This past week, I posted the below on my Facebook author page. It generated lots of shares and comments and quickly became one of my most-seen posts.
A very kind reader reached out to me in response with this question… “I’ve always wondered if there is a hierarchy of the best ways to support authors. Can you give a breakdown of what is most helpful?”
Today, I’m answering her question! I’m ranking the ways to read that are most helpful to authors by providing insights into the business of publishing.
#1. Buy a copy of the e-book or the print book or the audio book.
Authors who publish via a traditional publishing house earn approximately 5-7.5% if they’re paid on the gross sale price per book or 16-26% if they’re paid on net receipts (profits after all costs and taxes have been paid) per book. That percentage is less for some types of sales, like sales of books that are deeply discounted. To give you a sense of what that looks like for an author, I’ll use my most recent royalty statement as an example. For print book sales of my newest release, Let It Be Me (which has a list price of $16.99), I received $1.13 per book sold. Those of us who have literary agents pay them approximately 15% of that. So I earned about 96 cents per book.
On e-books, traditional authors earn approximately 25% of the net receipts of each e-book sold. For Let It Be Me, I received $1.10 per e-book sold. After paying my agent, that amounted to 93 cents.
On audio books, traditional authors earn approximately 10-25% of the net receipts of each book sold. For my traditionally published novels I’m unsure how much that amounts to in dollars and cents per book because those rights were sold to an audio book producer. My payments show up as a lump sum in my royalty statements without detailing how many units were sold.
With traditional publishing, the house bears the costs of editing, cover design, formatting, marketing, and distribution into book stores and libraries.
Independently published authors earn approximately 30-40% of the print book sale price depending on which platform they choose and how they decide to price the book. For my most recent indie novella, You and Me, I could have set the list price higher than $6.99, but I didn’t want to charge readers more than that for a story that’s one quarter the length of my novels. So I earned 22% of the list price which was $1.54 per print book.
On e-books, independently published authors earn approximately 70% of the sale price (at Amazon, that percentage drops to 35% for e-books priced below $2.99). I priced You and Me at $2.99 and earned $2.06 per copy.
On audio books, independently published authors earn between 25-40% of the sale price. I only have one indie novella audio book, Then Came You. I priced it at $6.95 and made around $1.80 per book sold.
With independent publishing, authors bear the costs of editing, cover design, formatting, paying narrators, marketing. Those costs must be paid back before we earn income. Thus, for example, when I factor in the cost of paying the narrators for Then Came You, my earnings drop from $1.80 per book to 57 cents per book. Paying literary agents typically doesn’t come into play here because agents are not usually involved in independently published projects.
Insider tips…. If you’d like to super-charge the amazing support you’re already giving by investing in books, you can do so three ways. 1) By buying print books at your local independent bookstore. That way, you benefit both the author and a small business owner. 2) By pre-ordering. This is good for readers because you’ll receive the lowest price the book falls to between the time you pre-order and the book’s release. And it’s good for authors because if a book accumulates a lot of pre-orders, it might hit a bestseller list which will make it even more discoverable. 3) By donating your used print books to a charity! Visit this post for a long list of organizations that accept donated books.
#2. Read via Kindle Unlimited.
Once a KU reader reads a certain amount of a traditionally published e-book enrolled in the program, Amazon pays the publisher a set price for that e-book and the author earns 25% of the net receipts. Independently published authors earn between $0.004-$0.005 per page read.
#3. Read via your library.
When a library buys a print book, the author receives a payment on that sale just like she would on a single sale made to an individual reader. With e-books, the library pays either to lend the book out over a specified period of time or to lend the book out a certain number of times. When that limit is reached, they can choose to buy the e-book again. The author earns a payment on those sales. With audio books, I think the library makes a one-time purchase, like with print books. (Librarians, I had a hard time finding information on this, so please correct me if I’m wrong).
While authors don’t make much income on books read through the library, libraries are very helpful to authors because many readers find their new favorite author on library shelves. That reader might then buy other books by that author or they might tell their friends about that author or they might write glowing reviews at online sites or they might share about the book on social media.
#4. Read books loaned to you by friends.
Authors earn no income (except the payment received on the initial sale when it was new) on books loaned between friends. However, there’s no better word of mouth marketing than that of a woman who drops a book by her friend’s house and says, “You have to read this! It’s fabulous.” Just like with library books, readers of loaned books can help authors by spreading the word about books they loved.
