers to think intentionally about the future they want to create.

Here's why I like this niche...

Vision board books are highly customizable and can be created for a variety of audiences.

You can design books for women, entrepreneurs, students, teens, couples, or anyone working toward a specific goal.

That flexibility makes it easy to build a collection around different life stages and interests.

Why This Niche Works

• Growing interest in personal growth and goal setting
• Appeals to a wide variety of audiences
• Easy to create themed collections around specific goals
• Great opportunity to combine prompts, worksheets, and creative exercises

Keep This In Mind...

The best vision board books do more than provide blank pages for pictures.

Think about how you can guide readers through the process with thoughtful prompts, reflection questions, goal-setting exercises, and action plans.

The more intentional the experience, the more valuable your book becomes.

Kim's Top Tip: When designing a vision board book, ask yourself, "What transformation do I want readers to experience?" Keeping that question in mind will help you create a book that inspires action instead of simply collecting magazine clippings. 

Travel books may not be the first niche that comes to mind when you think about Amazon KDP, but they continue to attract readers who want to document their adventures, stay organized, and create lasting memories.

If you enjoy creating books with a practical purpose, this niche is definitely worth exploring.

Niche 10: Travel and Adventure Logs

Travel books come in many different forms, from vacation planners and travel journals to RV log books, camping journals, bucket lists, and national park trackers.

As more people prioritize travel and experiences, there's growing demand for books that help them plan, organize, and remember their journeys.

Here's why I like this niche...

Travel books naturally lend themselves to collections.

You can create books around specific destinations, types of travel, hobbies, or audiences, making it easy to expand your catalog while building a recognizable brand.

Why This Niche Works

• Evergreen niche with year-round demand
• Appeals to travelers of all ages
• Easy to create themed collections
• Great gift potential for holidays and special occasions

Keep This In Mind...

Rather than creating a generic travel journal, think about the type of traveler you're serving.

For example: 

You could create books for RV travelers, cruise enthusiasts, campers, national park visitors, honeymooners, or families traveling with kids. 

The more specific your audience, the more valuable your book becomes.

Kim's Top Tip: When brainstorming travel book ideas, think beyond vacations. Some of the best opportunities come from helping people document experiences, track adventures, or plan future trips. Those small shifts can help your book stand out from dozens of generic travel journals.

Before You Choose Your Niche...

If there's one thing I hope you take away from this guide, it's this:

You don't need to publish in every niche to succeed on Amazon KDP.

In fact, I believe you're much better off choosing one niche, learning what your audience wants, and building a collection of books that serves them well.

Here are three things I keep in mind whenever I'm researching a new niche:

1. Choose a Niche You Can Grow

Instead of asking, "Can I make one book?" ask yourself, "Could I create 10 books for this audience?"

The best niches give you room to build a collection instead of starting over every time.

2. Focus on Solving a Problem

The books that perform best usually help someone achieve a goal, solve a challenge, or create a meaningful experience.

Whether you're helping someone stay organized, relax, preserve memories, or learn something new, always think about the value you're providing.

3. Think Long-Term

Trends come and go, but evergreen niches continue to attract buyers year after year.

Building a successful KDP business isn't about chasing the next viral idea—it's about consistently creating books your audience wants.

Ready to Publish your First Book on Amazon?

Choosing the right niche is the first step—but now it's time to turn your idea into a finished book.

If you're looking for step-by-step guidance, be sure to check out my Start Here page. You'll find affordable JumpStart Kits, beginner-friendly training, and resources designed to help you publish your first book with confidence.

Whether you want to create puzzle books, journals, coloring books, activity books, or another niche, you'll find everything you need to get started.

Visit the Start Here page to explore all of the available resources.

I can't wait to see what you create!