Like many people out there, you, too, might be dreaming of becoming a published author. You may picture yourself writing from cozy cafes, watching your books climb bestseller lists, and living off the royalties. But the reality for most authors is far less glamorous. The truth is that income from book sales is modest for the majority of writers. Very few authors earn enough to support themselves purely from book sales, and even fewer reach six-figure incomes. In this post, we break down the average earnings authors make from book sales. We’ll also explore the key factors that influence these earnings and some practical ways authors can boost their income.
Understanding Authors Royalties and Earnings
Let’s start with how authors actually make money from books. When a book sells, the author earns a royalty. This is a small percentage of the book’s price. The exact percentage depends on the publishing route, book format, and sometimes even the retailer.
In traditional publishing, authors usually receive:
- 10-15% royalty on hardcover books.
- 7-10% on paperback books.
- Around 25% of the publisher’s net on eBooks.
- About 25% of net receipts for audiobooks.
Authors may also get an advance when signing with a publisher. This is an upfront payment, but it’s not a bonus. Authors won’t see any additional royalties until they have sold enough books to “earn out” that advance.
Self-publishing puts you in charge of everything, from writing to selling. Most authors use sites like Amazon KDP or IngramSpark. For eBook between $2.99 and $9.99, Amazon gives you about 70% of each sale. That’s after taxes and fees, of course. For paperbacks, it’s a bit more of a hassle. They take out the cost to print the book, plus shipping, and whatever’s left is yours. It’s not always clear-cut, and sometimes the margins can feel pretty thin.
While self-publishing allows authors to keep more per sale, they also carry the costs of editing, cover design, marketing, or hiring a ghostwriting agency.
What’s the Average Income for Authors?
Let’s get to the part most people are curious about: how much do authors really make from selling books? Well, the short answer to that is not as much as many think. The numbers paint a clear, and frankly, sobering picture.
A recent 2023 survey by the Authors Guild found that full-time authors working with traditional publishers pulled in a median of about $12,000 from book sales in 2022. That’s strictly from book sales, by the way. When they added in things like teaching gigs, speaking engagements, and editing work, that figure climbed to around $23,300. But even then, most writers would agree it’s tough to make a living from those numbers alone. That’s the hard truth of traditional publishing today.
On the self-publishing side, things have started looking up, at least for some. As per a recent 00survey, indie authors who treat their writing as a serious, full-time gig made a median income of $12,749 in 2022. That’s up more than 50% from the previous year. Some authors even reported incomes over $80,000, but let’s be clear — that’s the average and it’s skewed by a handful of high earners pulling in big numbers. Most self-published authors are still earning on the lower end.
So, what’s the big takeaway? For most aspiring authors, income from book sales alone isn’t enough to keep the lights on. Yes, there are success stories out there, but they’re more the exception than the rule. Most writers need to hustle across multiple income streams like offering ghostwriting services to make it work.
Key Factors That Influence Authors Earnings
Several things influence how much an author earns from book sales. The first is the publishing route. Traditional publishers provide more support, but their royalty rates are lower. Self-published authors get to keep more per sale, but they have to manage everything themselves.
Genre and niche also matter. Some genres have huge audiences and loyal readers. Romance, fantasy, and business nonfiction usually sell better than poetry or literary fiction. Writing in a profitable niche can significantly boost an author’s income potential.
Another major factor is marketing. Books don’t magically appear on bestseller lists. Authors need to promote their work, build an email list, invest in ads, and network with other authors and readers. Without marketing, even a great book can sink without a trace.
Book quality and reviews also play a key role. Readers notice poor editing, bad covers, or amateur layouts. A polished book with positive reviews sells more and builds trust with readers.
Authors with multiple books often do better over time. A solid backlist allows authors to earn from older titles while promoting new ones. Many readers buy entire series once they fall in love with an author’s writing.
Lastly, many authors forget about rights sales. Audiobooks, translations, and film rights can add valuable extra income streams. Savvy authors pitch these rights or work with a ghostwriting agency that specializes in them.
Tips for Authors to Increase Income from Book Sales
Even though the average earnings might feel discouraging, plenty of authors find ways to bump up their income. Here are some practical steps that can help:
- Build a direct relationship with readers. The authors who do best long-term are the ones who build their own audience. Start an email list, stay active on social media, and show up on platforms like Goodreads. When readers feel a personal connection, they’re more likely to buy your next book.
- Invest time and money in marketing. Ads on Amazon, BookBub, and Facebook can move the needle on sales. But they’re not magic wands—you’ll need to test, tweak, and learn what works for your books and audience. You can also hire ghostwriting services to make this process easier. The key here is staying consistent and tracking results.
- Write in genres that sell. Love writing literary fiction? Great, but know that it’s a tough sell. If your goal is income, take the time to study what’s trending in your genre. Check the bestseller charts. See what readers are gobbling up and look for gaps you can fill.
- Offer your books in multiple formats. Some folks love eBooks. Others still prefer paperbacks. And audiobooks? They’re growing fast. By offering all these options, you give readers more chances to buy your work in the format they like best.
- Add other income streams beyond books. Smart authors don’t stop at book sales. They create online courses, run workshops, offer consulting, or build a Patreon. These extras can turn your books into a broader business that supports your writing career.
The Bottom Line
Let’s be real: writing books is a labor of love. For many, the dream of becoming a full-time author is fueled by passion, creativity, and the desire to make an impact. But when it comes to the paycheck? The reality is often humbling. Most authors won’t get rich from book sales alone, and many need to explore additional income streams to keep their writing dreams alive.
But the good news is that if you approach your writing career with the mindset of a business owner —strategizing, marketing smart, and expanding your reach — you can steadily build both your audience and your income. Success rarely happens overnight; it’s built one book, one reader, and one connection at a time.
And you don’t have to do it all on your own. Whether you need help writing, publishing, or marketing your book, Ghostwriting Assistance is here to support you every step of the way. From expert ghostwriting to publishing strategy, we help authors turn their stories into powerful, income-generating assets.
FAQs
1. Can you really make a living from book sales alone?
For most authors, it’s tough to rely only on book sales. A few do it, but many need side gigs like speaking or freelancing. The key is to see writing as part of a bigger income puzzle, not the whole picture.
2. Is self-publishing actually more profitable than going traditional?
It can be since you keep more per sale. But remember, you’re also wearing all the hats: marketing, editing, everything. Traditional publishing pays less per book but comes with more support. Neither route is “easy money”— it depends on your goals and hustle.
3. Which book genres sell best?
Genres like romance, fantasy, thrillers, and business nonfiction usually sell better because they have bigger, hungry audiences. Poetry and literary fiction? They’re beautiful but niche, so they might not bring in as much money unless you carve out a loyal fanbase.
4. How can I sell more books as an author?
Think beyond writing. Focus on connecting with readers, running ads, having eye-catching covers, and offering books in all formats — eBooks, paperbacks, audiobooks. The authors who sell most are often the ones who show up, market smart, and nurture their reader community.
5. What can a ghostwriting agency really do for me?
If you have a story or message but writing isn’t your thing or you just don’t have the time, a ghostwriting agency can help. They’ll work closely with you to turn your ideas into a polished, publish-ready book while you stay focused on what you do best.