#5. Buy used books.
Authors earn no income (except the payment received on the initial sale when it was new) on books sold at used bookstores, flea markets, etc. Just like with library books and loaned books, readers of used books can help authors by spreading the word about books they loved.
I’ll close by mentioning the one actively harmful way to read — via pirated copies. Pirated copies are stolen property. You can be certain that you’re reading/listening to legal copies of books by… 1) Downloading e-books only from reputable online bookstores (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, ChristianBook, KOBO, and Google Play). 2) Visiting this page and scrolling down to see a list of reputable outlets for audio books. 3) Reading/listening via your library.
Based on the above information, it probably won’t surprise you to hear that the profession of fiction author is not usually a lucrative one. Like most creative jobs (actor, singer, musician, artist) there are a few famous names at the top who make a great deal of money. But the large majority do not. And we’d have no income whatsoever without you, readers. My heartfelt gratitude goes to those of you who appreciate what we do and who support our work monetarily and via the other methods mentioned in this post.
What are your thoughts? Did any of this information surprise you?
Becky Wade
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I am shocked and amazed at how little an author receives on the sales of books. It just doesn’t seem right. How in the world can an author afford to continue doing this and live unless there is a separate income to live on? It makes me even more grateful for the time and effort of authors. It also encourages me not to help myself by buying used but rather pay full price and always buy so as to most a benefit the author. Thank you so much for sharing this information.
“I am shocked and amazed at how little an author receives on the sales of books.” I think most readers logically think that the author earns a large share of the money they spend on books.
“How in the world can an author afford to continue doing this and live unless there is a separate income to live on?” It’s an excellent question. Most writers can’t live solely on their income from writing.
Thank you for this concise list, Becky; I’ve shared to my own Facebook page since I have many friends who are also readers.
Thanks, Colleen!
Wow! This was so fascinating to read about! Thanks so much for sharing. After reading this, I’ll definitely be buying books instead of borrowing.
I was really surprised at how little authors get from each book sale. Thanks for all your efforts in writing anyways!
I know many readers can’t afford to buy all the books they read, which is why I’m very glad for options like Kindle Unlimited, the library, etc. But it really is wonderful for authors when readers do invest in books when they’re able.
Loved this post and the detail. It was so interesting to see the actual income per book for you. It amazes me how much impact preorders can have.
I’m glad to hear you found the income per book insightful. That’s exactly why I shared it. 🙂
I wonder how it impacts the author when Amazon allows you to purchase the audiobook (through Audible) at a significantly discounted rate if you’ve purchased the e-book. But all of this, my friend, is why I always insist on purchasing a signed book through your website 🙂
In that circumstance, the author makes pennies on the discounted audio book. However, I’m fine with that because at that point the reader has purchased the e-book. So the author will be compensated for that sale, then does make a little on the the audio book, too.
It’s terrible that CF authors earn so little. In my opinion, you folks are the most important writers. I have a friend here in my area who indie publishes her CF and she told me she only makes about ten thousand per book. I will always support CF authors!
You’re a long-time and fabulous supporter of this genre, Susan!
Thank you for sharing a peek into this part of an author’s writing life! I have found many of my favorite authors from friends loaning me books, and now I buy those books for myself (and of course loan them out to friends so the cycle continues.) I became a Becky Wade fan after a friend loaned me the first two Porter family books, and I’ve been pre-ordering ever since. Up to that point I had really only been reading historical CF, so thanks to you I love so many contemporary authors too! And if I love a book that has been loaned to me, I may have to purchase it for myself, because some books are just keepers! I also give a lot of books as gifts, because one must share the joy.
“I became a Becky Wade fan after a friend loaned me the first two Porter family books, and I’ve been pre-ordering ever since.” Aww! How lovely! Thanks for sharing this, Linda. It perfectly illustrates how books loaned between friends truly do benefit authors. 🙂
What a fabulous post, Becky. I’m bookmarking it for my own use. 🙂 So clear and honest and from the heart. Writing Christian fiction is a ministry, but it is also a livelihood. Like you, I am so thankful for readers who support authors by buying books. We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without them.
Exactly. We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without them.
Thank you, Becky, for letting us all get a glimpse into the other side of an authors life. I’ll be sharing this valuable post. Blessings!❤
Blessings!
