How to find a Profitable Niche for your KDP Success

Finding the right niche isn’t luck; it’s strategy.”

Success on Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) isn’t just about writing a good story or sharing helpful information—it’s also about knowing where your book fits in the market. Authors like Mark Dawson didn’t just hit publish and hope for the best. They took the time to study the market, spot opportunities, and make sure their books landed in front of the right readers.

One major mistake authors often see beginners make is trying to create their own niche. It’s easy to assume that if you’re passionate about something, others will be too. Or maybe you stumble upon a topic on Amazon with no competition and think you’ve found an ‘untapped goldmine.’ But the truth is different “If no one else is selling books in that niche, there’s probably a reason for it“. It’s true that finding a profitable niche is an important skill that an aspiring author can build with practice—repeating the process over and over until it becomes second nature. Without it, making money on KDP is a great battle. The process itself is straightforward. You don’t have to chase ideas just because you like them BUT you should chase what the market likes. So, be practical and find a niche that can give you conversions. Find a niche that’s already profitable, where demand is clear, and readers are actively searching for books.

This isn’t about creating something entirely new; it’s about positioning your book where it’s already wanted.

If you’ve read my previous article, ‘How Book Genre and Target Audience Shape Your KDP Success’, you already know how crucial it is to align your book with the right audience. Today, we’ll build on that foundation and learn “how to find a profitable niche for your Amazon Book publishing in 3 main steps“, using a combination of tools, tips, resources, and strategies to guide you through each stage of the process.

Step 1: Research Your Niche

Research is the foundation of finding a profitable niche on Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). Without it, you’re essentially throwing your book into the dark, hoping it sticks. Instead, take the time to understand what readers are already buying, what they want, and what gaps you can fill.

Remember this, you might see Amazon as a bookstore, but in fact, it operates as a search engine. When people are looking for books to buy on Amazon, they usually type in keywords to find them. For example, if they want to find a book about cooking, in the Amazon search bar, they enter a keyword like “fiction books,” or something more specific like “historical fiction books.” Books that have those keywords in their title, description, or keyword list will appear in the search results. Since your goal is to make sure your book appears in the relevant search results, you need to find the most profitable keywords for your book.

So, the First tool to research your niche is Amazon itself- Kindle Best Sellers List

The Amazon Best Sellers list is an excellent starting point for niche research. By analyzing top-performing books in subcategories, authors can identify trends, recurring themes, and audience preferences. so, start by browsing Amazon’s bestsellers in various categories. Look at the books that are selling well, and ask yourself: Why are these books succeeding? Is it because of the subject matter, the way they’re marketed, or the author’s reputation? Study their descriptions, titles, and covers. Pay attention to trends within a specific genre, but don’t ignore smaller niches that show steady demand.

Follow these steps to find a profitable niche on the Kindle best sellers list.

1. Go to the Amazon Best Sellers page.
2. Select Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks.
3. Now you have a list of book categories. Select any catagory of your interest or maybe random. for example, I selected “History”.
4. Now you have sub catagories list on next page. I selected “religion”- then Christianity.
5. Now, you have list of 100 top best seller paid and free books.
6. VERY IMPORTANT: Make sure you are looking through the ‘Top 100 Paid’, NOT ‘Top 100 Free’. You want to get ideas from books that people are paying money for. So, make sure you are in the right section by clicking on ‘Top 100 Paid’.
7. Now, what you are looking for here are keywords and niches that you can target. More specifically; keywords and terms that a book can be based on and that solves a particular problem for the reader.

Criteria to find a profitable niche on Amazon:

On the first page of the search results you should find 5-6 books that meet ALL the following criteria:

• Those 5-6 books have a Best Seller Rank of 100,000 or LESS (Not higher than 10,000, smaller than 100,000)
• Those 5-6 books are selling between $0.99 and $3.99
• Those 5-6 books have been on the market for at least 2 months
• Those 5-6 books have 100 reviews or less each

Additional Criteria (Not as important)

• On the first page, there are no more than 3 free books ($0.00)
• The search results bring up 2,000 books or less
• At least a couple of those 5-to 6 books show an opportunity for having value-added

Use the extensions DS Amazon Quick View, jungle scout, to check these details in the following version. (easily navigated version)

