I posted the results on January 15th to the Self-Publishing Survey I started December 31. The survey was for those authors self-publishing and of the many things I asked, I asked how much they’d earned in 2013 on their self-published books.
Many authors and maybe even some readers have downloaded this report. I’ve gotten many emails from authors and several from industry professionals. Of the things they’d said is that they appreciate the transparency of the report. I’m not sure what they thought about the numbers–whether they were close to the truth or not.
But to tell you the truth, I don’t think the % of how many self-published authors didn’t make $500, $1000 or $10,000 is what’s most important. If I’m an author deciding which path to take, I want to know–if you do it “right”–what are my chances for achieving success. What is my potential? I’d want to talk with all those who ARE making a living self-publishing or with a traditionally published author. I’d want to see my potential in both scenarios. So what I think is the most important thing about my survey is that it goes over some of the reasons that authors are succeeding and in the same manner shows why some may not be succeeding. I mean I believe that’s what’s most important, right? But understanding or being shown why and how.
As I said in the report, the respondents in this survey–because of where I posted the link–more than likely attracted the attention of the authors more serious about their self-publishing efforts than those who are doing it on a lark, or even to “test” the market. My results clearly indicate that the longer you’ve been doing it, the more books you have and the more professional your book is–amongst various other things–the better your chance at for finding success self-publishing.
So does it matter really if 80% of self-published authors don’t make more than $1000 in a year if you intend to emulate the 20% who are doing it right and making a very comfortable living doing it? Me? I’m going for broke and learning from those who’ve come before me and following in their example.
Ditto, ditto, ditto. I agree with every word here. 🙂
Lumping ALL self-published authors together (the larks and the professionals) only dilutes the lessons we can learn from those doing it “right.”
I’m still super curious about that Writer’s Digest Survey. If it were $10, I’d buy it but not at $295. That said, I stand by the results. The numbers are what they are. They could be completely different next year but I bet some of the reasons for success won’t change–unless the readers’ reading habits do. 😉
Great points. I’ve read excerpts for the past few days and then finally just read the whole thing. It was very informative and helpful. And, I agree, I liked the transparency and the charts (thanks for unpacking those though!). I thought it outlined possible ways to increase sales given certain commonalities (i.e., series, backlist, etc.). I thought 800+ was a good sample size too. I’ll be looking forward to the reader survey. 🙂
Thanks, Ainsley. I hope what I got across is that if you think self-publishing is some easy, quick “get rich” endeavor, it’s not. Those who are looking at it that way, well, I’d tell them this isn’t the scheme for them.
I was at your presentation at the GRW meeting (am a member). I’m a scientist and statistics are second nature to me. I listened to your presentation and I downloaded your survey. I’m impressed. Your analytically assessment is very good. My take home message is that self-publishing untethers the author from the whims of the publisher and allows the creative person to promote their own work and profit from it accordingly and the reader is not tied to a publishing house. Your reader survey asks the reader if they note the publisher. Wow! I don’t! That wasn’t even on my radar. If the book sounded interesting and the reviews were positive (and over 25 reviews that were 4 stars) and $2.99 or less or free (over that price I do more homework about the author and his/her work), I take the chance. If the book is a dud, I don’t go back and look to see who the publisher is (something you may want to add in any further reader surveys). I just don’t buy that authors work. I may check publishers now but that shows the reader is getting more sophisticated as self-publishing seriously competes with traditional publishers (including the myriad of small houses that have been popping up from the digital explosion).
Hi Rosemarie,
I think we talked a bit, right? I met two data, stat-loving women at the meeting. LOL. And you’re so right about untethering the author. Honestly, once you have THAT kind of freedom, it’s hard to give it up.
And before I tried to become a writer, I took NO notice of publishers. The only ones I knew were Harlequin and then Avon as I got older. I honestly, just want a great book to read
No we didn’t talk. There are a number of scientists, and math types in GRW. 🙂 I’m an a technology analyst and as such after what I learned from your survey I have to say that there will be a huge upheaval in the traditional publishing over the next 5 years and that they will figure out how to cater to the serious self-publishing author. Bottom line, digital will be king. The gatekeeper (aka publisher) will be gone. They will become a service organization providing marketing, editing products for the self-publishing authors.
That! What you just said there. How much more likely are you to be able to making a comfortable living with any of the big publishers? Maybe, maybe not. But I agree with you 100%. If I’m going to work my butt off for anyone, it’s going to be me.
Where did you post the link to the survey? I would have liked to take it. I did download the report and I was impressed. Looks like you put a lot of work into it. I’d like to write a non-fiction book but not sure if I should now.
Hi John,
First, I hope I’m not discouraging you from doing what you want. That’s not my intention. But if you don’t think your non-fiction work will do well as a self-published novel perhaps this is when you opt for a traditional publisher. And the link for the survey is here:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GJD32G7
Yes, yes, and YES. Percentages don’t matter, don’t really tell you anything worthwhile because you have a range of professionalism (or lack thereof) and you follow/learn from the ones who are approaching this like a business (because it is). Learn what to do/try that has led to others’ success. And learn what *not* to do.
Those are the ones I’m watching as well (including you, Beverley 🙂 You’re obviously doing many things right.) Thanks again for the wealth of information you’ve compiled. It’s an incredible gift.
Thanks, Jay. And I know I still have a lot to learn. Things are changing daily. I’d love to reach that top tier myself. 😉
Thanks, Beverly! Good work! Lots of food for thought. For one thing, I’m glad my first foray into self-publishing IS a series of books. I already surmised that I probably won’t see a major jump in sales until I have the second or third book out for that reason. Ultimately, I do intend to make the first book free as a loss-leader to get people to buy into the rest of the series.
I just need to keep busting my butt to get myself into that 76th percentile where I’m earning a livable wage. 🙂
Absolutely, William. I’m with you there. Self-publishing isn’t a “get rich quick” scheme. You gotta love writing and you have to have a business head if you want to get to that top tier.