What wonderful information! I was unaware of the exact profit, but knew authors don’t get what they deserve. My personal preference is reading a print book, so I usually buy my books, as book shelves and containers show in my home. I do purchase ebooks through Bookbub recommendations, but I have really had to get used to reading this way.
Thank you for this post, and good luck as you continue to write interesting books! I could never be an author.
“I usually buy my books, as book shelves and containers show in my home.” Ha! A lot of readers with brimming bookshelves can relate!
A BookBub deal on and e-book is another good way to discover new-to-you authors. Also, authors typically receive so many sales from those deals that even though they’re selling the e-book at a big discount, the deal is financially helpful to them.
I am very surprised at how little an author makes! I understand now why there are some of my fav authors going independent. Thanks for all you do for so little! ❤️
Traditional publishing houses have the potential to introduce a large number of readers to an author, plus they distribute books widely to book stores and libraries. Independent publishing offers authors a larger percent of income on the sale price of each book — which is usually why you see authors move from traditional to indie or from traditional to a hybrid of traditional and indie.
Wonderful blog post, Becky. As a reader I try to pre-order when I’m able, utilize the public library & lend books to friends.
Your post encouraged me to want to support authors even more & seeing the breakdown/stats of how little an author makes- wow- a real eye opener. Writing books is a real labor of love! Thank you for all the hard work you put into writing your wonderful stories! ☺️💚
You’re welcome! In my case, it truly is a labor of love.
I have wondered about this question for a long time and grateful to have such a detailed response. I had no idea how little authors got from library uses (and really how little from direct sales to be honest). Thank you for being so transparent. Your IG post really convicted me that I need to more purposefully support authors I love and try to save my library uses for authors I’m discovering. I’m grateful for the work you do!
Thank you! “I had no idea how little authors got from library uses” I LOVE libraries! And sales to libraries certainly are an important part of an author’s bottom line. But this is why an author can’t hope to survive on library support alone.
I so agree with Chrystal Stallings above. She couldnt have said it better. Thank you for sharing all of this today
You’re welcome! Thanks for stopping by the blog and reading my post. 🙂
Most of the books that I read are borrowed through Kindle Unlimited. Because of my membership, many of them are free. Does the author receive any compensation for those borrowed books? Or is it similar to a library; the book is purchased by Amazon and then lent out?
Liz, the author DOES receive compensation via Kindle Unlimited. In fact, that’s a good option for avid readers on a budget — both for the reader and the author.
Thank you, Becky. So insightful. ❤️
I’m glad you found it so, Shelli.
This was so helpful! Thank you so much for spelling this out.
I’m glad you found the info helpful! That was my hope.
Wow – this post was so insightful! I truly had no idea how little is made per book. In the past few years, I have seen the trend of recommending pre-orders become more prevalent – and now I understand why!
I have both a Kindle Unlimited subscription and a Scribd one. Scribd has an ENORMOUS collection of digital and audio books in the Christian fiction genre, and I read from it regularly (Undeniably Yours is one I’m reading through Scribd now). I assume the royalties received through Scribd are similar to KU. Do you have any insight on that?
Christy, I believe Scribd works very similarly to the model KU uses with traditional publishers. Once a reader reads a certain percentage of an e-book on Scribd, Scribd pays an agreed-upon purchase price for that book to the publisher. If it’s a traditionally published book and a contract that issues royalties on net receipts, the costs are then deducted, and the author is paid her 25% share of the profit. I’d rank Scribd right along with KU as the #2 most helpful way to read. 🙂
That’s depressing! Interesting, though, and I appreciate you taking the time to compile and share. I always put your books on my Amazon wish list as soon as they are ready for preorder. I’ve limited myself to preorder no more than 3 months in advance because several times in my excitement I’ve preordered your books twice and have received 2 on release day 😁 I’m happy to support all you wonderful authors on this thread! I used to only buy from our local bookstore (until it went out of business 😔) so now it’s mostly Amazon, but they also make it super easy to purchase and send books as gifts-my go to birthday presents. It’s interesting to hear about Kindle. I often-for my faves-have both a print and ebook version (and sometimes audio) because you never know when you’ll need a fix😉. I haven’t yet subscribed to Kindle Unlimited…but it is tempting though there’s nothing like the print version.