The Next Tool is “Publisher Rocket“

Publisher Rocket is a powerful paid tool for detailed keyword research, sales analysis, and revenue estimation. By using this tool, you can better analyze market trends and discover long-tail keywords that not only have high search volume but also offer lower competition, making it easier to rank. It has 5 different modules to help you discover profitable keywords. When I say ‘profitable’, I mean keywords that have high demand (high monthly search volume on Amazon) and low supply (there are not a lot of products for those searchers to choose from). High Demand / Low Supply is the winning formula when looking for profitable keywords. This allows you to fine-tune your book’s title, subtitle, and description to match what readers are actively looking for, giving your book a higher chance of standing out in a crowded market.

Steps to Follow on Publisher Rocket:

1. Open Publisher Rocket
   Start by launching Publisher Rocket on your computer. Make sure you have an active subscription to access its full range of features.
2. Enter a Seed Keyword Related to Your Niche Idea
   Think of a broad keyword or topic related to your book’s theme—something like “fantasy romance,” “self-help motivation,” or “children’s adventure stories.” Enter it into the search bar to begin your research.
3. Analyze Search Volume, Competition Scores, and Profitability
   Publisher Rocket will generate data showing:
   • Search Volume: How often people search for that keyword.
   • Competition Score: How tough it is to rank for that keyword.
   • Profitability: How much authors are earning from books targeting that keyword.
     Look for keywords with high search volume, moderate competition, and strong profitability.
4. Identify Profitable Long-Tail Keywords
   Explore the long-tail keyword suggestions—these are more specific phrases (e.g., “enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance”) that often have lower competition but are still highly searched.
5. Use Top-Performing Keywords in Your Book Title, Subtitle, and Description
   Integrate the best-performing keywords naturally into your book’s metadata:
   • Title: Include the primary keyword if possible.
   • Subtitle: Add supporting or long-tail keywords.
   • Description: Use keywords naturally throughout your book description.
6. Export Data for Future Reference
   Save your research by exporting the data to a spreadsheet. This will allow you to revisit your findings later or use them for future book projects.

the third and most valuable tool is “Google Trends“

Let’s talk about a tool you’re probably already familiar with but might not be used to its full potential—Google Trends. It’s free, easy to use, and incredibly powerful for figuring out what readers are actually searching for right now.

So, how can it help you find a profitable book niche?

• Spot Seasonal Patterns: Some topics peak at certain times of the year (hello, Christmas romance novels!).
• Track Search Interest: You can see whether people’s interest in your keyword is rising, steady, or fading away.
• Compare Keywords: Wondering whether “self-help books” or “productivity guides” is a better niche? Google Trends can tell you which one is getting more attention.
• Discover Regional Interest: If you’re targeting specific markets, you’ll see where your keyword is trending the most.

Steps to Follow:

1. Go to Google Trends.
2. Enter your target keyword.
3. Set the timeframe to at least the last 5 years.
4. Analyze patterns for seasonal trends or consistent interest.
5. Compare multiple niche-related keywords for clarity.

When you combine the keyword precision from Publisher Rocket with the trend insights from Google Trends, you’ll have a clear picture of not just what to write about, but also when and where to focus your efforts.

“AnswerThePublic” is another tool to research your niche well.

This tool takes your keyword—something like “self-help,” “fantasy romance,” or “children’s adventure stories”—and spits out a giant web of questions people are actually typing into search engines. It’s like having a cheat sheet for understanding your audience’s needs, fears, and desires. You’ll see questions starting with why, how, what, and when, giving you a crystal-clear view of the most pressing topics in your niche which will help you in finding a profitable niche for kdp publishing success. Not only does this help you find unique angles for your book, but it also highlights gaps in the market where you can really stand out. Plus, these insights aren’t just great for writing—they’re gold for your book title, description, and even marketing content.

Combine AnswerThePublic with tools like Publisher Rocket and Google Trends, and you’ll have a rock-solid foundation for choosing a profitable book niche and connecting with your audience on a much deeper level.

Steps to Follow:

1. Visit AnswerThePublic.
2. Enter your niche keyword (e.g., Bedtime Stories).
3. Browse the visual query map.
4. Take note of recurring questions and search themes.
5. Use these questions to refine your book concept.

