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How Much Money Does an Indie Writer Make on Amazon?

Amazon is a marketplace that connects readers with writers and publishers in ways that were never possible before. As an independent writer, you might be wondering how much money you can expect to make on the platform. While it’s impossible to accurately predict how much money you’ll make, there are some definite indicators as to how much money an independent writer can expect to make on Amazon.

In this blog post, we’ll run down the figures. Before you dive in, remember to filter your results for indie writers.

The Biggest Earning Amazon Author

It’s safe to say that John Grisham is one of the most successful independent writers of all time. He’s written 27 books, winning the Pulitzer Prize, the Rea Award, and the William Goldman Prize. He’s also sold more than 150 million copies worldwide! Let that sink in for a moment.

Not only is he one of the most successful writers of all time, but his typical book sells for five to six figures on Amazon. According to the site’s statistics, Grisham’s books typically sell for between $12.95 and $14.95. So it’s safe to assume that he’s making at least $20 million per year off of Amazon, if not more!

Top Earners Overall

According to the Amazon site, here are the top five earners for both indie and traditional writers. The figures are in thousands of dollars annually.

  • Joe Konrath ($18,800,000)
  • Amanda Palmer ($17,400,000)
  • John Grisham ($14,900,000)
  • Debbie Macomber ($13,600,000)
  • Jackie Collins ($12,300,000)

Palmers is another prolific author best known for her series about a cop and his family. She’s written 24 books and sold more than 350 million copies worldwide. Like Grisham, her books typically range from $12.95 to $14.95 on Amazon. It seems that both of these authors can make a good living off the back of their readers on Amazon.

Indie Versus Traditional

It’s important to remember that Amazon is a marketplace that connects readers with writers and publishers. While all of the above authors are highly successful, indie authors represent a large portion of the books sold on the platform. According to the Amazon site, 40% of books purchased on the platform are written by indie authors. Traditional publishers have increasingly seen value in partnering with indie authors, as it allows them to reach more people and potentially turn a greater profit.

If you’re an indie author looking for ways to monetize your work, Amazon is a great place to start. Not only do they have a marketplace where you can sell your books, but you can also use their affiliate program to monetize your blog or website. You’ll essentially be getting paid per sale that happens on your behalf.

The Industry Standard

If you’re looking to enter the e-book market, it’s also important to remember that you’re not alone. Amazon is currently the third largest book retailer in the world, so they have a lot of market share to accommodate all of the aspiring authors looking to make a living off their love for books.

The standard for a bestseller on Amazon is a hard one to meet. In 2018, 12.3 million books were sold worldwide, setting a new record for the retail book sector. So far in 2019, digital book sales are up 23% compared to the same period last year. It won’t be long before someone breaks that record.

More Than Meets The Eye

In the last two years, digital downloads have skyrocketed. In 2016, e-books comprised 19% of all book sales on Amazon. So far this year, that figure is closer to 28%. If you’re looking to enter the e-book market, consider digital publishing as a viable option. You can also take advantage of platforms like Amazon Kindle to find an audience and make some money online without having to worry about whether or not you’ll break even on your first book.

The Bottom Line

As an independent writer, it’s important to remember that you’re responsible for your own success. No one is going to hand you money, get you a publisher, or place your books on store shelves. You have to work hard to prove yourself and build your brand. When you do, you’ll find that traditional publishers want to work with you. And alongside them, you’ll find the lucrative world of online publishing. While it can be a lonely road, you can be confident that you’re doing the right thing for your writing career. And that’s all that matters.