Research
Book publishing by the numbers
Last updated: November 2026
Published research shows self-published authors earning a higher median income than traditionally published authors, with ebook royalties of up to 70%.
The Authority Book Guide collects the strongest published statistics on author income, royalties, costs and market growth, each with its source, so professionals can judge the self-publishing route on evidence rather than opinion.
Do self-published authors earn more than traditionally published authors?
According to ALLi's 2025 survey, as reported by Writer Cosmos, indie authors earn a median of $13,500 a year, nearly double the $6,000 to $8,000 median for traditionally published authors. Medians hide wide variation, so treat these as market context rather than a forecast for any one book.
Market statistics, with sources
$13,500
Median annual earnings for indie authors in ALLi's 2025 survey, nearly double the $6,000 to $8,000 median for traditionally published authors.
Source: Writer Cosmos
Up to 70%
Royalties self-published authors can keep on ebooks.
Source: Writer Cosmos
16.7% CAGR
Growth rate of the global self-publishing market.
Source: Writer Cosmos
$135.49 billion
Approximate size of the global books market in 2026, growing at 3.11% CAGR.
Source: Writer Cosmos
750,000+
Active audiobook titles reported by the Audio Publishers Association in 2025, up 43% from 2024.
Source: Elanders Americas
$2,160 to $5,040
Professional editing cost in Reedsy's 2026 guide, based on over 230,000 recent quotes.
Source: Elanders Americas
$5,000 to $80,000+
Typical hybrid publishing cost range, depending on services.
Source: Atmosphere Press
Defining Moments Press figures
These are figures stated by Defining Moments Pressitself, the publisher of this site, as of November 2026. They are the company's own claims, not independent research.
8 weeks
How fast the company teaches people to write and publish a first book, at the quickest.
87 countries
Where books can be published, using major publishers.
80% vs 1%
The company says 80% of people want to write a book and only 1% actually do.
2 business days
Stated reply time for every application.
25+ years
Melanie Warner's time publishing magazines, newspapers and books.
700,000
Size of the crowd Melanie Warner most recently spoke to, in India.
What do these numbers mean for a professional?
The market numbers support the case for keeping control of your book: higher royalty rates and a fast-growing self-publishing market. The cost numbers show why it pays to know what you are buying, since editing alone can run into thousands.
For consultants, coaches and executives, royalties are only part of the picture. See how a book builds authority, compare what publishing costs, or return to the main guide on how to publish my book.
Common questions
Is self-publishing better than traditional publishing?
For many professionals, self-publishing fits better because you keep control and royalties. Writer Cosmos reports that ALLi's 2025 survey found indie authors earn a median of $13,500 a year, nearly double the $6,000 to $8,000 median for traditionally published authors. Traditional publishing can still suit authors who want a publisher's advance and bookstore reach.
Is Amazon KDP still profitable in 2026?
KDP can be profitable, but results vary widely by book and by marketing. Writer Cosmos notes self-published authors can keep up to 70% royalties on ebooks, and reports ALLi's 2025 survey found a median indie author income of $13,500 a year. Profit depends on your costs, your pricing and what the book leads to beyond royalties.
How much does the average person make on Amazon KDP?
Amazon does not publish an average figure that we cite here. The closest published number is ALLi's 2025 survey, reported by Writer Cosmos, which found indie authors earn a median of $13,500 a year. Many professional authors earn more from what a book leads to, such as clients and speaking, than from royalties alone.
How much does an author make on a $25 book?
It depends on the royalty rate and printing costs. As simple arithmetic, a 10% royalty on a $25 list price is $2.50 per copy, while 70% of $25 is $17.50 before any delivery or platform fees. Writer Cosmos notes self-published authors can keep up to 70% royalties on ebooks. Check the exact rate in your contract or platform terms.
How many books do I need to sell to make $100,000?
Divide $100,000 by what you earn per copy. At $2.50 per copy you would need 40,000 sales; at $10 per copy, 10,000. For professionals, Defining Moments Press focuses on what the book leads to beyond copies, such as clients, speaking and courses, which is why its published case study lists income streams, not only sales.
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