Aspiring authors often wonder: How much money can I make per book? The answer is complex and depends on a variety of factors, including the publishing route (traditional vs. self-publishing), the book’s pricing, royalty structure, and the author’s experience and audience. Here’s a detailed look at how author earnings typically break down.
Table of Contents
1. Traditional Publishing: Lower Royalties, Higher Advances
In traditional publishing, authors sign a contract with a publishing house that handles editing, cover design, distribution, and marketing (to some extent). Here’s how income typically works:
Royalties:
- Hardcover: 10–15% of the book’s list price
- Paperback: 7–10% of the list price
- E-books: 25% of net revenue (usually translates to 12.5–17.5% of the list price)
For example, if a hardcover sells for $25:
- Author earns $2.50–$3.75 per copy sold.
Advances:
Many traditional publishers offer an advance against royalties—a lump sum paid upfront. This can range from:
- $1,000 to $10,000 for debut authors
- $50,000+ for established or celebrity authors
- Six to seven figures for rare blockbuster deals
The author does not receive royalty payments until their book earns back the advance through sales (this is called “earning out”).
2. Self-Publishing: Higher Royalties, No Advances
Self-publishing gives authors full control—and full responsibility. Platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), Draft2Digital, or IngramSpark let authors publish directly to readers.
Royalties (Amazon KDP):
- E-books:
- 70% of the list price (for books priced $2.99–$9.99)
- 35% for books outside this range
- Print books (paperback):
- ~60% of list price minus printing costs
Example:
- E-book priced at $4.99:
- Author earns ~$3.49 per copy sold (after delivery costs)
- Paperback priced at $14.99 with $4.50 printing cost:
- Royalty = ($14.99 × 60%) – $4.50 = $4.49 per sale
Upfront Costs:
While there’s no advance, authors often invest in:
- Cover design ($50–$500)
- Editing ($500–$2,000)
- Formatting and marketing
Self-published authors can potentially earn more per copy, but must handle all aspects of production and promotion.
3. Audiobooks and Other Formats
Audiobooks are a growing revenue stream. On platforms like Audible (via ACX), royalties range from:
- 20%–40%, depending on exclusivity and distribution deals.
Some authors also make money from:
- Foreign rights sales
- Film/TV adaptations
- Speaking engagements and courses tied to their book content
4. Realistic Expectations
Per Book Income:
- Traditional author: $1–$5 per book
- Self-published author: $2–$10 per book (after costs)
Annual Earnings:
According to the Author’s Guild and other surveys:
- Median income for full-time traditionally published authors: ~$20,000–$30,000/year
- Median income for full-time self-published authors: ~$10,000–$25,000/year
- A small percentage of authors make six or seven figures, mostly through backlists, series, and savvy marketing
Conclusion
How much do authors make per book varies widely based on format, pricing, and publishing model. While traditional authors often receive smaller royalties but upfront advances, self-published authors enjoy higher per-book earnings but assume all risks and expenses. Ultimately, success depends on consistent writing, effective promotion, and building a loyal reader base.