Step 2: Define your Audience to find a profitable niche

Knowing who you’re writing for is just as important as knowing what you’re writing.

You could have the most well-researched niche in the world, but if you’re not clear on your audience, you’re essentially shouting into the void. When you define your audience, you’re not just identifying readers—you’re understanding their needs, their struggles, and what keeps them turning pages at 2 AM.

Start by asking yourself a few key questions:

• What age group is most interested in this niche?
• Are they predominantly male, female, or a mix?
• What are their key interests or hobbies?
• What problems are they hoping this type of book will solve for them?
• Is it offering escapism, self-improvement, or practical knowledge?

This is where tools like Publisher Rocket, Google Trends, and AnswerThePublic shine. Beyond keyword data, Publisher Rocket shows you what types of books people are buying and in what volume.

• Are cozy mysteries with cats outselling those with dogs?
• Are short self-help guides outperforming lengthy ones?

Google Trends adds another layer by showing where your audience is and when they’re most active.

• Are gothic romance novels gaining traction in the UK but declining in the US?
• Are seasonal spikes affecting searches for certain genres?

Then there’s AnswerThePublic, which gives you a raw, unfiltered view of what readers are asking. If people are typing, “What are the best fantasy books with morally grey characters?” or “How do I start writing a personal development journal?”—those aren’t just search queries; they’re prompts waiting for you to act on them.

But There’s another important thing: don’t stop at tools—go into the spaces where your readers are talking. Join Facebook groups, Reddit threads, and Instagram communities related to your niche. Pay attention to what readers rave about and what frustrates them. Read book reviews on Amazon and Goodreads—not just the glowing ones, but the critical ones too. Often, the most valuable insights come from what readers wish a book had delivered. Take a look at successful authors in your niche. Who are they appealing to, and how are they engaging their audience?

When you truly understand your audience, every part of your book aligns with their expectations—the title, subtitle, description, and even the structure of your content. For example, if your audience loves quick, actionable productivity tips, a lengthy 400-page manual might turn them off. If fantasy readers are drawn to rich world-building, your book cover and blurb should promise an immersive adventure.

The beauty of combining these tools with real-world observations is that you’re not guessing—you’re making data-driven decisions. You’re not chasing trends blindly; you’re crafting a book that directly addresses what your readers are already looking for.

When you nail down your audience, your book won’t just be found—it’ll be chosen. And that’s where the real success begins.

Step 3: Write with Your Niche in Mind

Once you’ve pinpointed your niche and understood your audience, it’s time to put pen to paper—or fingers to keyboard. But here’s the secret: your content needs to speak directly to your readers. The niche you’ve chosen should guide every aspect of your writing. It shouldn’t just be a background detail; it should shape your story, your tone, and your approach.

No matter if it’s romance, a self-help book, or a thriller mystery, make sure your content speaks to the core needs and interests of your audience. Use the language they relate to, and the tone that will draw them in, and structure your book in a way that meets their expectations. For example, if you’re writing a historical romance, readers will likely expect certain themes or tropes, like a strong, independent heroine or a grand, slow-burn romance. If you’re tackling health and wellness, structure your book around practical, actionable advice and clear solutions.

The key here is to balance creativity with the expectations of your niche. Writing to fit your niche doesn’t mean stifling your imagination. It’s about harnessing your creativity within the framework of what readers in that genre are looking for. You can still bring fresh ideas to the table—just keep track that they’re aligned with what works in your chosen niche.

And if you’re feeling stuck or unsure whether your niche is the right fit for your book idea, don’t worry. We can help. If you’re looking for professional writing services or need expert guidance on finding the perfect niche, reach out to our team. With over 8 years of experience in the industry, our KDP and ghostwriting experts have helped authors launch 14 bestsellers. Let us help you turn your vision into a book. See the testimonials here.

Week 1: The Fundamentals of Amazon KDP Success

Articles List of 45 Days KDP Publishing Series

• Day 1: The future of publishing trends and insights in 2025
• Day 2: How Book Genres and Target Audience Can Shape Your KDP Success as an author
• Day 3: How to find a Profitable Niche for your KDP Success
• Day 4: Why should Authors care about SEO: Top 6 Strategies