Thank you for sharing how we can best support you-we want you to keep your wonderful stories coming♥️ May the Good Lord bless you abundantly for sharing your gifts.
Thank you for this encouragement, Theresa! You sound like every author’s dream reader. I had to laugh when you said that you’ve sometimes pre-ordered my books twice! And you’re right — Amazon makes giving books as gifts fabulously easy.
This is a terrific post, Becky! Thanks so much for taking the time to lay it all out so honestly and clearly. Sharing!
You’re welcome, Jocelyn. 🙂
Great post, and very helpful information! Thanks so much for sharing on this, Becky.
I’m happy to hear it was helpful to you!
Great, informative post about the realities of being an author. I really appreciate you keeping it real. I’ll be sharing to my Facebook page and groups.
Thanks, Carolyn!
Becky, thank you for sharing this and breaking it down, It is helpful to *See* it, I will save this article to refer back to so I can better understand what it’s like for y’all.. Thank you for taking the time to break it down in terms I can understand. My older brother is a writer and had to put writing to the side (mostly because he left a publishing house some time ago and tried self publishing which wasn’t as fruitul and solely as a writer it wasn’t working for he and his family.
I know it’s not one of the preferred ways (very less liked) but for my budget I find a favorite author through winning a book(usually after sharing about said author’s book or book giveaway on social media), then will purchase their books with what my budget allows. I then share them with friends so they can find a new author to love, also.
I am sorry I cannot buy from all of you. And this isn’t a poor me moment; I really am sorry because I like so many of you as *people* I want to support y’all. If I can’t buy from y’all I want to support y’all by sharing info about your books, covers, releases etc. My energy is limited, though. Maybe i am going about that in the wrong way. I do my best.
If I have stepped on any toes by entering giveaways too much I am sorry. I would never want y’all to be w/o an income. Or you to have to stop writing or put it further on the back burner.
I appreciate this article very much as it has opened my eyes wider to the reality of your situations and it will get me to make a more concerted effort to arrange a book budget each month for the physical books I read and share most. Put my money where my mouth is so to speak.
Thank you again for taking the time to share this both on Facebook and here. I appreciate y’all and will do a better job supporting your book sales and doing reviews. Thank you for being a writer and taking us to far away places and away from our realities for a time.
HAVE A GREAT DAY! 🙂
Sabrina, authors completely understand that many readers can’t afford to buy ALL the books they want to read. We’re readers, too. 🙂 I think sharing about books you win is a wonderful way to “pay it forward”.
So true & laid out so very well. Thank you for shining light on publishing in general & also those of us who work very hard at edifying content & how readers make a critical difference. I view writing more as ministry than anything else. My husband carries the financial load and has for a long time. He calls himself my partner in ministry though it took him awhile to get on board with that:) Readers who buy our books are priceless!
Amen and amen to, “My husband carries the financial load and has for a long time. He calls himself my partner in ministry though it took him awhile to get on board with that” Ditto!
I’ve found that even on a limited budget, I can afford to buy one book a month, thanks to Baker Book House and their 40% off, free shipping for pre-orders. I keep a list of books I want to read showing the month of release. Then I have to somehow narrow it down to the book I want the most. Other books I put on my “wish list” for birthday or Christmas or look for at the library. Though your financial return is small, thank you for continuing to put so much time into writing the books I (and many others) love to read.
Pam, those Baker Book House pre-order deals are fantastic! And asking for books for birthday and Christmas gifts + reading via the library are all great ways to support authors. 🙂
Such a terrific post, Becky. Thanks for taking the time to let readers know how this writing life works and how much we value them.
You’re welcome!
Thank you to the many authors who write these amazing books. I use KU and have tried many new authors which I would not have done if I had to pay book price for them. I also appreciate the environment friendliness of KU. It is also easy to read a book on a phone while on public transport or waiting somewhere. I still like book stores and want to support them but not by buying paper books.
KU is a great option for avid readers!
Wow! Around a $1 per book sold is less than I realized. Thank you for breaking down the details of each type of book sold and how that works out.
I appreciate each Christian Fiction author even more now. It’s clearly a calling and I think you for heeding that call.
I do a blend of buying books, borrowing from Kindle Unlimited and borrowing from my library. I also do some book sharing with friends. I know each reader is just a ripple in the pond, but glad to contribute in some way.
Thank you for what you do!
Thank you for reading!